So, I made it about two months without a Volvo.

"cmill189 - sans Volvo" (cmill189)
08/08/2020 at 14:58 • Filed to: None

$400. Problems TBD but it drove itself on and off the trailer.

DISCUSSION (13)

Tristan > cmill189 - sans Volvo
08/08/2020 at 15:13

Yabbut... tell me more about that 8-lug ‘Burban!

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Tristan
08/08/2020 at 15:27

It’s my tow vehicle and the cheapest way to get into a 3/4 ton gasser. 50% of the cost compared the exact same thing with a bed.

6.0 (that’s what I wanted), 4:10 gearing, loaded minus Autoride, one owner. Currently at 224,000. I’ve just fixed leaks from old gaskets, shocks, and put in a giant aluminum radiator and a giant trans cooler.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > cmill189 - sans Volvo
08/08/2020 at 15:37

Ooooh rare blue wagon with a nice tow rig.

facw > cmill189 - sans Volvo
08/08/2020 at 16:05

Nice I miss my S40, decently fun little car, and a wagon adds some practicality to that as well.

Tristan > cmill189 - sans Volvo
08/08/2020 at 16:09

Sounds like mine’s twin. ‘01 6.0 with 4.10s. Friggin’ love the old girl. I might’ve been tempted to go with the 8.1 if I’d known I would buy such a big travel trailer, but the LQ4 gets the job done.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Tristan
08/08/2020 at 16:52

Nice! Mine is a 03. O n very steep mountain passes I wouldn’t mind the extra power but you're right, it gets the job done. I've been tempted to get a tune or at least have torque management removed but it would probably blow up. With the new radiator and heavy duty fan clutch, I can let it sit and scream at 5000 rpm forever up a mountain. A/C on, 100 degrees, and a 6000 pound camper the gauge doesn't budge anymore.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > facw
08/08/2020 at 16:54

I’m looking forward to fixing this one. Likely a head gasket.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
08/08/2020 at 16:54

Thanks!

Tristan > cmill189 - sans Volvo
08/08/2020 at 17:44

On the contrary, I can’t believe they don’t blow up with the stock tune. It’s garbage. It pulls timing on the top end and power enrichment is completely tuned out (comes in after 60 seconds at 5500 rpm, so effectively disabled), so it’s always trying to maintain 14.7:1 no matter what kind of load it’s under. I’ve ham-fistedly learned how to use hp tuners on mine and haven’t managed to hurt anything. Tuning really really helps these ol’ pigs.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Tristan
08/08/2020 at 22:35

Interesting! I have thought about getting the HP setup and at least logging it for a while in different conditions.

Suitcase full of Grandma Sycamore White Bread > cmill189 - sans Volvo
08/08/2020 at 23:21

I’ve always wanted a Volvo, especially a little one like the v40 or C30, but I’m scared to buy European . Any idea what the reliability is normally like?

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Suitcase full of Grandma Sycamore White Bread
08/09/2020 at 00:27

It really depends on what the maintenance history is like. If you can work on them yourself it's not expensive. I know the people at the independent Volvo shop here and the XC70 is their bread and butter work. So many of those around with well over 200k.

Tristan > cmill189 - sans Volvo
08/09/2020 at 01:57

I recommend it- it’s been one of the most educational automotive experiences I’ve ever had.