H-SERIES MOTOR BUILDS
As long-time car enthusiasts, we have had many motors cross our table. No motor series stands the test of time as Saab's H-Series. At this point in time, we, as Snail have built over 100 H-Series motors. We can help you transform your H-Series motor into the perfect motor for a peppy daily driver, or we can build it out to hit speeds of 216MPH for track-use. We can assist in transforming your Saab into as we say, "the way it should have came from factory"
Each H-Series motor is quite unique in its own way. For examplatory purposes, we will utilize the B235R, our most commonly built motor.
When addressing the issues of the B235R to make real power, you must first get rid of those weaker components. The worst being camshafts and pistons. Once we get away from these restrictive cams and light pistons, these motors begin to truly shine.
A FULL B235R OVERHAUL
Here at Snail Werx, we love to say "while you're in there, you might as well do it." Preventative maintenance with is extremely important for a Saab H-Series motor longevity, and well, making power of course!!! A complete rebuild, new components, and fully forged internals. This list is to make the most power possible, and nearly have a brand new motor.
THE H-SERIES MOTOR
All Saab enthusiasts are aware of Saab’s most fatal flaw: financial instability. However, Saab gained something phenomenal from their inability to make proper financial decisions: the H-Series motors.
This all began with the Triumph Slant-Four. Triumph motors have almost always upheld a reputation of poor design and poor reliability. Saab took something known to be awful and made it magical. During the workings of the Saab 99, Saab’s consultancy company helped them come to the realization that developing their own engine, the 1.2 inline four, was too risky. Saab was in luck. Their engineering and consultancy company was also heavily involved with Triumph, and inevitably, their slant four. Interestingly enough, Saab was granted exclusive use of this motor for several years before Triumph even was. First present in the 99, Saab wished to retain their transaxle design. This is where the iconic “180° turn” stemmed from. Any time we speak with anyone that is aware of bits of Saab’s history, they always say, “Oh, isn’t that the company that used a Triumph motor and just turned it around?” This is factually so. To retain the transaxle, the motor was in fact, “turned around.” This was done so that the clutch and flywheel would be in the front. From this interesting and almost horrendous design, greatness sprouted and this greatness was ready to blossom into something phenomenally fruitful. Therefore, the Saab B Engine was born!
The Saab B Engine was a full overhaul of the slant four, with a greater displacement. Saab actually reduced the Triumph motor’s compression ratio, and by doing so, increased power. This ironically soon inspired the Saab H Engine. The H-Series motors say it all in the title, “H” stands for “high compression.” This higher compression was the greatest difference and improvement from the B Engine to the H Engine.
The B201 is really what started the rabbit hole of the H-Engine family. Small, but mighty, this motor boasted two valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. When evolving into the B202, there was a great difference. Saab got away from the single overhead camshaft, leading to their 16-valve, dual overhead camshaft design. We always like to say that the B202 is where the magic truly began to show. Then the B212 came along and obtained an increased displacement of 2.1, all while being a naturally aspirated platform. We love using these cams in motor builds. Saab enthusiasts know that these motors are strong, and extremely capable. (We won’t talk about the transmissions….)
Now this is where we get to the greatest of the greats: the B234. A lot changed with this transition. The B234 is where Saab finally got away from the quirky, yet iconic slanted design. The largest improvement for this motor was an increase in displacement to a 2.3 L displacement. This is due to the massive, 12mm increase in stroke. Saab always found ways to overengineer and think ahead. To make enough room for this increase in stroke length and not utilize shorter rods, came a fully new engine block with an increase in deck height. The B234 had two generations, changing the length, as well as other components. These generations are known as the long block and the short block. The later generation short block had many updates like a revised head and timing cover. Alongside the later generation B234, came the B204, arguably our favorite motor stock for stock (that was accessible in the USA.) Now, what was interesting about the B204 was that it too, was also a “short block,” but in a different sense. The block’s height, not length, had to be shortened with the B204, all to be able to fit in the NG 900. Both the B204 and B234 are known worlds over for the strength of their internals.
We must not forget the most honorable mention, the B206. This was the truly “holy grail” Saab motor of European markets. Our beloved, balance shaft-free, naturally aspirated Saab motor. This motor shared similar strengths to our favorite motors here in the states, all while coming without the horrendous, power-drawing balance shafts.
To “be better for the consumer,” Saab started to get pretty, well, stupid. Especially with GM’s heavy involvement and influence. Pistons got lighter, camshaft lifts and durations got worse, all for fuel economy. This was all made apparent in the B205 and B235. The B205 was truly bad. Sadly, the worst of the H-Series family. The B235 was saved by its greater displacement. The B205 was born with a 2.0 L displacement, while the B235 received a 2.3 L displacement. Both facing the awful problem of lighter, weaker pistons. These motors truly were the weaker evolution (two words you would never think to see together) of the B204 and B234. What really killed these motors were those new, lighter components. These components were made to be emissions friendly, as well as fuel-economy friendly. Lighter valves and pistons, softer springs, and those awful cams we spoke of. However, the heads of these motors were able to breathe much more air. Digging deeper into the B235, it truly is our favorite Saab motor once built. The 2004-2009 Saab 9-5 motors here in the states, are blessed with the greatest updates, and they are all B235Rs. With some light modifications, especially getting away from the awfully light pistons, this motor is extremely capable and robust.
CONTACT US
We look forward to working with you throughout the process of transforming your motor. If you have any motor build inquiries, please contact us. We are always happy to help. If you are scheduling a motor build with us, send us an email, and please give us a call. If we do not answer, or it is outside call hours, please leave a message with your name and important vehicle/motor information.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
(941)315-0859
info@snailwerx.com
CALL HOURS:
Sunday-Thursday (EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS) 1:00 PM- 7:00 PM