Most 99 owners have sometimes felt the need for a more powerful engine. Those of us who dont own a 99 turbo, that is. The beauty of the 99 turbo is that it was based on the standard 99 bodyshell, with standard chassis components too. Unlike various other manufacturers who had to reinforce their bodyshells, suspension and brakes when launching a hotter version. (Anyone ever heard of the Ford Escort type 47 bodyshell? hehe!)
The reason for this is simple. The Saab 99 was solidly constructed and strong enough to handle more power from the outset.

Spring rates may differ between the TURBO and it's lesser siblings, and gas dampers were fitted too, but those are bolt-on items. And who doesn't want a better handling suspension anyway? The funny part is that not even the 99 TURBOs got anti roll bars (shame on the beancounters at Trollhättan), but SAS has a cure for that.
(see "suspension")

But let's get to the point here:
When we raise the number of horses in a car, we want the blessing of the authoroties. Or else they'll confiscate our number plates if they find out. And they will. At the regular vehicle test. (MoT, Tüv, SBP, EU-test, whatever) But they're not going to give us a blessing just like that. They'll want a blessing from the car manufacturer.
Fair enough.

Not all car manufacturers will approve of someone stuffing a larger engine in their product. "-If you want a larger engine, you should have bought the larger-engine-version." But this is certainly not the attitude I met, when I contacted Saab's technical department. The managing director, mr. Hovda, was more than willing to send an approving document for my turbo-conversion. Although not having owned an old Saab himself, he appreciated that enthusiasts kept the Saab heritage alive. That's the spirit!!!

THE "BLESSING"
...contained a detailed list of what changes should be done to the car. Saab will approve of 99's to have up to 185 Hp/DIN provided you do the following:
1: The brake master-cylinder must be minimun 20,64 mm in diameter.
2: Front brake calipers must be of the m75-on floating type.
3: Original Saab brake pads front no.10-89 93 834, rear no.10-89 93 230 must be installed.
4: Bilstein, Fictel & Sachs or Boge gas dampers must be installed.
5: A complete rear axle from a Saab 900 must be installed.
6: Tyre dimentions: 185/65 VR 15, or 195/60 VR 15.
Wheels, minimum 5 ½ "x15.
7: Manual gearbox from serial no. S.00 001, or automatic gearbox from serial no. G 00000.001 must be installed.