How do you like your Saturn?

[GreenEggsAndHam]

Do you think there is a major difference in performance between the SL1 and SL2, and SC1 and SC2...and other Saturns with and without the DOHC? I personally have never driven the SL2, so I'm still speculating. Would it be worth it to drop a DOHC into an SL1? I have been thinking about it a lot, but am also aware that the transmission gears in the SL1 are slightly different than the SL2's gears (which are geared more towards performance) so it might not work out that well. I have a '92 SL1 (it was my first car..so I can't complain). I think the SL1 is a bit underpowered, and am very uneasy about this. I don't know anyone who would voluntarily choose the SL1, since it is slow, and fuel economy doesn't differ much from the SL2(which doesn't cost THAT much more!).
When it comes to passing grandma on the chaotic interstate, you'll know where that DOHC paid off...

[BobL]

The SL, SL1, SC1, and SW1 are good with a 5 speed but anemic with the automatic and A/C. My son (16) just bought a 2000 SL1 with automatic and it's exactly what I want for him as a first car.

The DOHC really makes a difference if you choose automatic. However, in view of the PCM type changes involved, it would probably make more sense to trade to a car with DOHC than try to upgrade a used SL1.

Just bought an LS. The new 2.2 is a real powerhouse even with a slushbox. Coupled to the Saab 5-speed in the LS/LS1, it's a nice piece of work.

We both love our saturns and the fine dealer service from saturn of raleigh, NC.

[eRic 02sc2]

Yes--there is a major difference in performance between the S_1 and S_2 cars. The engine is just part of it. There's also the wheels and tires, the sway bars, and the seats which are better in the twincam car compared to the base car. I wouldn't bother dropping a DOHC into an SL1 since you'd need the engine and transaxle and PCM and instrument cluster to go with it and without doing the suspension stuff to go with it the car may be quicker but will handle worse with more understeer from the extra weight added to the front. It would be easier and less expensive to just trade in the SL1 and get an SL2 (or trade the SC1 for an SC2 and so on) which already has the performance version of everything on it to begin with.

[LilRedWag]

drop a dohc into an sx1? not a very cost-effective solution - to get half the gear of an sx2 (and would cost more to get up to full sx2 specs). just by browsing the brochure, i then bought the ('99) sw2 over the sw1 - you get a better value in a total matched package. also, if i was considering the sw1 ("stripped" level, as far as i'm concerned), that would take me out of the saturn dealership.
anyway, enjoy the saturn you pick.

[HumpMan]

We should also note that the earlier Sx1 models had even less power than the later ones. I think it was in 94 or 95 when the HP of the Sx1 models was raised to 100 from 88. I think going to port fuel injection was a big reason.

And I think the SW1 is no more. If you wanted a new S-series wagon, the SW2 is the only choice.

Personally, I don't find the SC1a to be that anemic. And my previous car was a '93 SL2m. But then I'm a codger now...

the HumpMan

[Saturnmeister]

Actually, (I forget what year they changed it, too) it was 85hp for the original "1's", and 100hp after they went from throttle body injection to port fuel injection. The torque stayed abou the same, though, and that is what made the car quicker than either of those hp figures would make you believe...

Oh, and ditto the other posts - if you wnat more power, just trade up to a "2"; there's no way dropping a DOHC into your SL1 is going to be practical or cost efficient.

[BobL]

Absolutely no offense intended Humpman, and I'm an old fart too.

Maybe the SC1 feels better. My son's new 2000 SL1A with the A/C on has to constantly downshift when going up and down even minor variations in the level of the road.

The car runs great, and I enjoy driving it (with the A/C off of course).

My 3 previous SL's were OK with the stick, but, even with 5 speed, you could really feel the drain of the A/C. If my wife wasn't so insistent, I'd have got the SL's w/o A/C.

Love heat -- hate cold.

Regards,

Bob

[BobL]

Absolutely no offense intended Humpman, and I'm an old fart too.

Maybe the SC1 feels better. My son's new 2000 SL1A with the A/C on has to constantly downshift when going up and down even minor variations in the level of the road.

The car runs great, and I enjoy driving it (with the A/C off of course).

My 3 previous SL's were OK with the stick, but, even with 5 speed, you could really feel the drain of the A/C. If my wife wasn't so insistent, I'd have got the SL's w/o A/C.

Love heat -- hate cold.

Regards,

Bob

[greenLS1]

I tried both the manual and automatic LS1 and bought the automatic. It is well matched to the engine and I don't feel like I gave anything up power-wise to get it. Both are excellent, but the automatic suited my needs better. My daughter's SC2 automatic is also a good package. And you can tell when the A/C is on but it isn't bad with the DOHC engines.

[BobL]

Same with me. Tried both LS models but bought automatic to share with son. Good automatic. Stick is superb, however.

Son then bought SL1A, and no stick for dad.