How many kilometres is too many?

"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
12/20/2014 at 13:44 • Filed to: None

I want a black Volvo 740 Turbo wagon. I almost never see them, and I definitely never see them for sale, they're only ever a shade of grey, or maybe white or red. Now one is for sale....but it has 380,000kms on it. That's more than several. I know red blocks are very reliable, but I don't have any experience with this age of Volvo. What do you guys think, should I just wait for a lower mileage one? Or go with higher mileage that looks to be in good shape and well maintained, I mean the rear isn't even sagging.

This would have the B230ET, which I think is the one with weaker connecting rods

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DISCUSSION (13)

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 13:49

There are two types of 740 Turbos for sale: High mileage and great shape. OR high mileage and terrible shape. Low mileage 740 Turbos (especially with manuals) are absolute unicorns.

gmctavish needs more space > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
12/20/2014 at 13:51

I think I saw a manual 740 turbo for sale, once, and it was absolutely trashed. of course. I basically gave up on finding a manual one and figure if the auto really bothers me that much I'll look into swapping in a stronger manual than Volvo's 5 speed

Steve in Manhattan > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 13:59

Same thing I always say - take it to a Volvo expert that you pay, and get an evaluation before you buy. Some Jalop just bought a Lexus with 900K plus miles on it. Check here for a mechanic.

Harlard > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 14:44

The 1989 and older B230ET does have the weaker connecting rods. Few points regarding that:

1. They are strong enough with a good tune. I had an 87 FT block put down 225 hp and 220 ft-lbs at the wheels. A good tune is always best.

2. You have a Motronic system. If you want extra power consider switching to LH 2.4

3. If you are keeping it stock the rods will not be a factor in engine wear whatsoever. As long as your cylinder pressures are above 150 PSI +- 5 PSI using a compression tester you should be fine. Wear on these engines is more closely associated with how well maintained they are (coolant and oil flushes, spark plugs [BPR7ES is the absolute best to use in an 8v Redblock]) rather than how many miles are put on them.

gmctavish needs more space > Steve in Manhattan
12/20/2014 at 14:44

Fortunately, I deliver for an auto parts store, and one of the mechanics I deliver to is a Volvo specialist, his name is even Swedish, so that would be a good idea. Oh I think it was Matt Farah that bought the Lexus

gmctavish needs more space > Harlard
12/20/2014 at 14:46

Thanks for the info, that's all really good to know

Steve in Manhattan > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 15:03

How great is that? A Swede to check out the car.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 15:19

If you really want to keep it, get a fresh engine and find one that has a crapped out motor so you can get it cheap. I like to keep cars and get new/rebuilt motors rather than get new cars. Also I would like this in a turbo! Also needs Swedish M90 camo.

Kinja'd!!!

gawdzillla > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 15:42

thats like 50000 miles

you are good

erikgrad > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 18:08

Don't even trouble yourself looking for a low mileage model of this vintage. Reasons being:

1. The odometers were the most common thing to break on 1980's Volvos, little plastic gear would go bad. You really can't trust the mileage to be legit on any of them.

2. If by chance, you find a model with low miles, there is a fair chance that it sat for a long period of time. That's not a good thing, IMHO.

So, don't go by miles...look underneath to make sure its not rotten, and then go totally based on how it sounds running, feels and sounds while driving.

pip bip - choose Corrour > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 19:40

380000km is low mileage , barely run-in

grab the opportunity

seize the day!

D > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 21:41

Word. I've been continually checking my local classifieds for 740s (because I want one) and I've come to realize that the manuals are so rare that I'm virtually going to have to accept an auto if I want to own one. Not such a bad car for an auto though.

D > gmctavish needs more space
12/20/2014 at 21:45

I also think the first few years of 700 series (maybe until '90) had a kind of shitty wiring harness.