I posted this in the 900 catagory too.

I have been hanging around this board a few years now, so I value the opinions of my fellow brick boarders.

My 960 has just over 217,000 miles, being a 960 that has not always been an easy road. I have the opportunity to buy a brand new engine to replace mine.

Here is a brief history. I have had this car since it had 16,000 miles, it was never great on oil usage even then. Then it was around 1500 miles to a quart. Now it is around 300-500 miles to a quart. A compression test and leak down test comfirm that it not only needs a valve job but also needs new rings. The morning start up has the normal valve lifter clatter for a second or two but there is also some loud piston slap until warm up and now there is some rod knock all the time. That describes the condition of the engine. Not dead yet but....it could go another 100k as long as I check the oil at every fill up.

The balance of the car is in top shape, no rust any where, a/c works great, just had the front end rebuilt totally, new springs and nivos on the back, every thing on the inside works. I went thru the usual vacuum motor replacement, blower motor, radiator, new cat and exhaust, the trans has had an external cooler since I have had it and it operates flawlessly. Need to buy a new set of tires though.

My mechanic repairs only Volvo's exclusively. They have a brand new engine. It has never been run. This was a demo engine that Volvo used for a class room for Volvo mechanics. It has never been disassebled. They want 1,500.00 bucks for it, which I think is a fair price if not a great price. The engine is from 1993 with both the intake, exhaust manifolds and all of the sensors. I am really considering this. Is there anything I am forgettig? I am also concerned about the leaking blocks of the earlier engines. The only thing that is missing in which the mechanic scavenged off is the oil pan. I figure I could use the one from the old engine. Also I would update the oil cooler to the version I have now.

I would swap this on my own. I replaced the head gasket for a oil leak around 80,000 miles ago. So I am somewhat familiar with this engine.

I welcome all comments or questions. Tell me what you think. I am thinking there is another 200k in this vehicle. Am I a fool? I really like driving this car. Does that make me an even bigger fool?

Thanks in advance. Let it rip.


DanR 94 964 217k miles

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DanR