Help choosing a project (within these^ models)

Post by **CIK7** » 27 May 2019, 13:48

So I would like to get suggestions and advice on my next wagon project. My 98 v70 xc project went out the window because the state refused to work with me on the title stuff. So I read a lot on the 740, 760, 780, 940, 960, s/v90 (960 renamed) models. I already know a lot about the 850 series; good cars they are. I'm interested in any of these models available in a turbo wagon (excluding the V6) model years 1987-1990 and 1996-1998 for the 960/V90 Although this forum is not about the 850, it is also a car I'm strongly considering (the 1995-97 turbo or 1997+ AWD). Based ONLY on owner and mechanic experience, please share with me you thoughts, feelings, and experinces on the good, bad, and ugly of these 7 (including the 850) models. This would include engine and transmission failures (it's a Volvo, how can there be?) and successes, aftermarket upgradeability (excluding engine swaps), ease of repairs/parts replacement, and how computerized (a lot of electronics or not) they are.

My project would include replacing parts to make into a rally and offroad-capable vehicle, stripping down old carpet and paint to freshen it up, and make custom wooden structures such as middle console, mini ground-bound trunk cabinets, rear independent user space. When I'm done with it, it will be a feature rich, high-performing, offroading, super-storage, hauling-monster vehicle. And since I run a new taxi/rideshare business, it will also serve to be a handsome cloud ride for my passengers.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 27 May 2019, 19:25

If you're looking for something easy to modify/upgrade, you really can't go wrong with a good old red block! I'm a big fan of the 740/760, I had an '88 and I really regret selling it. I wish I still had it to tinker with... I have an S90, but it's just not the same. I still plan on doing some work on the S90, but I will be looking for another 740 when a driveway space clears up.

I know someone local to me who built a 740 wagon for offroading, and it's pretty badass. It's very easy to lift and put some big tires on them, and they're surprisingly capable.

As for the transmissions, they're all pretty good overall. I'm partial to the manuals (M46 and M47, only available on the 740/760 models) but the automatics are known to be stronger and more reliable. Most are Aisin units, while some 740s got ZF transmissions. I believe the AWs are a bit better than the ZF, but don't quote me on that.

Post by **CIK7** » 27 May 2019, 19:35

bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 19:25 If you're looking for something easy to modify/upgrade, you really can't go wrong with a good old red block! I'm a big fan of the 740/760, I had an '88 and I really regret selling it. I wish I still had it to tinker with... I have an S90, but it's just not the same.

I've heard that with the redblocks, the transmissions and clutch area are able to be unbolted and replaced with other transmissions and the clutch be put in with no mod necessary. Is this true? And when you say S90, I assume you mean the late '90s model? The S90 was revived in 2018.

Post by **CIK7** » 27 May 2019, 19:37

bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 19:25 I have an S90

Can you post a pic of the 740 you use to have and the S90 you have now?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 27 May 2019, 19:47

Yeah, I have a '98 S90. Picked it up back in March for $100. It needs a transmission, but it's still kind of drivable. I'm thinking about swapping in a T6 engine from an S80/XC90. And replacing the trans of course!

If you mean doing a manual swap, it's very easy on those cars. Otherwise, all of the transmission are interchangeable, the red block bell housing is the same on all of those engines.

Post by **CIK7** » 27 May 2019, 20:19

bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 19:47 Yeah, I have a '98 S90. Picked it up back in March for $100. I'm thinking about swapping in a T6 engine from an S80/XC90.

That is a great price! Beware of the T6. I was informed by an experienced Volvo mechanic in OKC that the S80 T6 is one to stay away from because of plenty of issues the engine has. I assume it's the twin turbo because obviously you are dealing with 2 turbos, not 1. That pressure on the engine does cause wear faster and more problems. Keep in mind, Ford was the co that owned Volvo at that time. Ford has made a good few mistakes pertaining to turbocharged engines, also did not do such a hot job on their own cars at that time either. Fun fact: Did you know Ford used a Volvo 2.5T engine in their Australian Focus model?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 28 May 2019, 08:52

CIK7 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 20:19 That is a great price! Beware of the T6. I was informed by an experienced Volvo mechanic in OKC that the S80 T6 is one to stay away from because of plenty of issues the engine has. I assume it's the twin turbo because obviously you are dealing with 2 turbos, not 1. That pressure on the engine does cause wear faster and more problems. Keep in mind, Ford was the co that owned Volvo at that time. Ford has made a good few mistakes pertaining to turbocharged engines, also did not do such a hot job on their own cars at that time either. Fun fact: Did you know Ford used a Volvo 2.5T engine in their Australian Focus model?

Yup, the European/Australian market Focus ST, RS, and RS500 used a highly modified version of the RNC 2.5T from the P1 cars. It made a lot of power and a sweet sound!

The main issue with the T6 cars was the transmission, which was a GM 4 speed. I won't be using that since it's a FWD/AWD transmission, I'll likely find another AW30 for my S90. Ideally I'll manual swap it with a Ford T5, but that depends on if I can find the other swap parts easily and cheaply. Overall the engines are pretty solid, but I'm sure the twin turbo setup would require a little more maintenance.

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 29 May 2019, 09:49

The 1988-1990 760 Turbo Wagon has been a good car for me. Nearly 14 years with my 1988 760 Turbo Wagon and only one major issue that turned out to be the ignition power stage. At this stage in my car's life i'm just trying to keep it going as long as possible.

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 29 May 2019, 09:55

CIK7 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 20:19
bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 19:47 Yeah, I have a '98 S90. Picked it up back in March for $100. I'm thinking about swapping in a T6 engine from an S80/XC90.
That is a great price! Beware of the T6. I was informed by an experienced Volvo mechanic in OKC that the S80 T6 is one to stay away from because of plenty of issues the engine has. I assume it's the twin turbo because obviously you are dealing with 2 turbos, not 1. That pressure on the engine does cause wear faster and more problems. Keep in mind, Ford was the co that owned Volvo at that time. Ford has made a good few mistakes pertaining to turbocharged engines, also did not do such a hot job on their own cars at that time either. Fun fact: Did you know Ford used a Volvo 2.5T engine in their Australian Focus model?

The S80 design had already been done by the time Ford took over.

Post by **CIK7** » 03 Jun 2019, 12:39

lummert wrote: ↑29 May 2019, 09:55
CIK7 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 20:19
bmdubya1198 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 19:47 Yeah, I have a '98 S90. Picked it up back in March for $100. I'm thinking about swapping in a T6 engine from an S80/XC90.
That is a great price! Beware of the T6. I was informed by an experienced Volvo mechanic in OKC that the S80 T6 is one to stay away from because of plenty of issues the engine has. I assume it's the twin turbo because obviously you are dealing with 2 turbos, not 1. That pressure on the engine does cause wear faster and more problems. Keep in mind, Ford was the co that owned Volvo at that time. Ford has made a good few mistakes pertaining to turbocharged engines, also did not do such a hot job on their own cars at that time either. Fun fact: Did you know Ford used a Volvo 2.5T engine in their Australian Focus model?
The S80 design had already been done by the time Ford took over.

Yes that is true. It was released in 1999, the first year Ford had ownership.