4G is like a SAAB Sonnet

fredgold52 · Apr 2, 2012

Many years ago, I owned two Saab Sonnet cars. Not at the same time, but one after the other. They were sooo cool. A three cylinder, two stroke engine with a four speed and Free Wheeling.

The free wheeling feature is what I'm talking about. If you took your foot off the gas, the car would disconnect from the engine and coast free until you put your foot back on the pedal.

My 4G MB does exactly that because of the freewheel sprocket in the transmission. I don't like to make lots of noise. So rather than run the engine constantly, I take it up to speed then dial back on the throttle and let it coast. I really like riding that way.

I've read of people who have welded their freewheels to make them solid. I don't know for sure, but I don't think I would like that as well.

moonerdizzle · Apr 2, 2012

I was forced to weld mine when it grenaded after i rode it 5 bocks the very first time i rode it. them "Upgraded" one way bearings are still a total joke, 9 ball bearings total in it, and there is room for 15. I enjoy the engine braking effect tho, my straight pipe growls and its easier for my coaster brake to scrub off speed.

The_Aleman · Apr 3, 2012

It's even more pronounced with a shift kit. Getting on and off the throttle smoothly with 3 chains and that freewheeling takes some finesse!

I'm still running the infamous 11T freewheel. I must have got a Wednesday-built one or something, it hasn't fragged itself yet!

cannonball2 · Apr 3, 2012

I drove 3cylinder Saabs for years. Owned several Sonnets also. If you had a 3cyl Sonnet you owned a rare car indeed! I also had to weld the one way in my 4G. I much prefer the engine braking. In hilly areas like mine long down hills while free wheeling were hard on brakes. Now the engine handles it pretty much.

fredgold52 · Apr 3, 2012

Cannonball

I always thought they were Sonnets. Couldn't swear to it now, 45 years later. For sure though was 3 cylinder 2 stroke with freewheeling. I really enjoyed them.

16v4nrbrgr · Apr 3, 2012

All this talk about the extra slack in the driveline and chain slap with the jackshaft assembly makes me not want one at all! I think I'd rather have more power and just one chain or a tranny at the engine side, I hate derailleurs on top of that, they're a PITA when the cables stretch and start acting up during a ride.

The_Aleman · Apr 3, 2012

TBH 16v, you probably won't like a shift kit then. Keeping the derailleur adjusted properly is much more critical with a motor than without.

Even with an internally geared hub the shift mechanism must be set perfect or close to it. A maladjustment can be brutal.

cannonball2 · Apr 3, 2012

fredgold52 said:
Cannonball

I always thought they were Sonnets. Couldn't swear to it now, 45 years later. For sure though was 3 cylinder 2 stroke with freewheeling. I really enjoyed them.

The little tear drop shaped sedan was a model 93, later a 96. The wagon was a 95. The Sonnet was a 97. The Sonnet was a fiberglass coupe built on a shortened 96 floor pan I believe less than 200 were 2 stroke, the balance were Ford V4 engine powered as were the later 95 and 96s. They were all cool little cars. They freewheeled to keep the engine from starving from lack of oil when coasting. I owned 12 of the little beggers at one time.

wheelbender6 · Apr 3, 2012

My buddy had one of those 2 stroke Saabs when I was in high school. it had a three on the tree with electric overdrive.

Allen_Wrench · Apr 4, 2012

wheelbender6 said:
My buddy had one of those 2 stroke Saabs when I was in high school. it had a three on the tree with electric overdrive.

My dad talked me out of buying one when I was in my late teens. He reminded me that we lived in Mansfield; how or where would we get parts? (No internet back then.)
While he had a valid argument, I still would have like to had the Saab.

You know, Saab Drakens had a kind of turbine engine. And they were wicked fast. Wouldn't mind joyriding in one of those meself.

scotto- · Apr 4, 2012

Allen_Wrench said:
My dad talked me out of buying one when I was in my late teens. He reminded me that we lived in Mansfield; how or where would we get parts? (No internet back then.)
While he had a valid argument, I still would have like to had the Saab.

You know, Saab Drakens had a kind of turbine engine. And they were wicked fast. Wouldn't mind joyriding in one of those meself.

I remember a similar 3-cylinder 2-stroke backwards teardrop shaped car my dad had. Don't remember it being a Saab, but the engine was a DKW and it had suicide doors and those flip out turn signals similar to some old VW bugs. I think the car was a DKW but don't quote me on that. It was late 50's or early 60's.

As far as freewheeling on 4-strokes go, I prefer not. I like the engine compression braking as my 212cc Predator doesn't even really need a rear brake due to the engines ability to slow it down quickly, but to each their own

The_Aleman said:
It's even more pronounced with a shift kit. Getting on and off the throttle smoothly with 3 chains and that freewheeling takes some finesse!

I'm still running the infamous 11T freewheel. I must have got a Wednesday-built one or something, it hasn't fragged itself yet!

Don't worry Caleb......it will, I promise

cannonball2 · Apr 4, 2012

The DKW was part of the Auto Union and preceeded the Saab if I am remembering correctly. The Saab engineering was licsenced from DKW and the engines were very similar. One model of the DKW did look similar to the VW, I believe even having the same headlights under glass the bugs had. A very rare car in the states. I dont remember the DKW having the backwards opening doors, but the early Saabs did, but these memories are 40+ years old also so you are probably right. Cool little cars, were called corn poppers in slang because of the sound the 2 stroke made.

On the 4G, I have heard that belt wear might be an issue with the engine braking. Mine has a lot of riding and still is running the original belt which looks fine.

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4G is like a SAAB Sonnet

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