Saab Technology

Saab B202 Engine

In 1984 the Saab ”B202” engine was introduced, that pawed the way for the modern turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Saab added a 16 valve cylinder head with double overhead camshafts. They retroactively renamed the 8-valve version the B201 and used B202 as the name of the new multi-valve unit. Another notable addition to the B202 was hydraulic valve lifters and Ecopower (“ep” in Italy, “(900)S” elsewhere), with a pre-heated catalytic converter for reduced emissions.

Downsizing as we know now means that a smaller engine has the same power and torque characteristics as a bigger naturally aspirated one, but still with the lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions from the smaller one.

The engines cylinder volume was 1.985cc and the new cylinder head had 4 valves per cylinder. The engine management system was a combination between the new Bosch LH-Jetronic and the Saab APC-system with knockregulation. This engine was introduced in the Saab 900 T16 Aero ( SPG on the US-market ) and later in the Saab 9000.

B202

The maximum power was 160-185hp and the maximum torque was 255-273 Nm. Thanks to it´s engine characteristics and special exhaust note, the Saab B202 today has a cult status among the enthusiasts.

Saab B202 engine, 2-liter, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled, slant four cylinder as fitted on the Saab 900 classic.
Saab B202 engine, 2-liter, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled, slant four cylinder as fitted on the Saab 900 classic.

Produced 1984-1993 in this vesions:


  • B202I – 2.0 16v, fuel injection, 115bhp (C900i, 9000i)
  • B202S – 2.0 LPT, 150bhp (C900 LPT)
  • B202L – 2.0 FPT, 175 / 185 bhp (C900 T16)
  • B202R – 2.0 FPT, 204bhp (9000 Carlsson)

Saab’s B202 engine is one of the longest-lasting performance four-cylinders of all time. Bottom ends have proved to last a million miles with only regular maintenance. Head gaskets are more prone to failure than timing chains.

In 1985, The Saab 900 Turbo received the 160-horsepower, 16-valve, B202-spec engine, with the top-of-the-line SPG model getting unique cosmetic enhancements. Saab only offered the SPG in Special Black with tan leather interior; early examples have black ground-effect skirts while later 1985 models sport the gray panels used until the end of production

 

3 Comments

  • Hi there – I have a 1993 Saab 900se and I think it might have a B202 engine fitted?
    Is this correct and if so I could do with having the exhaust spec on the B202 to check what it’s euro standard?
    If not B202 can you help me with what engine would have been fitted?
    Thanks
    Rico

  • Hi there – I have a 1993 Saab 900se and I think it might have a B202 engine fitted?
    Is this correct and if so I could do with having the exhaust spec on the B202 to check what it’s euro standard?
    If not B202 can you help me with what engine would have been fitted?
    Thanks
    Rico

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