Rate your skills - the official MVS poll

Post by **abscate** » 27 Aug 2016, 13:19

I knew nothing about Volvo engine management until early 2013, when my 1999 really gave me its first trouble. As SWMBOs daily driver, I did all the maintenance, but when I got check engine lights (probably 3-4 over its lfe, my indie got the work.

IN 2013, I decided to do major refurb to extend its life to 2019 for two reasons

That über comfortable seat which I still drive from CLE to BOS and DC and back.
The T5 manual is just too much fun to drive.

MVS is unlike any other forum Ive found - with great DIY right ups and experts willing to share - any knowledge I appear to have is gleaned from people here

My work life is different now, with me being in charge of when half my work time has to get done. This means I hate spending money for stupid work like removing dashes and stuff like that when I can do that myself. The P2 I got from Jim means SWMBO always has her DD, as that drives like new.

knownasgriff · Post by **knownasgriff** » 30 Aug 2016, 04:36

I think I rate myself a 4, just purchased a 2000 V40 T4 for $1600 NZD and doing belts and tensioners, cam seals, and FULL suspension because it is fubar.
Have had my '96 850 since 2003 it currently has a trans problem when reversing however I have a spare trans to rebuild when i next get a chance.
Like Botbashers I am building a scratch built car, mine is 535cc vtwin powered mid-engined and am in the process of building intake, exhaust and getting megasquirt engine management up and running. I already have a 2lt 850 engine and M56 under wraps for the next build.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 01 Sep 2016, 00:47

jblackburn wrote:I'd give myself a 3. I'm simply too lazy/easily frustrated to do 4, but probably could if I wanted.

If my DD were to blow up, I'd dump it and go buy another.

Someday I hope to have the time and $ to own a snazzy classic car, and it is my hope to go into those projects then.

I hope that snazzy classic is a Volvo.

swaneez2 · Post by **swaneez2** » 21 Sep 2016, 08:45

3 Rivers

Post by **abscate** » 21 Sep 2016, 18:26

What's cool,about MVS is you can tackle a job one river above your level with the help here. And that's for the win....

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 05 Oct 2016, 13:57

I grew up a 2/3 with my father being a mechanic for 25+ years. But after getting my job at Chrysler, I would consider myself a 4, because I know a lot about car computers and diagnostics, and how one shorted out wire can read as engine failure, but that's another story.

Post by **cmblackburn** » 11 Oct 2016, 14:41

I'm going to put myself at a 4. I know body, engine, transmission, drivetrain, fault tracing, wiring, tuning, you name it, I probably know it...
I restored my mother's 1974 BMW 2002, and I brought my S70 T5 and V70 AWD back from the brink of death.
I've become "that Volvo guy" of the high country that people call when they have a problem with their Volvo. I've been called the "P80 Wizard".
I built up a solid reputation by being too poor to have my S70 fixed up and taking it on myself- and really it was a great venture into my mechanical wizardry.

Post by **Kazthebassman** » 17 Oct 2016, 08:19

I'd have to say a higher level 3. Some automotive and electronics schooling. Been doing ALL the work on my own cars for 36+ years. I like it (mostly) and I don't trust anyone..so it's all on me. I did a bit of repair and flip many years ago too.

Post by **FireFox31** » 25 Oct 2016, 20:11

abscate wrote:What's cool,about MVS is you can tackle a job one river above your level with the help here. And that's for the win....

This is very true. On my own, I'm about #2.5, but the pros on MVS let me perform at a #3 or more. Thanks to everyone here!

smoggyama · Post by **smoggyama** » 12 Nov 2016, 22:52

I rate my skill level 3.14159 I'm slow. So slow. Unless..I have done the procedure more than twice. I feel gratitude to those who contribute all the qualified knowledge and experience to this site. I live in the part of Los Angeles you see on New Years day TV. My experience with the local independent Volvo shops is that they are all quite respectable. I still yet prefer to do repairs on my own. I am thrifty. MVS is my enabler and embiggener. I would like to buy another 20 year old turbo if it were new. Newer model year Volvos don't seem as Volvo-like as Volvos used to seem.
I also have a Toyota Land Cruiser in my care. It is a '92, and, to find basic information proved to be so difficult that I resorted to the purchase of a Chilton's Manual from O'Rieley. There is a special parking area for Volvos in heaven. I Roll, -SMOGGY

Rate your skills - the official MVS poll

I am a (blank) Mechanic

Re: Rate your skills - the official MVS poll