740 Info

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 14 Nov 2009, 02:47

I hope this question doesn't turn out to be a repeat of a previous post...
Currently I am driving an 850 GLT which is an amazing car. However I am probably going to give it to my sister once she starts driving and I am really interested in buying a 740. I really like the body style as it looks very similar to the 850's plus it is RWD which is incredible. My issue is that I can't seem to find any reliable basic information about these cars. For example, in regards to 850's I know that a turbo has 222hp while the t5r has 240. I know the compression ratio of a GLT makes it a waste of money to put a turbo on it. I know that the odometer always fails on the 850's/

So, what are the various trim levels of the 740. What kind of features do the trim levels include i.e. heated seats, turbo, etc and what are the power outputs (horsepower) of the various trim levels. Is there a particular year to look for or is their a year to avoid like the plague?

This might help a little, I'm interested in buying a 740 with a turbo that is going to be reliable but at the same time when it does break down won't be terribly expensive to fix. So, something fast and rugged.

Also, what is the difference between the 740's and the 760?

Sorry for the long post and sorry if I'm asking questions that have already been answered or are common knowledge among the RWD folks...

Post by **billofdurham** » 14 Nov 2009, 12:58

Also, what is the difference between the 740's and the 760?

I'm starting with the easy question. The 740 and 760 are basically the same. The 760 came into production in the 1983 model year with a V6 engine. Volvo added a 4 cylinder turbo engine to the range in 1984. In the 1985 model year the 740 was introduced with a 4 cylinder engine, either turbo or non-turbo.

The 760 was phased out in 1990 and the 740 was phased out in 1992, replaced by the 940.

The specifications are complicated but if you go here, register, click on 'Your Volvo' and then 'search the owner's library' you can pull up thespec sheets for all 740s and 760s.

The B230FT engine turns out 165 DIN hp at 4,800rpm (or 162 DIN hp at 4,800 rpm depending on where you look for the info).The 740, like the 240, was a reliable old beast but up to 1988 there was a problem with deterioration of the wiring harness. Better then to go for late 1988 on.

Bill.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 15 Nov 2009, 00:20

Thanks so much Bill. I looked up the specs for these cars in the owner's library like you suggested. I was wondering however, regardless of the hp outputs of these cars, which one has better acceleration, the 740, 760, or 960?

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Nov 2009, 11:17

In theory the 740 turbo and 760 turbo should be the same as the engine and gearbox are the same. However, the 740 weighs in at 2954 - 3073 lbs and the 760 weighs in at 3272 - 3305 lbs so the 740 may have a slight advantage.

The 960 can't really be compared to the 700 series as it has a straight 6, 2.9 litre engine, turning out 204 DIN hp at 6000rpm, coupled to a more up to date gearbox.

My preference would be the 960.

Bill.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 15 Nov 2009, 17:37

Hey Bill, you mentioned that it is best to avoid pre 88 740 due to the wiring. Did the 960's have any similar issues or any issues at all that plagued a certain model year? Also, there is no 960 turbo correct?

Post by **billofdurham** » 16 Nov 2009, 12:16

From '92 - '95 the 960 used the B6304F engine and there was a problem with a small number of these suffering from a porous block causing coolant leakage. I haven't seen one and my main Volvo contact, a Volvo tech for more years than he cares to count, hasn't seen one either.

From '95 - '98, including the S/V90, the engine was the B6304F2 with no reported problems.

There was a 960 turbo in '92 with the B230FT engine. It did not make it to '93.

Bill.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 16 Nov 2009, 14:10

Ok, thanks a lot. You've been very helpful.