...or knew someone who did. I just looked at one and I like it. Ain't the highest performance car ever, but with some tweaking, I'll bet it can be fun. I realize that body panels are unique to this model as well as many other pieces, but that's part of the draw. It's in good overall condition. Talk me out of it. :)
This one isn't it. The one I am looking at is a darker blue, but you get the idea:
.
Why would we want to talk you out of it? Hmm?
I'd love a 780, only ever seen one in the flesh but I think it's the most elegant 700 series shape.
BoxheadTim wrote: Why would we want to talk you out of it? Hmm? I'd love a 780, only ever seen one in the flesh but I think it's the most elegant 700 series shape.
Because I don't "need" it. It's just such a unique vehicle, yet subtle and reasonably practical. I really like the way it looks. Also with the common turbocharged 4, the performance potential is there. Too bad it's a slushbox (but that can be remedied, right?)
I've done some research. I haven't found any fatal flaws. Again, the drivetrain is straightforward Volvo. However, much of the rest of it is unique to a model that was/is very limited. I can handle air dams and light lenses etc. which are 780 only. I just don't want to find out there is a known issue resolvable only by parts that were fabricated from unobtainium turning it into an irreparable hulk. This can be anything from HVAC issues to electronics and rust.
Doesn't seem to be anything here I can't handle, but ya never know.
Id be concerned about glass, I don't know how big a concern that is though. I guess if you get one with a good body, just plan on scrapping it and swapping your good parts into a normal 740 if anything bad ever happens?
I know of a 780 in NJ currently for sale. Owned by an unfortunately now deceased Volvo nut and being sold by his widow. She also selling a pristine 1800ES (auto) and a flat-hood 240 2-dr (4 spd +). I have only seen the 1800 in person, but by in large, the cars he kept for personal use we all excellent.
From what I'm read about 780's, they are for the most part std Volvo's. However, when looking for one, make sure it's complete as the special trim bits specific to the car can be a pain to find, although usually not horribly priced.
definatly the prettiest of the 700 series.. very italian looking
You imply its a turbo 4. If so, that avoids the benefit of the scrap value you would get for the PVR V6. All that aluminum is worth quite a bit now at the recyclers. If its a V6, you just need a donor turbo4 740 to allow you the pleasure and profit of melting a French engine for cash.
Now, with tongue removed from cheek, the B280 was much improved from the B27/28, but its still a bit thirsty, and quite leak prone.
They are just as everybody above says- there are unique bits, mostly body and interior trim bits. There are always a few getting scrapped somewhere, again thanks to the V6 engine. The hard parts are generally straight off the 740-760 shelf.
As other have said i just want to stress to be sure it is a 4cyl turbo version and not the V6. The V6 has reliability issues and will not put out the performance the 4 cyl will.
I came very close to buying a black one back in 1999. I often wish I would have.
Definitely the turbo 4. Really clean under the hood. It ran well and felt strong. The turbo spooled-up nicely. The boost gauge was showing good boost.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Nivomats. I don't know how to check them. The ride was fine. What happens when they go bad?
Datsun1500 wrote:carzan wrote: I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Nivomats. I don't know how to check them. The ride was fine. What happens when they go bad?335,000 miles on mine and they were fine. Figured that was not worth mentioning...
Ah, I guess $250 a pop really isn't that unreasonable after all.
In reply to Datsun1500:
No such thing as a 242 Berrone. They all had the awful V6, so are 262 Bertones.
carzan wrote: Definitely the turbo 4. Really clean under the hood. It ran well and felt strong. The turbo spooled-up nicely. The boost gauge was showing good boost. I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Nivomats. I don't know how to check them. The ride was fine. What happens when they go bad?
when they are bad the rear squats. Not sure about 780's
In 850s they swap right out for non nivomat stuff.
The springs need to change too as they made of very thin wire since the nivomats take a fair amount of the load. Nivomats are expensive unless you find them in a junk yard or some one is taking them off a car.
780s go from a solid rear axle to a IRS in 88. at some point (90?) they get the b230ft gen3 which I believe has forged rods and crank and bigger valves and ports. something like that. all of the 4 banger turbos are good for an easy and reliable 250 hp 250 ftlbs at the crank with bolts ons and tweaking. Of course people make lots more than that and some of those blow up. Turbobricks people get rid of the "turbo +" boost controlling stuff and replace it with a simple MBC.
many 7xx have a limited slip diff.
the tranny swap is easy if you are used to that sort of thing.
carzan wrote: What happens when they go bad?
As mentioned, the rear will sag - however, it also sags after sitting in the driveway overnight, so don't be fooled. The Nivos 'pump up' as they bounce over the first few bumps of your drive each day, so be sure to check them AFTER a spin around the block.
Not really anything new to add - mechanically identical to a 760 of the day, they weighed a bit more since they had all the electric toys and a glass moonroof, but the IRS sticks nicely and the turbo motor is in a very mild statue of tune from the factory, so there's potential there. I drove one years ago and really liked it.
This one is a '90. It has the IRS and I would imagine that it has the gen3 engine, though I didn't look that closely.
I'd probably keep the Nivomats for now unless I find that the handling would improve significantly (in everyday driving) swapping to a conventional setup. One source said they could not be swapped out and only Nivomats could be used in a Nivomat car. I highly doubt that.
I'd also keep the autotragic initially. It seems to be in good shape, so I'd be in no hurry. However I'd probably begin gathering up bits for the swap. I'd never repair it if it went kaput.
I think 250 is a good number for HP. I've heard that parts of the drivetrain become unhappy above 300HP (though that may have been at the wheels).
The trunk/fuel release is unobtainium, unless you like paying Ferrari prices. The same part was used on Ferrari 308, Fiat X1/9, and I believe an Lamborghini or two; in addition to the 780.
m4ff3w wrote: The trunk/fuel release is unobtainium, unless you like paying Ferrari prices. The same part was used on Ferrari 308, Fiat X1/9, and I believe an Lamborghini or two; in addition to the 780.
This car has what I'm assuming to be electrically operated solenoids (I didn't look at exactly how they worked) for the trunk and fuel door. It also has a cable operated back-up setup with pull handles located just above the door latch on the B-Pillar on the driver side IIRC. What part is unobtainium? The solenoid operated ones?
I would believe that it is the interior b-pillar levers since it looks very similar to the one in a X1/9
A couple of years ago, the taillights were $900 each
carzan wrote:m4ff3w wrote: The trunk/fuel release is unobtainium, unless you like paying Ferrari prices. The same part was used on Ferrari 308, Fiat X1/9, and I believe an Lamborghini or two; in addition to the 780.This car has what I'm assuming to be electrically operated solenoids (I didn't look at exactly how they worked) for the trunk and fuel door. It also has a cable operated back-up setup with pull handles located just above the door latch on the B-Pillar on the driver side IIRC. What part is unobtainium? The solenoid operated ones?
The b-pillar setup. Sorry, I didn't know about the solenoids.
jrw1621 wrote: As other have said i just want to stress to be sure it is a 4cyl turbo version and not the V6. The V6 has reliability issues and will not put out the performance the 4 cyl will. I came very close to buying a black one back in 1999. I often wish I would have.
John Lane begs to differ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz_VDwgLemU
That car + SBF 5.0 + T-5 = win.
car39 wrote: A couple of years ago, the taillights were $900 each
Quick visit to www.car-parts.com shows pricing of $250 to $100 for a tail light.
One of my favorite cars-such a clean design although the interior is very Maserati Bi-Turbo; a little over pillowy in places.
I also love those Penta 5 spoke wheels like the OP's pic shows. I'd love to find some for my W123 that weren't more expensive than a whole-'nother W123.
mattmacklind wrote: One of my favorite cars-such a clean design although the interior is very Maserati Bi-Turbo; a little over pillowy in places. I also love those Penta 5 spoke wheels like the OP's pic shows. I'd love to find some for my W123 that weren't more expensive than a whole-'nother W123.
Yeah, I really like those wheels, too. I'm finding that wheel selection may be a downside to RWD Volvos. Nothing from the factory has really turned me on so far. I'm not finding much in the aftermarket, either.
carzan wrote:mattmacklind wrote: One of my favorite cars-such a clean design although the interior is very Maserati Bi-Turbo; a little over pillowy in places. I also love those Penta 5 spoke wheels like the OP's pic shows. I'd love to find some for my W123 that weren't more expensive than a whole-'nother W123.Yeah, I really like those wheels, too. I'm finding that wheel selection may be a downside to RWD Volvos. Nothing from the factory has really turned me on so far. I'm not finding much in the aftermarket, either.
Volvo Polaris, factory optional.
Volvo Gemini, factory optional.
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