4 replies to this topic

[Member]

As a BMW owner and longtime Volvo lover I'm thinking about making my way into one of my favorite cars, a V70. I'm looking for something cheap that I can mod as I go. When I mod a car it's clean, mostly-OE stuff. The V70 would have something like Volans, C70 Jewels, XC grille, R bumper, and a nice suspension, and other goodies. Nothing groundbreaking, no cheesy headlights. It will end up manual-swapped. Just want a fun, comfortable, fast hauler.

This is my current E34, a '95 525i. I've done just about everything to it including a manual swap.


I've read a lot on the forums about these cars. Something that keeps coming up is about '98 vs. '99-'00 and I don't know what I should do. I see that the ETM is still an issue on the later cars. But I don't know what else is different, as far as better vs. worse. I'm also looking at manual swapping and apparently the '98 is easier?

I know that I want a FWD V70, as I don't want to deal with the finnicky AWD system. Is going to FWD as simple as removing a driveshaft?

Is it a total mistake to go with a GLT? I'm really looking for a deal but not sure if 230 hp is enough after an IPD reflash. Hold out for a T5?

If you have any advice or comments let them commence! Thanks!

[steve s]

hey, cool, only e34 other than an m5 to have rear seat headrests

Member, on 07 November 2009 - 03:49 AM, said:

I've read a lot on the forums about these cars. Something that keeps coming up is about '98 vs. '99-'00 and I don't know what I should do. I see that the ETM is still an issue on the later cars. But I don't know what else is different, as far as better vs. worse. I'm also looking at manual swapping and apparently the '98 is easier?

I know that I want a FWD V70, as I don't want to deal with the finnicky AWD system. Is going to FWD as simple as removing a driveshaft?

Is it a total mistake to go with a GLT? I'm really looking for a deal but not sure if 230 hp is enough after an IPD reflash. Hold out for a T5?

If you have any advice or comments let them commence! Thanks!

go with 1998 v70 t5m fwd.

it may be hard to find tho. glt is fine, much more responsive down low. i don't know if glt came in manual or not.

[Big Will]

Don't know where you are from, but if it's N. America then the GLT did not come in a manual - it was a light pressure (13G or 13T depending on the year) turbo motor. If you mod it well you can achieve well more than 230 hp but it's not the out of the box 236+ that the T5 has so it's probably worth waiting for the T5 unless you really like the characteristics of the LPT motor (I do). The T5 was also available as a manual and even though they're a bit rare, they aren't so hard to find if you look around. Less work than a manual swap.

Good luck with your search!

[64pvolvo1800]

Member, on 07 November 2009 - 03:49 AM, said:

I've read a lot on the forums about these cars. Something that keeps coming up is about '98 vs. '99-'00 and I don't know what I should do. I see that the ETM is still an issue on the later cars. But I don't know what else is different, as far as better vs. worse. I'm also looking at manual swapping and apparently the '98 is easier?

I know that I want a FWD V70, as I don't want to deal with the finnicky AWD system. Is going to FWD as simple as removing a driveshaft?

Is it a total mistake to go with a GLT? I'm really looking for a deal but not sure if 230 hp is enough after an IPD reflash. Hold out for a T5?

If you have any advice or comments let them commence! Thanks!

The ECU can be swapped out on a 98 easily. I think not so on a 99+. 99+ has Variable Valve Timing too.

98

[TyConn]

you're making a mistake unless you look ONLY at 1998, and/or ONLY at Rs

and 00+ has CVVT