https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bridgewater/cars-vans-utes/1998-volvo-v70-t5-automatic-wagon/1268817901\
It looks like a good one, but I don't need any more. Tassie still turns up to occasional bargain. Being 98 it must be the 2.5T low pressure model.
1971_144GLhttps://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bridgewater/cars-vans-utes/1998-volvo-v70-t5-automatic-wagon/1268817901\
It looks like a good one, but I don't need any more. Tassie still turns up to occasional bargain. Being 98 it must be the 2.5T low pressure model.
It can be T5 2.3lt as T5s were same as R all along. The T is the LP 2.4 , only difference is boost pressure, put a MBC or an R ecu in and it's great fun.
AshDVSExcellent.
Cheers for the context. I'm certainly not suggesting 'dont do it' - in fact, I've taken another one of these on only recently.
My opinion is that the water pump/timing belt/tensioners task is cheap enough in terms of parts. The front suspension and brakes task has a heavy parts list.
In my case, I was insistent on a T5 as a starting point and my existing parts stash made a V70 a better option than an 850 for me.
Mine needs paint (top surfaces are bad, but the rest is decent), the interior is very good but its beige (so I'll swap it over) but mechanically it is pretty good, save for typical front end items.
None of this worries me and I'm really working through organising the parts I want at the moment and I'm a very long way past the $3k spend (not including the vehicle purchase).
Resurrecting cars is so satisfying to me, even just getting it to the point of road-worthiness and stage 0. It was such a good feeling to put plates on my 240 after replacing quite a few parts for it's roadworthy. But yes, it all adds up! ?
Ex850RMost of the 850's will have paint problems unless kept by old person in a shed but also most will not have been properly serviced except oil etc.
If its good it will be expensive as hard to find now but you may be lucky!
Parts for Volvo we het from USA and UK r Europe as postage is nothing compared to cheap part cost although Volvo have made BIG discounts on all parts now in Australia its worth it now and easier to get the next day.
I spent years fixing up my 850/V70 P80 cars and its fun but harder to get bits now , I would go to self serve wreckers and get fantastic bargains or buy a whole car for spares and make money on the scrap. No longer........
I guess they've really picked up in popularity, I hadn't even heard of them when I bought my 240, and I'd done a fair bit of research.
Shame about the common paint peel, I guess that's unavoidable. ?
1971_144GLhttps://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bridgewater/cars-vans-utes/1998-volvo-v70-t5-automatic-wagon/1268817901\
It looks like a good one, but I don't need any more. Tassie still turns up to occasional bargain. Being 98 it must be the 2.5T low pressure model.
That'd be a pretty good buy, and the Spirit of Tasmania is offering free cars I believe, so that's a bonus. Very doable if you live in VIC.
The car in TAS is definitely a 2.5T (LPT), rather a T5.
The move to ME7, fly by wire and (I think) the 5 speed auto saw the LPT cars become 2.4L
Not sure if an LPT car is on your horizon - they can become quite good performers too.
For me, I was really set on a T5 though. An R was not ideal as the intended end result will make the added price tag of an 850R pointless. Engine spec and performance wise, the 1997-1998 S70T5/V70T5 is as per 850R anyway, and I didnt want an AWD P80 car (so that rules out V70R models)
AshDVSThe car in TAS is definitely a 2.5T (LPT), rather a T5.
The move to ME7, fly by wire and (I think) the 5 speed auto saw the LPT cars become 2.4L
Not sure if an LPT car is on your horizon - they can become quite good performers too.
For me, I was really set on a T5 though. An R was not ideal as the intended end result will make the added price tag of an 850R pointless. Engine spec and performance wise, the 1997-1998 S70T5/V70T5 is as per 850R anyway, and I didnt want an AWD P80 car (so that rules out V70R models)
From my limited knowledge so far, I think a 2.3L T5 would be the go. I agree with you regarding an R model, I wouldn't bother trying unless I happened upon some ridiculous bargain. ?
wzrdovryndrhttps://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/187843#Comment_187843
From my limited knowledge so far, I think a 2.3L T5 would be the go. I agree with you regarding an R model, I wouldn't bother trying unless I happened upon some ridiculous bargain. ?
The best of my P80 cars (first being a '96 855 R Manual with less than 40K on the clock when I got it) was a v70T , 2.4 auto, manual boost controller and eBay intercooler would have wiped all I had before it, GRUNT and auto perfect for fast tightroads which the manual is bad at.
Ex850Rhttps://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/187854#Comment_187854
The best of my P80 cars (first being a '96 855 R Manual with less than 40K on the clock when I got it) was a v70T , 2.4 auto, manual boost controller and eBay intercooler would have wiped all I had before it, GRUNT and auto perfect for fast tightroads which the manual is bad at.
Mmmm that sounds like lots of fun. The P80 wagons give me so much nostalgia for the '99 GT Forester I had a while back.. She used to eat up tight roads. ?
I like the 2.3 T5 variant for all the things it is 'less refined' at, those that give it character. A mate recently asked my why I was selling my Focus XR5 to buy another V70T5 - the answer is simply nostalgia and character.
The XR5 is a 'better' car in probably every measurable way, and the XR5 I had was really well sorted and very quick. I want another V70T5 because I remember watching the 850 wagon in the BTCC, the first actually really nice car I bought for myself was a 1995 850T5 wagon (in 2004).
The V70 is just a refinement of the 850 and a V70T5 is essentially, mechanically, an 850R - its still typical of any 90s turbo car, a bit raw, a bit laggy and doesnt have the 'instant on' of newer stuff, so it has character in droves.
Styling is about the peak (ignoring P1 cars), of really good definitively Volvo styling before (in my opinion) Volvo lost their way. You still pay attention when a nice one passes on the freeway and despite being over 20 years old, it's awesome that Volvo enthusiasts still call them 'modern'
Power delivery of the larger capacity LPT cars is much more linear (arguably better) but I think the shove in the back that you wondered if it was ever coming is part of the appeal.
So, for me, there's way 'better' cars out there but they've got some appeal that draws me back in - amongst a raft of other cars, I've had an 850T5 wagon, an S70T5 manual, and the car I picked up before christmas is my third V70T5.
Hit the nail on the head Ash , said it before, that's exactly why I got my 850 from watching btcc in the 90s . Awesome ?
I have a weirdly odd reason for getting the 850R , I did indeed like that Brocky was in one and seeing I think an NZ race in the wet with a wagon in it televised and I liked the shape, that they stuck it up the nose of Volvo drivers due to the 240 and 700 series OLD MAN CAR with bowling hat on back shelf of sedan.
As I rode motorcycles predominantly since 17 I also hated Volvo and had the sticker on helmet "Volvo aware motorcyclist" proudly.
I had Ford wagons and one day a mother let her daughter out of her sight and she ran flat out into my car rolling off the bonnet, I was going walking pace but somehow it made me want a Volvo , weird...
*Yes , the mother of child turned out to be an unpleasant person, who I reckon caused child to run away by being all of the above.
Thence commenced a long search for a manual R. Luckily it came with 46k K on it weeeeeeeee!
AshDVSI like the 2.3 T5 variant for all the things it is 'less refined' at, those that give it character. A mate recently asked my why I was selling my Focus XR5 to buy another V70T5 - the answer is simply nostalgia and character.
The XR5 is a 'better' car in probably every measurable way, and the XR5 I had was really well sorted and very quick. I want another V70T5 because I remember watching the 850 wagon in the BTCC, the first actually really nice car I bought for myself was a 1995 850T5 wagon (in 2004).
The V70 is just a refinement of the 850 and a V70T5 is essentially, mechanically, an 850R - its still typical of any 90s turbo car, a bit raw, a bit laggy and doesnt have the 'instant on' of newer stuff, so it has character in droves.
Styling is about the peak (ignoring P1 cars), typical of really good definitively Volvo styling before (opinion) Volvo lost their way. You still pay attention when a nice one passes on the freeway and despite being over 20 years old, it's awesome that Volvo enthusiasts still call them 'modern'
Power delivery of the larger capacity LPT cars is much more linear (arguably better) but I think the shove in the back that you wondered if it was ever coming is part of the appeal.
So, for me, there's way 'better' cars out there but they've got some appeal that draws me back in - amongst a raft of other cars, I've had an 850T5 wagon, an S70T5 manual, and the car I picked up before christmas is my third V70T5.
Something about what you've written there is, poetic. I can tell you have a deep connection to these cars.
Personally, and it may be because 90% of the cars I've owned are from the 90's, I think there's something different about newer cars, but it's hard to pinpoint..
Ex850RI have a weirdly odd reason for getting the 850R , I did indeed like that Brocky was in one and seeing I think an NZ race in the wet with a wagon in it televised and I liked the shape, that they stuck it up the nose of Volvo drivers due to the 240 and 700 series OLD MAN CAR with bowling hat on back shelf of sedan.
As I rode motorcycles predominantly since 17 I also hated Volvo and had the sticker on helmet "Volvo aware motorcyclist" proudly.
I had Ford wagons and one day a mother let her daughter out of her sight and she ran flat out into my car rolling off the bonnet, I was going walking pace but somehow it made me want a Volvo , weird...
*Yes , the mother of child turned out to be an unpleasant person, who I reckon caused child to run away by being all of the above.
Thence commenced a long search for a manual R. Luckily it came with 46k K on it weeeeeeeee!
I can just imagine the advertising campaigns they could do with that story.. ?
wzrdovryndrhttps://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/187918#Comment_187918
Something about what you've written there is, poetic. I can tell you have a deep connection to these cars.
Personally, and it may be because 90% of the cars I've owned are from the 90's, I think there's something different about newer cars, but it's hard to pinpoint..
https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/187923#Comment_187923
I can just imagine the advertising campaigns they could do with that story.. ?
When you see the current Volvo ads , yes ....cut to old man popping pills and then with a freakish , wild eyed look at the helm of a V60T6 BEAST! ( Celine Dion on the Harmon stereo of course.....
I must say though , the 855R Manual was fun AND scary in its so called family car status , AND , on the Great Ocean Road tight areas it was SHITEfull , my Bro-Inlaws early Civic VTi-R at a gazillion RPM sounding like a Honda F1 car on the GO Road was exhilarating , im sure he wishes he kept that car....Fastest trip to a shop across many suburbs close to closing time I have experienced. ( Cigars from a walk in humidor of course! )
*puritan censors be away!!! Its IN THE DIKtionary ....
ASh , i do hope you dont mind the takeover , please delete it all if so. Les
This isnt even my thread. This one was started by @wzrdovryndr as he's in search of one. I think we all got emotional and led it off on a very enjoyable tangent but a long way from its original point. lol.
@wzrdovryndr - I am happy to clean all of our guff out of here and let it get back on topic, just let me know.
Back to your quest to find one though... perhaps reach out to @iceton1975 as he might know of one that is available. Mark put me in contact with the person I bought my current one off and I previously bought an S70T5 via Berry Motor Group where Mark works.
Ex850Rhttps://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/187927#Comment_187927
When you see the current Volvo ads , yes ....cut to old man popping pills and then with a freakish , wild eyed look at the helm of a V60T6 BEAST! ( Celine Dion on the Harmon stereo of course.....
I must say though , the 855R Manual was fun AND scary in its so called family car status , AND , on the Great Ocean Road tight areas it was SHITEfull , my Bro-Inlaws early Civic VTi-R at a gazillion RPM sounding like a Honda F1 car on the GO Road was exhilarating , im sure he wishes he kept that car....Fastest trip to a shop across many suburbs close to closing time I have experienced. ( Cigars from a walk in humidor of course! )
*puritan censors be away!!! Its IN THE DIKtionary ....
This one gave me a chill even though I watched it without audio, and panned out to be similar to your experience. {"emoji":{"emojiChar":"?"}}https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjQt2lEZIXg
I've been dying to to the great ocean road, haven't had the chance to drive it myself yet!
AshDVSThis isnt even my thread. This one was started by @wzrdovryndr as he's in search of one. I think we all got emotional and led it off on a very enjoyable tangent but a long way from its original point. lol.
@wzrdovryndr - I am happy to clean all of our guff out of here and let it get back on topic, just let me know.
Back to your quest to find one though... perhaps reach out to @iceton1975 as he might know of one that is available. Mark put me in contact with the person I bought my current one off and I previously bought an S70T5 via Berry Motor Group where Mark works.
Doesn't bother me, can't stop a good thread! And besides, keeps the thread active so I don't have to bump it. ?
I did send Mark a message the other day about an AW71 for my 240.. I'll hit him up! I saw your current one.. I like it. ?
@AshDVS Would be interested to know your thoughts on the XC70's, do you get much power loss in the AWD system?
P80 AWD cars are a topic that always draws out some polarising views. Rob Eldridge built a really nice AWD C70T5 coupe, using a donor V70XC (P80 and the first year or two of P2 XC cars were actually a V70XC - in line with the name convention used with V70R etc - rather than being badged as an XC70) - Rob's car was very well done and was purchased by James Clancy and then Sam Hewitt afterwards. Not sure who owns it now.
A few folks in the UK and a couple in the US have done AWD conversions on 850Rs, 850T5Rs using parts from V70XC, V70R and 850 AWD/V70 AWD cars as donors.
They're definitely more sure-footed and there are claims of good ability to hold big power output.
Is it worth it? Kinda depends on where you stand on it. The efforts people go to in order to do it should be admired - there's always satisfaction in the 'project' side of it and the sense of achievement in completing a conversion like this.
For me though, the maintenance of AWD (note how many of the used ones when they come up note that they have the driveshaft removed and are FWD only at that point), replacing bevel gears, the limited options in decent AWD rear suspension options in the aftermarket, the additional weight and the AWD cars being 'lazier' on change of direction (they're heavier) are factors that mean that I am not interested in one personally.
They're not 'bad' cars - they're arguably more refined than their FWD counterparts but personally, I'd prefer a well sorted FWD car and believe that an FWD P80 is a better fit for me.
I should add too that P3 V70T6 AWD cars are awesome and this would be my AWD volvo of choice - an excellent and fast highway cruiser. Well priced now too.
The GORoad is on my doorstep and I can get to the start of it about 10mins from home. There's some other, great roads nearby that are of the same type but have less traffic that are worth a drive.
AshDVSP80 AWD cars are a topic that always draws out some polarising views. Rob Eldridge built a really nice AWD C70T5 coupe, using a donor V70XC (P80 and the first year or two of P2 XC cars were actually a V70XC - in line with the name convention used with V70R etc - rather than being badged as an XC70) - Rob's car was very well done and was purchased by James Clancy and then Sam Hewitt afterwards. Not sure who owns it now.
A few folks in the UK and a couple in the US have done AWD conversions on 850Rs, 850T5Rs using parts from V70XC, V70R and 850 AWD/V70 AWD cars as donors.
They're definitely more sure-footed and there are claims of good ability to hold big power output.
Is it worth it? Kinda depends on where you stand on it. The efforts people go to in order to do it should be admired - there's always satisfaction in the 'project' side of it and the sense of achievement in completing a conversion like this.
For me though, the maintenance of AWD (note how many of the used ones when they come up note that they have the driveshaft removed and are FWD only at that point), replacing bevel gears, the limited options in decent AWD rear suspension options in the aftermarket, the additional weight and the AWD cars being 'lazier' on change of direction (they're heavier) are factors that mean that I am not interested in one personally.
They're not 'bad' cars - they're arguably more refined than their FWD counterparts but personally, I'd prefer a well sorted FWD car and believe that an FWD P80 is a better fit for me.
I really enjoyed the AWD in my Subaru, the power delivery felt very different to FWD and RWD. IF the AWD system failed, it could be "switched off" (sorta) by pulling the fuse if it ever failed.
My understanding with the P80 AWD's is they use some kind of fluid coupling? Just another potential point of failure that's not really worth it unless it's a feature that you really want. .
For this exercise though, I think I'll stick with FWD and avoid the XC70/V70XCs.. Thanks for your insight, I really appreciate it!
