Is a 92x a viable donor?

[GTV-TS]

Hello everyone, the name is Miguel, first post, and I am flirting with the idea of building an 818! I had already determined that I was going to build a track day toy as my next project when a friend sent me a link to the FFR website. I am now wrestling with my previous choice of platforms and the 818.

Was doing a search of possible donor cars for the 818 and I found a 2005 Saab 92x 82k miles and a 5 speed. The price is reasonable and the car looks like its been maintained very well. Unfortunately most of the Subaru Impreza donors in my area abused/race/riced cars. At least with a 92x it seems the target market would have treated them better.

In 05 the 92x used a EJ253 motor; a SOCH variant. By 06 they switched over to the EJ255. It seems like it is a rebadged Impreza. For those in the know what are your thoughts on these Saabs as donors?

I am not in a rush to buy just trying to have the best grasp on which models I can use for the donor and trying to stay away from high millage abused cars.

Regards,

Miguel

[michael everson]

That will work fine as a donor. It's just a rebadged Impreza wagon
Mike

[Xusia]

I don't know for sure, so don't take my word for it, but from previous discussions on this forum I think interior components might be an issue as well (dash, steering column, etc.). PhyrraM would probably be able to set the record straight on this.

[PhyrraM]

The dash is slightly different, but nothing that FFR would reuse. I'm sure the column, pedals and cluster are all the same.

[Xusia]

I've listed it in the spreadsheet as a partial donor. Should it be listed as a single donor?

[fateo66]

I don't know for sure, so don't take my word for it, but from previous discussions on this forum I think interior components might be an issue as well (dash, steering column, etc.). PhyrraM would probably be able to set the record straight on this.

My DD is a 92x Aero and everything that you would need from a donor would work from a 92x including the steering column.

[Xusia]

OK. I'll change it in the spreadsheet. Thanks! It'll be great for people to know it's a single donor because like was stated above, they are probably not nearly as abused! :)

[GTV-TS]

Thanks everyone. Not just ready to make my move but it will be good to know when I make the jump.

[JAubin]

Just an FYI for people checking out 9-2X's they have 2.5 N/A variants (9-2X 2.5i - EJ253) and the 2.0 Turbo (9-2X Aero EJ205). I guess in '06 it sounds like they moved to the EJ255 for the Aero like the WRX. I'm not sure about the WRXs for '05, but the 9-2X came w/ the quicker ratio STi steering rack as well. A lot of these sold for less than WRXs when they were blown out w/ GM incentives (people apparently didn't want to pay Saab prices for a Subaru) my wife got hers for <20k brand new.

[Turboguy]

I've listed it in the spreadsheet as a partial donor. Should it be listed as a single donor?


As some people will be relying on this spreadsheet as a precursor to spending thousands of dollars on a donor, perhaps more research should be put into actually finding out what parts of what vehicles would work rather than soliciting unverified advice on the net.

Just my $0.02

[Xusia]

I agree - good thing I do research! Based on which I do believe we can say the 9-2X is a single donor. Sources confirm the differences are cosmetic. The only thing that I know for sure FFR is planning to use that isn't an Impreza part is the seats. Based on what I read, I think they will work fine. They were only redesigned to incorporate active head restraints.

[Evan78]

Previous discussion on Saab 92x (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?7281-Is-the-Saab-9-2x-a-potential-single-car-818-donor&highlight=saab).

[wallace18]

There is a 2005 92X for sale on auto trader in Florida by private owner for $5500. It is NA and 5spd. Low mileage with slight damage. Could be bought for less IMO. Good buy for a NA donor IMO.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=32615&endYear=2013&modelCode1=9-2X&startYear=1981&makeCode1=SAAB&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&searchRadius=500&mmt=%5BSAAB%5B9-2X%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=326207580&Log=0