940 buying advice: turbo or nonturbo

muldersjoerd · Post by **muldersjoerd** » 13 Aug 2013, 12:25

Hi all,

I want to change my V70 for a Volvo 940, running on LPG. I have several good options in my neighborhood, but I need some advice as to which one is best for me.

I was advised by a friend to buy a non turbo, because, he says, a turbo is essentialy always overstretching the capacity of the engine. I prefer a long life of the car and easier/cheaper maintenance. On the other hand, I have a trailer (1300 kg) and maybe I need some extra horsepower?

While I was looking for a non turbo, I found out that there are in fact three tastes: non turbo, low pressure turbo and high pressure turbo.

Should I buy a 940 with LPT and have the same advantages (longer life, easy maintenance) or should I look further for a non turbo?

Thanks in advance,

Sjoerd

Volvo1man · Post by **Volvo1man** » 14 Aug 2013, 17:02

I would recommend a turbo 940, but that is only based on my personal experience. My 1994 940 Turbo Wagon just turned over to 273,000 miles today and is on the original engine, turbo, and transmission. Other than regular routine maintenance, the car has mostly been problem-free.

If Volvo were to begin making the 940 turbo again, I would buy another.

Take care.

JohannReinhard · Post by **JohannReinhard** » 15 Aug 2013, 06:22

I would go with the 940 Turbo, personally. Your friend may be correct in regards to other makes and models of car, but the Volvo redblock engine is tougher than rhino leather. The block can take double the normal horsepower easily, and triple wouldn't be overly stressing it (though expensive to attain). You shouldn't worry too much about a turbo overly stressing the 940's engine.

If all you are concerned about is towing capacity, the standard non-turbo 940 can handle a max towing capacity of 1,600kg. A turbo would make acceleration under load better, but if you aren't concerned with sprinting to the duck blinds or ski slopes the non-turbo might be the more economical option. Before you start towing I highly recommend a transmission flush, oil change, and cooling system pressure test to make sure that your new ride can handle the strain without suffering any ill effects. I've read elsewhere that towing excessively heavy loads can cause foaming of the transmission fluid, so keep that in mind as well (solvable by adding extra cooling capacity to the transmission intercooler). Usual trailer towing rules apply (brakes, lights, etc).

Let us know what you end up getting!

my97volvo · Post by **my97volvo** » 19 Aug 2013, 22:15

I agree with the above posts... I fell into my 91 940 turbo throught my son. Now ihave owned 144's 244's, 245 turbo and an 850 GLT. WIth the exception of the 850, I wil always go with the 940. In the process of boosting the hp with new cam/ exhaust/turbo....

Post by **jblackburn** » 20 Aug 2013, 06:07

Nothing at all wrong with a turbo. The engines were built for it.

The regular 940s are horribly slow.

muldersjoerd · Post by **muldersjoerd** » 02 Sep 2013, 02:42

Last week I bought a Volvo 940 2.3 Nordic (low turbo) running on LPG. Its mileage is 450.000 km, so I hope to use it for at least some 550.000 more. The engine was thoroughly checked by the seller, and he repaired the airco and cruise control. And he runs great, I already drove 1200 km with it without trouble.

Thanks everybody for your advice!