Saab Turbo X Reimagined: The Bold 3.6L V6 Swap Chasing a 1000 HP Dream

A Turbo X Like No Other: The Ambitious Engine Swap

For most Saab enthusiasts, the Saab 9-3 Turbo X is already an icon—a high-performance, limited-production AWD sports sedan that pushed the boundaries of what Saab could achieve under GM ownership. Equipped with a 2.8L turbocharged V6 sourced from Holden, and this engine produced around 280-300 horsepower, depending on the model and software tuning. Many tuners have extracted 400, 500, or even 700 HP from the stock engine, but for Malikijah Duvall, that wasn’t enough.

Duvall, a dedicated Saab enthusiast from New York, has embarked on an ambitious project: swapping in a 3.6L V6 engine and pushing it to the extreme. His goal? To surpass the 1000-horsepower mark, making his Turbo X one of the most powerful Saabs ever built. His journey, chronicled in a series of YouTube videos, is a testament to both ingenuity and sheer determination. With every bolt tightened and every adjustment made, he challenges conventional tuning wisdom, aiming to rewrite the Saab performance narrative.

The Powertrain Evolution: Why a 3.6L V6?

While many Saab performance builds focus on squeezing the most out of the stock 2.8L V6, some enthusiasts have turned to alternative GM-sourced V6 engines for added displacement and tuning potential. We’ve previously covered a 3.2L V6 Z32SE swap in a Saab 9-3 Aero Sportsedan (read more here), but Duvall has taken things a step further by opting for a 3.6L GM High Feature V6 (LY7).

The advantages of this swap are clear:

• Increased displacement for better low-end torque.
• Higher tuning potential compared to the 2.8L V6.
• Stronger internals that can withstand high boost levels.
• Potential for a four-digit horsepower output when properly built.

With these benefits in mind, Duvall set out to integrate the larger engine while retaining the XWD system and ensuring the chassis could handle the immense power increase.

Deep Dive: The LY7 Engine – Specifications and Global Impact

At the heart of this ambitious swap lies the LY7 engine, a 3.6-liter powerplant that has garnered respect around the globe. Developed primarily by Holden, this engine was introduced in the 2004 Holden VZ Commodore and later featured in the 2004 Cadillac CTS sedan. With a displacement of 217.5 cubic inches (3,564 cc), the LY7 is designed to offer both performance and reliability.

The engine sports a 10.2:1 compression ratio paired with sequential multi-port fuel injection. Its bore and stroke measurements stand at 94 mm × 85.6 mm (3.70 in × 3.37 in), ensuring a balanced performance across the RPM range. Notably, lower-powered versions of this engine, known under the designation LE0, include variable cam phasing on the inlet cam. Selected models even feature variable exhaust systems that enhance the engine’s breathing capabilities, further fine-tuning its performance characteristics.

Weighing in at 370 lb (170 kg) as installed, the LY7 is robust yet compact, making it an ideal candidate for engine swaps in performance applications like the Turbo X. The engine’s production is a global affair; it is manufactured in multiple locations including St. Catharines (Ontario), Flint Engine South (Michigan), Melbourne (Australia), Ramos Arizpe (Mexico), and Sagara (Japan) by Suzuki. Suzuki even designates this engine as N36A, highlighting its international pedigree.

Additionally, a dual-fuel variant known as the LW2 version was produced, delivering 235 hp (175 kW; 238 PS). This variant could run on both petrol and autogas, thanks to a factory-fitted dual-fuel system developed by IMPCO. The LW2, based on the low-output LE0 V6, featured unique valve configurations and hardened titanium valve seats. Exclusively available in Holden vehicles from 2005 to 2012, the LW2 version underscored the engine’s adaptability and potential for tuning, laying the groundwork for its use in high-performance projects like Duvall’s swap.

The LY7 engine’s combination of robust construction, global manufacturing standards, and tuning potential makes it a perfect choice for Saab enthusiasts seeking to transform their vehicles into high-horsepower beasts. With each component engineered for durability and performance, the LY7 stands as a testament to modern engine design and international collaboration in automotive engineering.

The Swap Process: Challenges and Breakthroughs

Swapping a larger engine into the Turbo X was never going to be a plug-and-play operation. As seen in his latest video (watch here), Duvall had to overcome several key challenges:

Mounting and Drivetrain Adjustments

• Reinforcing the subframe to accommodate the heavier engine.
• Ensuring proper fitment of the transmission and transfer case.
• Modifying engine mounts to securely integrate the 3.6L V6.

Turbo System and Oil Management

• Installing an upgraded turbocharger capable of supporting 1000+ HP.
• Customizing oil lines and drains for the turbo system.
• Maintaining optimal oil pressure and cooling throughout the engine bay.

First Start and Initial Testing

The latest video captures the first startup of the 3.6L engine in the Turbo X. After resolving minor issues—such as transfer case fluid leaks and fine-tuning the ECU map—the engine roared to life. Duvall closely monitored oil pressure, fuel pressure, and coolant temperatures, ensuring that the new powerplant was running smoothly. His initial results showed a solid 60 psi oil pressure at 2000 RPM, a crucial indicator that the build was on the right track.

The swap process was meticulous, and every component had to align perfectly to support the engine’s elevated performance goals. With the engine securely mounted and the necessary drivetrain modifications completed, the car was ready for its first real test on the dyno.

The Road to 1000 HP: What’s Next?

With the engine swap successfully completed, Duvall now turns his focus to fine-tuning and durability testing. Some key steps in the coming weeks include:

• Finalizing ECU tuning for optimal fuel and ignition mapping.
• Reinforcing the transmission to handle extreme torque levels.
• Upgrading fuel injectors and fuel pump to meet the demands of high boost.
• Dyno testing to accurately measure horsepower output under controlled conditions.

This build isn’t just about raw numbers—it’s about pushing the limits of what a Saab Turbo X can achieve. Duvall’s project represents a new frontier for Saab performance enthusiasts, proving that with the right engineering and dedication, even a Swedish underdog can rival today’s supercars. Each phase of testing and tuning brings him closer to that coveted 1000 HP milestone.

The focus on precision tuning and rigorous testing is a clear departure from traditional engine builds. Instead of simply increasing boost levels or modifying internals, Duvall’s approach is methodical. By ensuring that every system—from the turbocharger to the fuel delivery network—is optimized, he is laying the groundwork for a performance vehicle that will be as reliable as it is powerful.

The Saab Performance Scene: A Global Movement

Duvall’s 3.6L Turbo X swap is just one of several high-profile Saab builds happening worldwide. The global Saab community is vibrant and constantly pushing the envelope in terms of performance and innovation. Other notable projects include:

• A 700 HP Saab 9-3 Aero by Prolific Builds (watch here).
• The previously mentioned 3.2L V6 Z32SE-swapped 9-3 Aero Sportsedan.
• 500HP Saab 9-5 
• 600HP Saab 9-5 Sportwagon
• 450hp Saab 9-5 wagon
• 530HP Saab 9-5 Wagon
• A Huge 545 bhp Swedish sleeper

Each project represents a unique interpretation of what a Saab can be. Whether it’s re-engineering the drivetrain, pushing the boundaries of engine performance, or reimagining suspension dynamics, these builds are a testament to the enduring passion and ingenuity of Saab enthusiasts. The community is driven by a desire not only to preserve the Saab legacy but to enhance it with modern performance techniques.

What sets these builds apart is their attention to detail. Every component is chosen with precision, and every modification is backed by extensive testing. This dedication to excellence is what makes Saab enthusiasts not just fans, but innovators in the world of performance tuning.

A Saab Turbo X Like No Other

Duvall’s relentless pursuit of 1000 HP is not just about speed—it’s about engineering excellence, perseverance, and passion. His journey serves as an inspiration to the Saab community, proving that these cars still have plenty of untapped potential. The integration of the LY7 engine is a strategic move, leveraging a proven powerplant with global credentials and robust performance capabilities.

As the project nears completion, one thing is certain: this will be one of the most powerful and unique Saab Turbo X builds ever created. For enthusiasts who appreciate both Saab’s heritage and the cutting-edge of performance engineering, Duvall’s build is a bold statement. It challenges preconceptions, redefines limits, and reminds us all that true innovation lies in the relentless pursuit of perfection.

With the next phase of testing on the horizon, the Saab community eagerly anticipates the final results of this groundbreaking project. As every engine bay detail is fine-tuned and every modification validated under pressure, Malikijah Duvall continues to push the envelope—demonstrating that the spirit of Saab lives on in every daring, high-performance build.