So... looking at an S80 with a snapped timing belt. This is an interference engine, so I know that means head damage and bent valves for sure.

I have a line on an affordable replacement engine head, so I'm wondering how feasible it it to make such a repair.

I've also done a lot of work on B18-B230 engines learning quite a bit at each step. Plus I successfully completed my first major whiteblock engine job - headgasket replacement on a 98 c70. With that last repair comfortably under my belt, I feel like I could probably take on the infamous timing-belt-death project.

Any thoughts on whether it's worth it to make the repair? This is an earlier model S80. Assuming the pistons are okay, is it any more complex than pulling the head and putting on a new one... or replacing the valves? The engine kits look almost identical to the B5234 in my 1998 C70

FWIW most people stay away from the pre-2002-ish S80 because of electrical and build-quality issues. Yours may be in good shape, but know that given the information available (1999 S80 with a snapped t-belt) this isn't a great candidate to be a super solid car even after you get the t-belt done.

There's no reason it couldn't be an exception to that rule though so do your homework.

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1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 220k+

Seller claimed it was dealer-serviced for most of it's life by the original owner and has the maintenance records. however, the quality issues you mention concern me... The records may provide the answer.

I ran from a 2001 v70 just recently after reading up on the transmission problems, so I'm wary.

They say that the first year is generally to be avoided. My 98 c70 seems to be the exception to the rule.

"They say that the first year is generally to be avoided. My 98 c70 seems to be the exception to the rule."

If I am correct, your 98 c70 is basically an 850 with different cosmetics and a few minor changes. The drivetrain is the proven 850 design. This also applies to the 98 S70/V70. Beginning in 1999 Volvo screwed up a good thing when they switched from a mechanical throttle to the ETM and later changed the transmission....:)

IMHO - Some of the best Volvo's are the 95-97 850's and the 98 C70/S70/V70's.

You are correct, my c70 is the proven P80 type. Basically a coupe version of the 850 with update front end.

When we purchased our 2005 S80 2.5T a little over two years ago, our local Volvo specialty indy told me to steer clear of the S80s with the T6 engine. He said once they got up to about 2003 or 2004 and started using the 2.5 it was a much more reliable set-up.

Thanks for the warnings guys. Seems to be a moot point. The guy never responded, but the listing is gone, so it's either junkyard food, or someone grabbed it.

Best of luck to whomever may have taken it on.

I've been trying to grab a 1998 V70, but they've either gone fast, or I just didn't have the dough when they showed up.

Will keep my eyes open for the "good" years.

If it is a 5 cyl, it is the same engine that you already worked on. A T6 is unknown to me.

Klaus
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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

Looks to be a six cylinder - either a turbocharged 2.8L or plain 2.9L

Hard to tell from the pictures:

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2685555010.html

The 2.9L does not have fog lights, so that is my guess. You need to look at the maint records and see what has been done during the last 100K of the 210K miles.

$500 + towing might be worth it. Stop by a public library and check their Alldata database and see what head replacement looks like.

????????? 1999 ?????? http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2673819172.html

Klaus

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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

I forget that you tend to look up my car prospects on craigslist... :)

Yeah, that one's been on there for a month or more at different prices. Started around $1500 and now just 500. The low cost might justify the risk.

Unfortunately the seller hasn't responded to my queries so someone else could have snatched it already.

Guess my big concern is that this is an early model (1999) model and as I discovered with the v70, some model years are to be avoided.