1993 Volvo 940 wagon: good buy?

Post by **98T5** » 16 Mar 2013, 10:43

I'm about to go look at this clean 1993 Volvo 940(4cylinder) with 250K on the clock for $2500 and hopefully add to my collection. Anybody own one of these and what should I look out for? I'm guessing the parts are in comparison to my 98' V70 so I don't I think I'll be in for any surprises, but just to be sure. sound off if you think this is a good buy?

The guy is apparently a volvo mechanic as well.so let me know?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 Mar 2013, 11:43

I am moving you to the RWD section where you can get a better range of expert opinions.

...Lee

Post by **98T5** » 16 Mar 2013, 14:15

Thanks! didn't know the 940 was RWD which is awesome so that pretty much seals the deal for me.

I went and checked it out and it's a solid, clean car with lots of new hoses, belts and such. We agreed on a fair price and I will be taking delivery on it next week.

Post by **mercuric** » 16 Mar 2013, 20:55

Congrats. IMHO, the 92-95 940s are amazing vehicles. Not as plush as the FWD volvos, nor as refined, but damn near impossible to kill and one of the easiest cars to work on. The entire powertrain from the head all the way back to the rear axle is tough as nails.

The stage 0 stuff is pretty much just like the FWD bricks, everything is just easier to get to, and many of the parts are either cheaper or have less (1 O2 sensor, 4 plugs/injectors, etc)

The only downside, IMHO, is the N/A 2.3l 4-banger is quite slow, but does have good torque, and makes up for every ounce of slowness with durability and fine engineering (single cam, non-interference, solid tappets, 1.9:1 rod/stroke ratio). The stock "M" grind cam looses steam dramatically above 4k RPM, and is the main reason these motors are so slow. iPD sells a "VX" cam upgrade which makes a big difference above 4k, and has a nice flat powerband. Very much worth it if you find yourself less than enthused about the stock cam's lack of power in the higher RPM ranges. I'm assuming you picked up an N/A car, the stock turbo cam is a lot better but iPD also has their own turbo cam upgrade which is also a nice upgrade -- although I found it wasn't really too desirable until I had done a lot of other mods and was running lots of boost with a bigger turbo -- Then it made a heck of a difference up top.

Post by **98T5** » 19 Mar 2013, 15:08

Yeah I bought it not for the speed obviously...lol...but for the reliability and looks. the car is near perfect and unmolested. We needed another car for the weekend runabouts and to also calm down my need for another project. this is it. Wifey already said it's all mine and she hates white cars and doesn't want another Volvo (pics coming)..so it was a win/win. She gets me to shut up about another project and I get to shut up and get busy on this next project.

Future mods will include:

1. Lowered springs all around
2. Newer better battery (Interstate)
3. Better stock speakers in the doors (Current ones are shot)
4. maybe a set of wheels, but the stock ones I have on it are cool enough not to switch.

Pics coming tonight.

Post by **98T5** » 21 Mar 2013, 18:07

Well, here she is. It needs a few things like tires up front, A/C control module soldered, but overall it's in condition and ready for mods. A/C is converted to R134 system too. Old lady took good care of it.

Post by **mercuric** » 22 Mar 2013, 09:37

Nice! I actually like that style of stock wheel, one of the more "classic" looking ones.

IMHO, a black eggcrate grille from a 940t would be a nice addition, would complete the white/black effect.

beavy69 · Post by **beavy69** » 23 Mar 2013, 07:00

Looks like you've found yourself a fine example there. I hope the running gear is as good as the car looks!

Post by **98T5** » 23 Mar 2013, 11:43

beavy69 wrote:Looks like you've found yourself a fine example there. I hope the running gear is as good as the car looks!

It shifts pretty good. not jerky at all, although when I push the overdrive button it seems to pull a lot longer before shifts. the tranny pan seeped a little and I just tighten up the screws and it stopped. I sprayed off the entire undercarriage to find out what was leaking and the tranny pan was the only culprit.. fingers crossed.

The undercarriage was covered in dirt not oil so I was surprised at that!! which meant to me not much was leaking besides the tranny pan.

The constant velocity joint seems to have some play in it. is that normal? the rubber around it looked good, but I could move the driveshaft by hand..just..a little bit..not much.

I will post more pics of the engine.

Post by **98T5** » 23 Mar 2013, 12:18

Inline4/8valve aka 4 Banger with Overdrive