Thanks for your advice Bob.
>
> >I live in Canada and drive a 2000 9-5 wagon.
> >I'm planning to upgrade the springs, and my first choice of springs were the
> >Eibach pros however these are currently not available in North America for
> >this vehicle, and will be on back order for months?
> Try contacting Trent Saab in the UK. The last time I contacted them
> they were willing to ship Eibach's to the USA so I assume they will
> ship to Canada. I actually contacted Eibach about this and they told
> me that there was not enough demand to import some of their springs > to North America.
I also contacted Eibach and got the same response.
> >I can get the H&R springs ( also not available in North America), which are
> >specially imported by SAAB tuner Taliaferro in the US.Does anyone have any
> >experience with the H&R springs?
>
> I have great respect for Taliaferro. You can usually call or email
> and speak to Nick T directly. They seem to really be into modding
> cars and helping people to do so. I would not doubt what they
> tell you about their practical experience. I don't have any H&R
> experience although a buddy of mine tried Eibach and Boge. He
> thought the increase in handling was lesser with the Eibach
> (expected) with no ride quality loss. The Boge he found a little
> stiff. I expect H&G's would be equivalent to the Boge. I've driven
> a set of Abbott springs and they are _very_ stiff.
>
> >I'm looking to minimize the floating ride, without making the ride
> >excessively harsh.
>
> I think the Eibach are probably the best choice since they are
> progressive and should not affect the ride in normal conditions.
> However, I would *highly* recommend a set of Koni adjustables.
> Springs hold the weight of the car, shocks control the damping
> of the spring's motion. Stiffer springs will also reduce bounce
> but at the expense of ride. Shocks simply reduce bounce although
> they will dampen the compression rate too and might give a slightly
> stiffer ride - but with Koni's you can adjust it to your preference.
> All these springs will also reduce your ride height and clearance
> and I don't think you really want that in a wagon. Also, you should
> never consider stiffer springs without stiffer shocks to control
> them since the stiffer springs need more control. So, if you do the
> springs you should _really_ do the shocks too - otherwise you might
> get an even bouncier ride.
Typical of the 9-5 wagon, the rear shocks went and after some research, I opted to go with the Bilstein sport shocks. Koni were the other shock that I seriously considered. I've upgraded the sway bars to 2002> aero spec ( these I purchased from Taliaferro). I intend to replace the front shocks when I change the springs. I'll stick with Bilsteins to maintain uniform damping front and rear.
> >Any feedback is appreciated.
>
> My suggestion is to just buy the Koni's. [The installation labor is
> the same job... so if you are not a DIY guy then the decision to
> skip the springs would be more substantial since you'd end up paying
> labor twice if you don't think it is stiff enough]. But, I think
> you'll find the Koni's do what you want without any spring change.
> I went with the Koni's and I am glad I did. The only reason I would
> do the springs - and only Eibach if I did - would be to reduce the
> CoG a little and gain some handling. But, I think adjustable Koni's
> are a major, major improvement and go great with stock springs.
Eibach make springs for the 2004 Aero wagon ( I,m not sure which model year they were first used). The Aero springs do not lower the car as much as the Pro kit. I agree that ride height is an important consideration. The springs that I have been considering lower the car only 30mm ( app. 1 3/16"), and with the increased spring rate, I expect that bottoming out will not be an issue....( famous last words?).
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions.
BL
00 9-5 Wagon
My .02, loving my Koni/stock spring decision every day.
>
> Bob