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1970's & '80s Volvos
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But the Citroen, that was a piece. Very innovative car, often voted by experts as one of the most important cars of the century.
I think what really made the 70s Volvos image as grandma's car was the soft camshafts. These cars just performed worse and worse as the cam lobes wore off. And Volvo didn't correct the problem ever, until the new B21 engine.
Actually the engine was fairly peppy but when I bought it, it had a rod right through the case. I was going to fit the engine from a Sunbeam Alpine (same block) but once I figured out what a Hillman Minx is worth (a bit less than zero) I decided to play with something else.
Some of the 50s and 60s British sedans were not so much crude as very cheaply made.
Anyway, I think the Volvo finished last. Said is was antiquated, or something like that, but the promised changes for 1973 were supposed to (hopefully) improve things.
Of sourse, the winner was an Audi 100 (if I got the model right). Hopefully not too many people went out and bought one becasue of htis test!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Poor thing, you'd think with 193K they'd put it to sleep before it bites someone.
-Jason
So unless he gets gobs of enjoyment for his efforts, this may not have been a good project. The concept is good, from the standpoint of improving the 122s lackluster performance.
But still, better to bastardize a virtually worthless 70s sedan, not a 60s wagon, seems to me. There are people who will pay big bucks for a very clean, straight 122 wagon but a 70s sedan you'd be lucky to get $1200 for it.
-Jason
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
V8 Volvos.....coupla thoughts...
It's a pity the 850 is FWD, I think it's the prettiest of the lot.
The Volvo aftermarket seems pretty pitiful...IPD catalogs have just a ridiculously small line of parts.
After watching a friend of mine go through the smog cha-cha with a V8 Landcruiser, I think I'd rather be dipped in sh** than deal with the smog guys in CA with late model swaps.
I can't see bothering with a V8 7xx or 2xx Volvo unless it was seriously quick. I'll bet a '89-'93 Mustang 5.0 runs and handles better in the Mustang than in the Volvo. Now, something like a ZL1 Volvo seems reasonable (assuming more money than sense) but would end up using the Volvo as a tub to hang your parts on. Umpteen dollars and a 'friendly' smog guys required (how much is 'hot piping' these days?).
These engine swaps can be really involved if the there's a requirement for smog inspections in your area.
The problem with smog laws is not that they are punitive or bad per se (actually a good thing overall) but that they end up punishing just a few 20+-year-old cars, when there aren't enough 20+-year-old cars on the road to make an impact--even if they were all cleaned up to 2003 standards.
Volvo isn't an "aftermarket" type of car, which is too bad, as this would have kept more of them on the road. When a Volvo gets old and shabby, you junk it, as restoration costs are too prohibitive vis a vis the value of the car. Even a P1800 costs a bundle to fix up, more than they are worth. With a same year MGB, for instance, you have a tremendous aftermarket for inexpensive parts, more parts cars, and a higher value when the restoration is done.
Id' certainly huddle with SmogWorld before I built my dream car, if it was in California and if it was 1973 or newer.
I'd just stare at it and ask WHY??
However, I have driven IPD equipped cars with additional massaging and they can actually make an old Volvo fun to drive.
You know, some car projects are really about guys in a garage having had one too many beers.
But I think those projects are cool, just because they don't make sense.
Hahaha....whatever, you only live once.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I knew about the Latin meaning, but I did not know that Volvo had previously manufactured ball bearings! That explains a few things.
By the way, I've already heard some jokes cracked about the questionable wisdom of selling an SUV under a brand whose name means "I Roll". Fortunately, it looks like the XC90 has been designed such that it won't live up to the name.
-Andrew L
I never thought of teh SUV and "I roll" thing. That's funny
I don't think Volvo ever made ball bearings, but you are right there is a connection, as one of the founding fathers, Assar Gabrielsson, worked for the SKF ball-bearing company, which I think was in or around Paris. This would be mid 1920s.
The first Volvos were modeled after American cars of the time, and in fact always had more of an American look and feel than most other "foreign cars". They were rugged, large inside, rather utilitarian, and a bit clumsy, which is very Volvo up until the 1990s.
I guess Gabrielsson was working "overseas" for SKF then. Does that make sense? So SKF proceeded Volvo and is not connected with it. That's my understanding anyway.
"So SKF proceeded Volvo and is not connected with it. That's my understanding anyway."
-Mine too.
Click on Bilder
click on the upper right picture in the bottom group.
My fifth gear (the button on the gearshift), has gradually begun to fail. ABout two months ago, the overdrive refused to engage when the button was clicked, but would eventually engage if given a second or third chance. Last week, it refused to acknowledge it was even being clicked- I have no more fifth gear. Themechanic suggested the wires in the gearshift, but I've checked and they seem to be in good shape. My next theory is the relay, but I don't know where it is. ANy suggestions? It's an 84 240 wagon. Thanks.
Robert
So, end first would be a) solenoid, b) wires to solenoid c) relay, gearshift switch..
Or if you wish you can start from the front of the system a) switch, b) relay, c) wires to solenoid, d) solenoid.
But don't start in the middle somewhere, with the relay. This isn't good diagnostic procedure and can trip you up. Just because you don't have current coming out of the relay doesn't mean it's bad.
True, but if under those circumstances you can confirm current is going into the relay...and that shouldn't be hard to do. And it's not like relays are foolproof; I lost count of how many I changed during my time working on aircraft. In my experience, it was rarely the devices/wires going in and out of relays, but the relays themselves.
(And yes, I know a military aircraft is a completely different thing that an old Volvo. A relay, however, is pretty much a relay anywhere you go. As well, I do specifically remember reading about high relay failure rates on the M46 transmission. I can't speak from personal experience, though, as my Volvo is equipped with the M47, which is set up like a conventional five speed.)
Maybe he'll report back and let us know.