One Of The Worst V8s Ever Made Almost Went Into A Saab: Exploring The Ill-Fated Engine
One Of The Worst V8s Ever Made Almost Went Into A Saab: Exploring The Ill-Fated Engine
Saab, the Swedish automaker, was known for its innovative and quirky designs, but did you know that the company once considered using one of the worst V8 engines ever made in its cars? The engine in question was the GM 4.2L V8, a powerplant notorious for its poor performance and reliability issues. While Saab ultimately decided against using the full engine, half of it did make its way into some Saab models.
Introduction to the GM 4.2L V8
The GM 4.2L V8 was a turbo-petrol engine designed by General Motors in the late 1990s. It was intended to be a high-performance powerplant, but it failed to deliver on its promises. The engine was plagued by oil leaks, overheating issues, and poor fuel efficiency. Despite its shortcomings, the engine was still used in some GM models, including the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the GMC Envoy.
Design and Dimensions
| Engine | Displacement | Length |
|---|---|---|
| GM 4.2L V8 | 4.2L | 442mm |
| Saab B235R | 2.3L | 373mm |
Feature Comparison
So, how does the GM 4.2L V8 compare to other engines in its class? Here’s a feature comparison table to help you decide:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| GM 4.2L V8 | 270hp | 275lb-ft |
| Saab B235R | 260hp | 258lb-ft |
| Chevrolet 3.6L V6 | 310hp | 272lb-ft |
Engine Specifications
Here are the engine specifications for the GM 4.2L V8 and the Saab B235R:
| Engine | Cylinders | Valves |
|---|---|---|
| GM 4.2L V8 | 8 | 16 |
| Saab B235R | 4 | 16 |
Price Comparison
If you’re in the market for a used car with one of these engines, here’s a price comparison table to help you make an informed decision:
| Model | Engine | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | GM 4.2L V8 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Saab 9-3 | Saab B235R | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| GMC Envoy | GM 4.2L V8 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GM 4.2L V8 was a flawed engine that was thankfully never used in its entirety by Saab. However, half of the engine did make its way into some Saab models, including the Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5. While the engine’s poor performance and reliability issues make it a less desirable choice for car buyers, it’s still an interesting footnote in the history of Saab and its quirky designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the GM 4.2L V8 and the Saab B235R:
- Q: What is the GM 4.2L V8? A: The GM 4.2L V8 is a turbo-petrol engine designed by General Motors in the late 1990s.
- Q: What are the common problems with the GM 4.2L V8? A: The GM 4.2L V8 is known for its poor performance, reliability issues, oil leaks, and overheating problems.
- Q: Which Saab models used the B235R engine? A: The Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5 used the B235R engine.
- Q: Is the Saab B235R a reliable engine? A: The Saab B235R is considered a more reliable engine than the GM 4.2L V8, but it still has its own set of issues.
- Q: What is the horsepower of the GM 4.2L V8? A: The GM 4.2L V8 has a horsepower of 270hp.
- Q: What is the torque of the Saab B235R? A: The Saab B235R has a torque of 258lb-ft.
- Q: Can I buy a used car with the GM 4.2L V8 engine? A: Yes, you can buy a used car with the GM 4.2L V8 engine, but be aware of the potential problems and reliability issues.
- Q: How much does a used Saab 9-3 with the B235R engine cost? A: The price of a used Saab 9-3 with the B235R engine can range from $8,000 to $15,000.
- Q: Is the GM 4.2L V8 a good engine for racing? A: No, the GM 4.2L V8 is not a good engine for racing due to its poor performance and reliability issues.
- Q: Can I upgrade my GM 4.2L V8 engine to improve its performance? A: Yes, you can upgrade your GM 4.2L V8 engine to improve its performance, but it may not be worth the cost and effort.