LPT, FPT, HOT - How do you tell them apart?

Question

I'm looking at a 1998 9-3 SE turbo convertible which I'm thinking of buying. But how can I defintively tell what variant of turbo it is? As I understand it, it could be any of three - Low Pressure (154bhp), Full Pressure (185bhp) or HOT (200bhp). It has a turbo meter, if that helps, although I don't think there are any pressure units marked on the meter. Nothing on the engine to indicate (that I can see).

I have the UK Reg Certificate which says "9-3 SE TURBO". It also gives me the VIN and Engine Number. Would they help me? Would a SAAB dealer be able to check, if I asked him nicely?

Thanks Steve

Colin Stamp · Accepted Answer

Apparently, the 8th digit of the VIN gives the engine variant.

The codes for 2.0 engines are :- J = B204I N= B204L T= B204E P= B204R H= B205L K= B205R C= B205E

Trouble is, I don't know how the B numbers relate to engine variants. Maybe someone else can decipher that.

I think the 185BHP variants were fairly rare in the UK. Most of the SE cars seem to be LPT. If people wanted more power, they went for the HOT Aero. LPTs don't have boost gauges.

What do the badges under the indicator side-repeaters say?

Cheers,

Colin.

Fred W · Answer

The SE (as well as the "S coupe") is the FPT.  There was any HOT in '98.

Fred W · Answer

sorry, that should have said "There was *not* any HOT for '98."

also, let me temper my prior reply by saying: "This was true in the US. It may have been different in some other markets. ...and no, Graham, I do not think the US is the whole world." ;-)

LPT, FPT, HOT - How do you tell them apart?

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