Most Unique Feature?

[MiSaturn]

Have always thought that the Saturn SL/SC/SW's were pretty unique vehicles when they debuted... . While the design itself was pretty different, the amount of Saturn-specific parts adds to that uniqueness.

So, while I was busy changing a radiator fan motor this afternoon, I spotted a special feature on my '93 SL2 that I've never seen on any other vehicle (but is fairly common on commercial/industrial small engines).

What was it? Well, not sure what the "official" name of it, but it's the particulate trap on the bottom of the air filter box. It's a pliable rubber fitting that you squeeze to open and any built up dirt is supposed to fall out. Lousy photo attached.

Have one of these on my lawn tractor, which naturally is exposed to high levels of dust and dirt, but I was surprised to find one on a car that typically isn't exposed to as much crap.

Interested in hearing what other features are found on a Saturn and not somewhere else (plastic panels excluded) in the automotive world.

[dummo]

A). How about the bottle cap landing recess on top of the air intake resonator box which is a convenient area for parking an oil or coolant bottle cap when you need a hand free while topping off any various automotive fluid.
B). This also reminds me of the oil dip stick re-insertion anti-wobble landing feature along the passenger side back edge of the fore-mentioned air intake resonator box. Letting the dip stick rest upon this edge of the air box keeps the wobble down as you align the tip to the dip stick tube entry.

[2NDSOUT]

Probably one of the most unique features on the S-Series cars- was the option for a block heater- that you plugged into your home electrical outlet.

Yes- they did exist- and I think were only made available to those that ordered cars that were in the more Northern States, including Alaska.

I've seen pictures of them before- the plug was mounted on the lower bottom of the bumper cover for easy access.

[trottida]

Originally Posted by 2NDSOUT

Probably one of the most unique features on the S-Series cars- was the option for a block heater- that you plugged into your home electrical outlet.

Yes- they did exist- and I think were only made available to those that ordered cars that were in the more Northern States, including Alaska.

I've seen pictures of them before- the plug was mounted on the lower bottom of the bumper cover for easy access.

Not so unique around here however the way it was executed may have been. Most OEM block heaters are installed internally whereas the Saturn is mounted externally. No need to spill any coolant installing it; just 1-10mm bolt.

[dummo]

I always thought that the styrofoam replacement casting process for the engine block was unique. Are any other engines cast this way? It was a selling feature in one of the first Saturn brochures. If you look closely at the block's surface you see it looks like metal styrofoam.

[SLfun]

Originally Posted by trottida

Not so unique around here however the way it was executed may have been. Most OEM block heaters are installed internally whereas the Saturn is mounted externally. No need to spill any coolant installing it; just 1-10mm bolt.

Ya here in the great white north (Canada) I've been looking for one of these elusive oem block heaters for nearly 10 years now! Obviously I've been fine without it, but damn I hope I find one soon, would still be nice to have

[trottida]

Originally Posted by SLfun

Ya here in the great white north (Canada) I've been looking for one of these elusive oem block heaters for nearly 10 years now! Obviously I've been fine without it, but damn I hope I find one soon, would still be nice to have

I wouldn't think they would be as prevalent in your area but most Saturn's sold around here would have had one. I'll keep my eye open and snag you one if I find one. The 91-97 is different than the 98+; what year is your block from? There are not too many Saturn's hitting the yards around here but there is an 02 SC1 at Kenny at the moment.

[SLfun]

Originally Posted by trottida

I wouldn't think they would be as prevalent in your area but most Saturn's sold around here would have had one. I'll keep my eye open and snag you one if I find one. The 91-97 is different than the 98+; what year is your block from? There are not too many Saturn's hitting the yards around here but there is an 02 SC1 at Kenny at the moment.

Awesome thanks! My block is from 96.