The BEST CAR EVER, join me outside of the P80 world!

Post by **CIK7** » 12 Aug 2020, 17:36

No joke, I really like my 98 XC. So my plan for the Cloud (maybe rename to the Storm?) is to buy a 2.3 with a 16t on it, do some basics like replace timing belt kit with pump, turbo seal kit, and then put on new steering rack and ac seals. I'm not going to drop $1800 into it though. It's not gonna be a fancy rebuild like I originally planned. Can't afford it. I decided I'm going to use the XC as my offroader, to haul large items, and, when applicable, as road tripper. I bought a new car, 1996 960 sedan with all top options (not executive model). One owner, 140k miles, all service records, mint interior minus the wear on driver seat left bolster. This 960 is the BEST car I have ever had! The comfort, handling, cornering, negation of bumps, turning radius, more-than-ample power, the placement of everything inside, the affordability of keys and remotes together, and the iconic MASSIVE engine bay of RWD Volvos. I love that it has the familiar whiteblock setup. I appreciate that all ceiling lights are in one hub. Everything is extravagant about this car! There are two things I want to do. I want to rewire all interior lights just like I did on my XC so I have lots of light. When I open driver's door, two front footwells light up, that's it. Second thing I want to do is to create my own side curtain airbags using the shotgun pistons from either pre98 p80 seats or (more feasible) the pistons from 95-98 960/sv90 seats and the side curtain airbags from 1999-2006 Volvo s80. Already found a donor. Already know how I want to build them. I will document my light wiring process and the building of the airbags. Please join me in the ultimate luxury RWD community. June convinced me a while back that these 960 and 90 models were gold and it's true!

Post by **abscate** » 13 Aug 2020, 07:34

You are on the block yo be voted off the P80 Island. Only a June has veto power from the tribe.

Post by **CIK7** » 13 Aug 2020, 07:54

abscate wrote: 13 Aug 2020, 07:34 You are on the block yo be voted off the P80 Island. Only a June has veto power from the tribe.

I'm keeping my 98 XC. That isn't gonna change. I'm still with y'all! But the 960 is for real best car I ever had.
So I think I'm keeping the black color on the XC with the white panels. As a result I'm renaming to The Storm. And I need a name for my silver 960. I thought someone named theirs Silver Bullet. Might have been rspi (Robert Spinner). I was thinking Lightning Strike but the 960 is not fast. In a few ways 960 is comparable to my Impala. The Impala doesn't deserve to be in the 'executive' car category. Nothing executive about it. Quality (as with most GM vehicles) is low. But it's just as large, including weight. The 960 3461lb vs 3555lb and 16.6ft3 vs 17.6ft3 trunk space. Both 6 cyl. Despite the Impala having more power and torque, the 960 still comes out with more torque vs power so more get up and go, nearly 1 sec faster.

Post by **June** » 13 Aug 2020, 09:45

abscate wrote: 13 Aug 2020, 07:34 You are on the block yo be voted off the P80 Island. Only a June has veto power from the tribe.

June

Post by **scot850** » 13 Aug 2020, 11:50

Why not call your car 'Storm Cloud' as I can see a few on the horizon with the re-build!

Post by **Clemens** » 13 Aug 2020, 11:51

I'm glad I've never been in a 960. they, just like a 945 Turbo, seem tempting. Still, I vote you off the island

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 13 Aug 2020, 12:16

One thing to be said about the 900's series is the poor safety on small overlap crashes. I will admit the possibility of larger engine swaps is tempting but i like putting a big old engine between me and the idiot who hits me head on. Engine tuning will probably be similar to that of the 850's, i believe if they have m4.4. Does the 6 cylinder actually make more power? Or is it more of the difference between driving a rwd vs fwd.

I dont know if the airbag mod would be necessary or safe. If the 960 has sips like the 850's then you should probably fine as i speak from experience. You will need to make custom mounts to hold the airbags and you will need to trust said mounts to hold the airbags in place on collision. They might actually do more damage to you if they are fitted wrong or are able to move to a space that can cause a lot of damage (neck/head area).

There ain't enough for 2 best 90's car platforms in this 90's forum

My money is on the exorcist if you are going for an elderly Sunday drive vibe! Runner up would be a mustang if you think it looks like a p51.

Post by **smacknab** » 13 Aug 2020, 12:30

I feel attacked by the 'check your p0455' option

Post by **abscate** » 13 Aug 2020, 12:50

smacknab wrote: 13 Aug 2020, 12:30 I feel attacked by the 'check your p0455' option

You perceptions are acute

Post by **scot850** » 13 Aug 2020, 13:15

Hate to say it, but best cars I have owned were all GM!!

1983 Opel Senator - 3 litre straight 6 - 3 speed auto. Downside -Rust
1988 Vauxhall Carleton - 3 litre straight 6 - 5 speed stick. Downside - Rust
2001 Chev Suburban 1500 on rear coils. Downside - Rust

All these vehicles were extremely comfortable, and great to drive. But you see the common thread here!!

During most of this time still had a Volvo of some sort as well and for most of the last 45 years.

Neil.

The BEST CAR EVER, join me outside of the P80 world!

Does CIL7 get voted off the Island?