So, I'm looking at getting a V70. A nice looking cheap onewith an auto transmission. Now why in the world would I get an auto? Why? Because I have future plans for a V8. Probably a 302. So I know converse engineering doesn't have a kit for any pre-V/S series, therefore they tell me it will need to be a custom Fab. Off course this was the first of the non-rwd models, so its tricky tricky tricky. (little Run DMC four humor sake.)
Any ideas?
fwd LSx V8? Use an Impala SS donor or the later GXP or whatever ran the LS(4?).
...or just bust out the Sawzall and anything can be made to fit with a big enough hammer.
xflowgolf wrote: ...or just bust out the Sawzall and anything can be made to fit with a big enough hammer.
Kind of where I was headed.
Are you planning on going with FWD or converting to RWD? I've often wondered how hard an RWD conversion would be. Start with an AWD model. Enlarge the tranny tunnel, swap out the rear end for something tougher ... probably too much work but it wasn't a project I was doing myself, it would be something I would enable someone else to do. ;-)
You can find broken AWD V70 and XC70's for cheap. You can also find broken FWD V70's for cheap too. Working ones are relatively cheap and used parts are readily available. I spent a good bit on the suspension for my V70 but otherwise the car's been pretty cheap to keep functioning. Catching up on the PO's deferred maintenance has cost me a few hundred bucks but no big deal.
My thought is get a rear and shaft from an older model and work from there. Shouldn't be much difference in the chassis between the fwd and awd, so there should be room for the shaft. Drop in 302 w/t5 and custom mounts.... run electronics. Win.
Edit: Widening the tranny tunnel must be done for T5. With a hammer. 
Well... when I get the g/f's '96 850* wagon on the lift tonight, I'll ponder on the idea and give you my thoughts. My initial reservation may be with engine mounting. Most FWD cars "hang" the engine/trans from brackets on the unibody vs. supporting from the cross member like most RWD cars. While the front cross member that ties the LCA's together is fairly substantial, I'm not sure it's designed to take that sort of vertical load.
(* Volvo change the model names from 850 to S/V70 in the late 90's, but the cars were the same)
Thanks. I'm looking at a 98 for $900. Needs lower control arm and vacuum leak. Vs a 92. $1500 needs speed sensor and "runs rough."
check out the steering rack location. Many FWD based AWD cars hang the steering rack from the firewall. That adds another wrinkle to enlarging the tunnel.
I'll look at the rack as well, but I'm pretty sure it's mounted to the front subframe and is rear-steer like most FWD cars. I've never seen one mounted to the firewall, but I'm only familiar with MINI's, VW Mk IV's and now this Volvo.
You can find a 740/940 for the same price any real reason to go with the V70? Heck, V90 with busted timing belt should be nearly free as well.
http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/3215949894.html
That would save you alot of work in the long run. But if you want to go from FWD to RWD just for fun, no complaints from me.
In reply to m4ff3w:
Thats why I'm asking. There is a decent 92 available, but its 600 more. Haven't talked price yet. I'm pretty well set on Volvo wagon, though. Really would like the option to drop a 302 in when I feel like it.
The SE body kit is nice:
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3311560006.html
Mas:
just for fun: http://stjoseph.craigslist.org/cto/3234922169.html
Thanks, M.
Keep in mind, the swap will be a future project.
Ian F wrote: I'll look at the rack as well, but I'm pretty sure it's mounted to the front subframe and is rear-steer like most FWD cars. I've never seen one mounted to the firewall, but I'm only familiar with MINI's, VW Mk IV's and now this Volvo.
I guess a more apt description would be the steering rack at the back of the engine bay right where you would try to enlarge a tunnel.
V70R:
The steering rack is mounted to the subframe between the engine and fire wall.
I've had similar ponderings for an 850.
There's a "twin charged" (supercharger & turbo) RWD 850 some crazy Swede made that's got a few pictures and videos floating around on the interwebs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTXgSxsh5-o&feature=relmfu
In reply to MrJoshua:
Thanks for checking that out. Obviously would make the chore harder...
I've seen 5.0 swaps, LSx swaps, RB20DET swaps. Pretty much anything is possible with the pre-97 models.
There's this thread on VS too, basically the same idea I have/had (RWD 850T6). The thread was making good progress and then kind of falls off:
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/148269-volvo-850-rwd-let-the-project-begin/
Crazy swaps are fun in theory, and I'm never one to discourage people from this kind of thing, but I think starting with a V70 Turbo and turning the boost way up might be more satisfying in the long run. I'm thinking in terms of how long it will take to get a V8 sorted and on the road.
In reply to Woody:
Thats why I'm leaning 740. Thats an easy V8 swap. I want the people next to me at the light to say, "what the berkeley?" when they hear the pipes rumble.
Even if you solved the rack issue what would you do for a rear end?,if your stuck on a volvo rwd V8 simply grab a 7 series and have at it.
In reply to kevlarcorolla:
Having a good running 7 series for a price I can afford and daily driving it is number one. The V70 was in my range, which is what brought the question forward. A rear end is a smaller issue than the rack. I can source one to fit. I've already begun leaning 7 series and now have to harass a guy down in price.
N Sperlo wrote: In reply to MrJoshua: Thanks for checking that out. Obviously would make the chore harder... I've seen 5.0 swaps, LSx swaps, RB20DET swaps. Pretty much anything is possible with the pre-97 models.
You could go '97 and '98 in the S/V90. Also, the 94+ 850 would present the same problems as the S/V70.
740/940 should be plentiful on the cheap though.
Basically what I plan on looking for is a preexisting rear wheel drive Volvo wagon. 
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