1999 S70 "AWD" Rescue Thread

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 04 May 2019, 09:00

So I was finally able to pick up the '99 S70 AWD I saved from the crusher. $400 for the car with 218k miles (and 4 good Blizak snow tires) + $200 for brand new Falken sport tires on decent Ariane rims. Not a bad deal. She started right up and drove a few miles perfect.

What needs fixed ASAP: Needs new shocks / struts on all 4 corners (bouncy, bouncy). Heater core is 10/10 blown; heat wreaks of coolant and windshield has an oil film on it. Lastly, the ECC is having some issues. Driver's side vents only blow full hot (with summer coming that's a big TO DO), and the directional motor is a little lazy. Passenger side ECC everything works as expected.

The Good: interior isn't destroyed, all fluids look clean, paint is okay, found Volvo touch up paint in the trunk with some new front turn signals, and PCV and timing was done by Volvo at 205k miles.

Let the project begin...

Post by **scot850** » 04 May 2019, 09:07

Wow. What a good find. I wish you well on the progress to returning it to the road full time.

Good Luck!

Neil.

Post by **matthew1** » 04 May 2019, 09:58

That’s a really good find. The Blizzak’s are icing on the cake.

Post by **abscate** » 04 May 2019, 10:09

There is a chassis break on 1999 ECC for the blend motor; it goes from two motors to one during the year.

Make sure you replace by direct comparison.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 04 May 2019, 12:13

Progress already: Evened up the rear spoiler (because it was bothering me), and the brake light is wired and working! Found the radio code. Was able to pull a code from the ECC: faulty signal driver's temp control knob. So I'm going to check that out first and hope it's only a bad wire. Pulled the cover and carpet back from the heater core. I don't see a leak or coolant anywhere, but it's REALLY dirty back here. Put down some white paper towels to catch leaks. Heater core installed is a Behr. Will monitor.

Took it for a short drive down some back roads. It's weird driving an auto after driving a manual for 2 years straight. Transmission seems to shift very smooth, but I feel like it's revving awfully high (4K) before shifting to 3rd. Didn't have a long enough straight road to get speed up into 4th. Boost is clearly limited to 6psi, so so much for an R engine. Engine is definitely bone stock apart from intake and turbo doesn't look stock either. Has no problem boosting to and holding 6 psi.

Going to put the Falkens on later today, as the Blizzaks were constantly breaking traction on the warm, wet pavement.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 07 May 2019, 20:03

Finally got the summer tires on, and of course it started pouring. Turned the light on to discover only one bulb behind the dash works. Also, when the headlights are on the turn signals blink more rapidly like a light is out, but all exterior lights are working.

Played around with the ECC more. Got it to self test all the motors, and they all work, so the driver's side must not be getting signal from the temp knob. Ordered a used ECC for cheap to swap in and fingers crossed that fixes it, but I'm betting it's a wiring issue.

Considering the dash lights don't work, temp knob is non functional, the 12v outlet doesn't work, and there is an aftermarket boost gauge and blue LEDs in the dash, I'm assuming I'm going to find an electrical hack job.

Now for some goodies. When I pulled the wheels off I was greeted by IPD upgraded sway bars and braided brake lines. So that's a solid plus. Also new brake pads on the front.

Ordered new shocks and a strut kit today, so I can get started on those and then she should be safely driveable on the highway.

Post by **scot850** » 07 May 2019, 20:34

Wow, you have made such a lot of progress in a short time. Hopefully the car appreciates all your hard work and rewards you well with long service!

Neil.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 07 May 2019, 20:50

Wow, score on the iPd sways!

I'd take a peek at the turbo compressor housing and see what's stamped on there. Maybe someone swapped in something bigger than the stock 13g/13t (whichever one of those it is for '99). As long as it's on the stock tune, it's going to be limited to around 6 PSI. I've been running my GLT reliably at 8 PSI for the past couple years on my home-made boost controller. I'd say it's a solid design! Unfortunately Motronic 7 doesn't like MBCs, so you would need a tune to up the boost if you wanted to.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 07 May 2019, 21:20

One interesting observation I had while changing the tires: the shocks, struts, and springs looked surprisingly clean and still had all their paint, but the shocks and struts are definitely gone, way too bouncy and noisy, and rough ride.

Also noticed the turbo looks very clean, so I will definitely try to find some info off the housing. Looks big for a stock GLT turbo. Boost is definitely limited at 6psi. Wondering if the PO was going for a nice sporty setup, then lost interest.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 08 May 2019, 07:51

I wouldn't be surprised. It would be nice to find a 16t or 19t back there!