a major redesign of the h engine came in 1990 in the form of the new b234 for the saab 9000. the b234 featured an increase in stroke from to , increasing the displacement to 2.3 liters. with this increased stroke also came a new engine block with increased deck height to make sufficient room for the increased stroke length without being forced to use shorter connecting rods, and in-block counter-rotating balance shafts for reduced vibration (nvh). there are two generations of b234 engine, one made from 1990-1993, the other from 1994 to 1998. the later motors had a revised oil sump system, head, timing cover, and different bell housing pattern. unlike the previous b202, the block was no longer angled, but straight, something that made it unsuitable for the 900 model with its gearbox under the engine, built into the engine oil sump. the longer stroke b234 was last produced in 1998, that being the last year for the 9000 model. the b234 was selected as one of ward's 10 best engines for 1995 and 1996.