some questions about 1985 volvo wagons

zoideraserb · Post by **zoideraserb** » 15 Apr 2005, 01:50

Hello All, I am new to the Volvo scene "to tell u the truth i've never even ridden in one" and am looking at a 85 Volvo Wagon from someone on a forum i goto "unsure of exact model" and in every picture i've found of 1985 model year cars they ALL have sunroofs, So is the sunroof a standard on all volvo wagons of that year or era? Also i was wondering how well thes cars ride and perform "i am looking for something thats not to slow and rides well"?
Is there anything that ishould look out for when checking it over?

Thanx, zoideraserb

EDIT: I forgot to ask did these have a third row seat? If not is there anyway to add one?

cgdm1168 · Post by **cgdm1168** » 23 Apr 2005, 13:01

Sunroofs were optional, with 2 types, manual or electric. As to how it rides, that's pretty subjective. It's a great Interstate cruiser, but it's not a slolam racer. Steering is a bit overboosted, and slighlty slow due to the large steering wheel, but, stability is overall good in stock trim. The turbo has the most agressive of the suspensions. Compared to American Cars of the era, a firmer, but not jarring, with better roll control in the turns, but not a BMW in flatness.

As to perfomance, varies dependant on the engine. The stock B230 4cyl, (114HP) is underpowered. If looking at an 82-88, look for a B230FT Turbo gas powered, or the 760 with a 2.8L V6(139HP) . I haven't driven the V6, but the Turbo is the most powerful of the group at 160HP in stock trim, With no real penalty in reliability on the engine. A little slow off a dead stop, but from 30 to 70 with the boost up, a blast!!!. Not to mention alot of performance mods availble to get the "brick: up to near 300HP

Good set of Power specs:

http://www.vlvworld.com/indexframe.html?engspecs.html

One word of advice, If looking for a stock turbo in that year range, get the 4spd auto Trans/OD. It's stout. The stock manual 5spd in the turbo is at the limit in handling the power of the turbo and is prone to problems, unless your willing to upgrade the tranny.

I use my 86 Turbo 740GLE Wagon as a weekend car, and love it.