Contemplating selling (a guy coming to look this weekend) the Ladybug (E36 318is) to get another project.
I'm currently looking another BMW E34 (V8 car) or a Volvo 780 . . . I'm VERY familiar with E34s as I have a 530i and sorta familiar with the Volvo 700 series cars. I ABSOLUTELY love the look of the 780 . . . two door, styled by Bertone
Looking to build some small cubed Gen III, manual, semi luxo cruiser
What sayth the peanut gallery?
JohnW
Reader
1/24/11 6:03 p.m.
I would keep your e36 over an e34 (and don't the V8s have some issues?) or a Volvo 7XX.
From a dedicated BMW fanboi - if the Volvo is good cosmetically and structurally, go Swedish. e34s are commonplace and cheap. The 780 has appreciation potential - not guaranteed, but in 5 years they will be hen's teeth. In 5 years the e34 will still be commonplace and cheap.
780 if its a turbo 4. French V6, not so much.
They are getting hard to find bits for- the lights are unique.
an LS e34 would be a sweet car and theyre nice to be inside. never been in a volvo 7-anything, but unless you want a sedan over the coupe (or piss off some bmw retentives) i say 780 too.
In reply to JohnW:
Well . . . I do have a E36 in the garage that I'm building for sporting fun (5.0L powered) so I won't be outta an E36 for a while )
My 530i hasn't shown any of the bad V8 maladies of BMW V8 lore. Mine just wasn't maintained like it was supposed to be. After $200 and a Saturday, it runs like a champ!!
In reply to Streetwiseguy:
It is the French V6 . . . but that would disappear for the Gen III V8 (there is a off the shelf solution for that )
I would have to get someone to design mounts for the E34 since the Zero can't weld
Hotlinked for goodness
BMW 3.0L V8 Goodness
mndsm
SuperDork
1/24/11 9:55 p.m.
Oh my, that is a striking Volvo. I say that. Especially with Gen III whatever in it.
if you stuff a Gen III in the 780 will it be a "Sleeper Sofa" ??
I vote for the 2-door Volvo!
jrw1621
SuperDork
1/25/11 7:17 a.m.
I am a big fan of 780-goodness. I have always liked them and heavily considered a used on once.
As noted above, pieces are getting harder to find. Thought the car looks like a 2 door version of a 740 as I understand it, there is not a single panel shared. All unique body panels, all glass including windshield is different, all lights and grille. Front seats were same but the colors they were offered in were different, etc. The 780 was not produced in high volume so finding used examples to source parts is a challange.
This makes the Volvo more difficult but far more unique. It is a respected and tastefully styled body.
Not considering the BMW 635?
It would likely be pretty cool with a V8 swapped in.
I considered a 6 and apparently a BMW V8 will fit with relative ease (E24/E28 chassis is the predecessor to E34). I'm kinda lumping those in with the E34.
E24 + LS1 = my dream commuter vehicle.
There was a guy on Bimmerforums working on a E24 + LS1 . . . Mwrench and his E24
Matt B
HalfDork
1/25/11 10:38 a.m.
God I love the old 6 series. Strike_Zero - find one those for me to look at for in the ATL
In reply to Matt B:
I can add it to my CL list search
Well . . . after much consideration and staring at the Volvo pics . . . I just put a deposit down on it I'm going to pick it up Feb 12th.
If anyone is interested in the 530i 5spd car (for challenge money) in the ATL PM me for information . . . might as well share the wealth . . .
if you're looking for original... the Bertone 700 and fit it with a tweaked 2JZ Toyota straight 6.... good reliable power under the hood of a Euro sled...
Hehe . . . There is thread on TurboBricks about the Toyota JZ builds . . .
You can also keep the swap in the family, and build an inline 5 turbo from an 850, S70, etc.
Another vote for the ovloV.
Man no . . . I have to go to the Ford Dealership for a timing cover bolt kit. The one I ordered from ARP doesn't work with 94 and up 5.0L.
Here's pics of new family member: Volvo 780
In reply to Strike_Zero:
Well done sir!
er, that was in reference to the new family member, not the Ford bits.
Nah the 5.0L project isn't going anywhere
Lizard you reading my mind?