Swedish car enthusiast Manne Solbreck has embarked on an incredible journey of transforming his beloved Saab 900 into a racing machine powered by the famous Nissan Skyline GT-R. What started as a simple fix for a broken gearbox turned into a multi-year project that pushed Manne’s skills and creativity to the limit.
The project began when Manne’s Saab 99 suffered gearbox failure for the fifth, or maybe even sixth time. Frustrated with the repeated breakdowns, Manne decided it was time for a major overhaul. Luckily, he had a friend who offered to sell him a functioning and durable driveline, but there was a catch – it was from a Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Undeterred by the challenge, Manne decided to go ahead with the ambitious project of transplanting the Skyline GT-R driveline into his Saab 99. However, he soon realized that fitting the puzzle pieces together was not as easy as he thought.
The original plan was to use a five-cylinder Audi engine that came with the driveline, but it proved to be too complicated. So, Manne changed his plans when he found a RB25DET engine for sale, which he decided to use instead.
The first step was to find a suitable body for the project, as Manne knew that there would be little left of the original Saab 900 once the Skyline GT-R driveline was installed. After careful consideration, he chose a Saab 99 as the base for his project. He began by cutting away the floor and firewall, piece by piece, until the entire bottom of the car was removed.
Manne, who works as a verification engineer for electric drivelines at Volvo, has a deep understanding of automotive mechanics and has a keen eye for detail. However, he quickly realized that this project was much more complex than he initially anticipated. Building a racing machine from scratch required numerous modifications, including a new steering gearbox, suspension, and brakes. Manne even had to rebuild the front suspension three times before getting it right. Despite the challenges, he persevered and built a custom front suspension for the car.
The project, which started in 2017, has been ongoing for several years, and Manne initially kept it under wraps until last year when he felt confident enough to share his progress. He learned that setting deadlines for the project only added unnecessary stress and pressure, so he decided to take his time and enjoy the process. He realized that the journey was just as important as the destination and that he wanted to be satisfied with the final result.
The result of Manne’s hard work and dedication is a truly remarkable machine. The driveline and chassis components are sourced from various generations of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, including the R32, R33, and R34 models. The rear suspension is from an R33, the gearbox is from an R32, and the shock absorbers are custom-adapted to fit the R34. The front suspension, on the other hand, was custom-built by Manne himself.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, Manne is proud of what he has accomplished. He acknowledges that the vehicle may be considered an amateur-built car by inspection standards, but the quality of his workmanship speaks for itself. The attention to detail and the precision in the modifications are evident in the finished product.
Looking ahead, Manne is considering the possibility of incorporating hybrid technology into his Saab GT-R in the future. As someone who works in the automotive industry and has a passion for pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, he is always looking for ways to improve and innovate.
Manne Solbreck’s journey of converting his Saab 99 (900) into a racing machine powered by the renowned Nissan Skyline GT-R has been a labor of love and passion for cars. Despite facing challenges along the way, such as sourcing and adapting various components, and dealing with the complexity of the project, Manne’s perseverance and determination have paid off.
In the end, Manne’s project is not just about the final result, but also about the joy of the journey and the satisfaction of creating something truly exceptional. His passion for cars and his dedication to his project serve as an inspiration to fellow car enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring spirit of automotive innovation.
If you’re curious about the progress and activities of this unique Saab 99 GT-R project, you can now follow the owner’s journey on Instagram @saab99gtr. From the initial modifications to the daring decision to cut up fenders and add custom flares, this Instagram account provides an inside look into the tuning and customization process of this one-of-a-kind car. Don’t miss out on the excitement and creativity of this automotive project!
Why didn’t you just keep the skyline ?
Is there any video of this? This is awesome