Advice needed on 1999 V70 and V70R situation.

MarinerMan · Post by **MarinerMan** » 04 May 2026, 03:24

Greetings Y'all.
Putting the synopsis at the start for those who don't want to read too much. I own a happy 99 V70 NA manual and an unhappy 99 V70R. Should I power train swap the v70R into the NA body, and if so, how fully?

As you may know or recall, I have a 1999 V70 NA with the M56 manual currently at 162xxx miles. Recently I bought the Millennial (nee Millennium) Falcon from user Volare. The MF (I just realized that is a hilarious abbreviation) is a 1999 V70R AWD with 182xxx miles.

The original idea: I was working to restore the NA by giving it new paint, new interior, and a full factory fresh update of all the systems:Brakes, suspension, lighitng, the works. As that is a large project, it would be useful to have a second vehicle to get around, move parts, go to junkyards, while the other was in the shop. Of course, the MF had been sitting for a while and needed a bit of love itself, but seemed to be nothing that couldn't be fixed with the application of time, money and effort.

The issue: The MF has a few larger issues that I can reasonably tackle. The pinch weld and rocker panel area on the passenger side has suffered some catastrophic rust. It would be possible to cut new steel and do a lot of welding, but the body of the NA is in great condition, so doing lots of unibody welding sounds like a special hell, especially for someone who has no shop, garage, or driveway (Philadelphia city street parking is hell), and the pier that I park on for work just banned us from working on cars on the pier after an idiot (not me) forgot to replace the oil pan drain screw and dumped 11 liters of oil into the river.

The New Idea: I have a NA FWD Manual drive train and R AWD auto drivetrain (granted the prop shaft needs to be reworked. Since I have all the parts, should I change the NA engine to a R engine in the body of the NA? I know it requires all of the peripheral items, but I can transfer everything from one engine bay to the other, mostly by a subframe swap and then some other exhaust and such. The other option is to do a total power train transfer, if I am already doing a major overhaul and change the fuel tank, rear subframe, and all to make the NA body host the R power train? I have too many options and I don't know which to choose. I know some people say to ditch the AWD system as the prop shaft fails and the parts are NLA. If I am doing that, do I keep the "slush box" auto transmission for the R or use the M56? Input would be welcome. I know that I could do an incremental power train swap if I go with the AWD system into the NA body. I could do the engine and transmission in a FWD arrangement, then later change over the Delta rear to the AWD rear, etc. What do y'all think? Please be as laconic or verbose as you choose.

Post by **abscate** » 04 May 2026, 03:46

An R engine into an m56 is an awesome combo. Leave off the awd drivetrain, in Philly a set of studded snows and an m56vwill get you anywhere you want to go.

Without having to fuss with the rear axle carrier on the p80 awd platform it’s just an engine swap.

Bang out the MF metal, bonds, and resell as a runner with the NA.

You will have to sort out axle shafts but I think they just should swap.

Anyone in Philly got a garage for an MVS project?

Post by **erikv11** » 04 May 2026, 20:30

To get the turbo engine into the NA body, you have to also swap all engine bay wiring and (I think) some cabin wiring too. It's a huge job.

MarinerMan · Post by **MarinerMan** » 04 May 2026, 21:12

erikv11 wrote: 04 May 2026, 20:30 To get the turbo engine into the NA body, you have to also swap all engine bay wiring and (I think) some cabin wiring too. It's a huge job.

I know it is a huge job. But I already have to remove all of that, so it doesn't matter the slightest. The joys of repainting...

Post by **abscate** » 05 May 2026, 03:33

erikv11 wrote: 04 May 2026, 20:30 To get the turbo engine into the NA body, you have to also swap all engine bay wiring and (I think) some cabin wiring too. It's a huge job.

Oh crap, yeah.

You need to transition from DENSO to ME7 engine management which means rewiring.

Unless….. you go with a manual boost control, forego VVT and can live with a check engine light on in PA for inspection?

MarinerMan · Post by **MarinerMan** » 05 May 2026, 04:06

No check engine light permitted by PA inspections. I am already resigned to swap the entire harness and dash assemblies. I had planned on dropping the whole subframe and working from there. I have to remove the dash and the bezel on the NA car to replace parts, so no sense in doing a half assed job.