Hello,
Dont forget the 9-3 is a big improvment over the last 900 but they do suffer with torque steer,so its a good idea to either have an abbott racing (viggen rescue kit)not cheap but great or like i did an elk parts steering rack clamp + front subframe bar ,both alot cheaper and an improvement.
As for engine up grades i test drove a 9-3 aero with 280 bhp and all other possible up grades and it was fantastic!!! and all this was with an auto box!! .
Ex acadamy car 2002, yellow and black 😬