850 GLT 97: Should I replace the motor or the car?

bjmcc1984 · Post by **bjmcc1984** » 14 Jan 2010, 13:40

I recently seized the motor on my turbo wagon, very sad. I think the turbo failed and/or head gasket, but whatever it was all the oil drained on the highway before I even knew there was a problem. So now I'm faced with the question: replace the motor or the car? I've got a quote from a shop that it'll end up around $5000 when its all said and done, which seems pretty high to me. I don't want to try doing it myself because I'll screw it up, but i know I can get a motor anywhere from $700-$1500 w/turbo. The car looks great and is around 165,000 mi. old. There aren't any other mechanical or cosmetic issues. Any suggestions?

There should be some pictures attached.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 14 Jan 2010, 14:22

Bummer,

I would just drop a new motor in it. Be very careful when getting the motor and make sure it is a low pressure turbo that matches your GLT motor (VIN 56).

...Lee

Post by **jblackburn** » 14 Jan 2010, 14:38

$5000 is a high price if you ask me - more than the car itself is worth. Shop around with various mechanics, provided you provide the engine. You'll have to look for a similar GLT motor...from a 97 850 or a 98 S70/V70 GLT or XC70. That makes your search a little harder, but there are lots of these cars out there, at least the 98 models.

850 Turbo1 · Post by **850 Turbo1** » 14 Jan 2010, 15:06

The first thing to do is find the right engine..SHOP AROUND....I mean it's an engine ...a better mechanic (much more affordable) should also be in the works...this mechanic wants to retire early...watch out...ALSO FIND YOUR OWN ENGINE...else they might get you a bad engine and charge what they feel like charging(always higher than the self bought parts)!!!!

9394volvo850s · Post by **9394volvo850s** » 14 Jan 2010, 19:09

labor should not run more then $1000 plus cost of motor. no more then a 10 hour job @ $100 per hour.

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 14 Jan 2010, 21:49

I had my 1998 S70 T5 motor put in for $2700 taxes included(timing belt fiasco). The motor was a fairly low mileage engine to. 5k is crazy to pay for a motor an install for that car.

bjmcc1984 · Post by **bjmcc1984** » 15 Jan 2010, 08:25

Thanks for all the advice and estimates guys. I was pretty sketched out by the 5000 dollar quote myself because I've found motors online for under $1000 and I knew it was only a 10-18 hr. labor job. I was just unsure about buying a motor online unseen, but I'll see what I can find.

Any ideas on where to look for a quality motor?

Post by **jblackburn** » 15 Jan 2010, 08:27

Give Erie Vo-vo a call. They stock used/re-built engines for reasonable prices.

Other than that, check out Craigslist and Ebay in your area for cars being parted out.

NoMechanic · Post by **NoMechanic** » 15 Jan 2010, 09:51

It's a nice car but...

I'd shop around for prices on another before I just replace the engine. You car is in nice enough condition that you could sell off parts and make more than trying to sell the whole car minus an engine.

'88 760 GLE
95 850T
04 s60T

850 Turbo1 · Post by **850 Turbo1** » 15 Jan 2010, 10:06

jablackburn wrote:Give Erie Vo-vo a call. They stock used/re-built engines for reasonable prices.

Other than that, check out Craigslist and Ebay in your area for cars being parted out.

NoMechanic wrote:It's a nice car but...

I'd shop around for prices on another before I just replace the engine. You car is in nice enough condition that you could sell off parts and make more than trying to sell the whole car minus an engine.

'88 760 GLE
95 850T
04 s60T

VERY TRUE!!--is it a Black color or is it purplish ?---looks reallly NICE...don't junk it!

FIXXX ITTTT!