So I always thought the "6" in 760 meant 6 cylinder. So today I found a 760 on CL for a decent price and while doing some research found out that the 760 turbos had a 2.3L 4-banger. What' up with that? What's the difference between a 1990 740T and 760T? Is there a reason one is more desirable than the other?

 

In 84 I believe the 760 was introduced as the car that would come standard with Volvo's new V6. It was a joint effort between Puegot, Relault and Volvo (aka the PRV v6). FYI, this is the same basic engine found the the DeLorean DMC-12. The plan was that the 740 would come with the 240's standard engine the 2.3 4cyl. But since the the turbo charged version on the 2.3 4cyl (b230ft engine) was still an improvement over the v6 as far as power goes, they offered that as an option for the 760. Thus the 760 turbo was born. The 740 came standard with the 4cyl, but it was also an option the get the turbocharged engine too. Untill 88 the 740 and 760 could come as basically the same car except for the trim (in America at least). Especially in later years Volvo realized that the PRV v6 sucked and got away from it. When the 960 was introduced, it featured an inline six.

This is just what I remember. Just check out this Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_700_%26_900_Series.

 

Pretty much dead on. The 760 was first introduced in Europe in late 82 as an 83, I believe. Not only could it be had w/ the PRV 6 cylinder but also w/ a turbo diesel. It was the fastest diesel car in the world at the time. In January of 1984, the 760 GLE was introduced. It was built w/ the B23ET (Europe) and B23FT(US). The engine boasted forged pistons and rods and was arguably the stoutest red block motor ever built. Alas, for 1985, Volvo introduced the low friction B230F and FT motors. In 85, the lower priced 740 was introduced. Until 1988 when the 760 changed sheet metal, the 2 cars were nearly indistinguishable. The 760 had a power sunroof standard as well as leather wrapped trim, premium sound system, Nivvomat rear suspension and automatic climate control. As the years progressed, the 760's always had more bells and whistles...not nearly so desirable after 20 years. By 1990 the 760 had built in fog lights inboard of the headlights, the 740 did not. The 90 740 has a one off hood...no other year is the same. Should you damage the hood and can not find another, the usual fix is get a 91+ hood, grill and the "L" shaped headlight fillers as they are all unique to the 90 model year. The 760 already changed sheet metal in 1988 so they do not have the issues that the 90 740 does. 760's are generally heavier in the same model year; more options and sound proofing.

 

So, a 760 may have the 6cyl or the 4cyl turbo up to 1990 which was the last year for the 760... And the 6cyl has less power and is troublesome so the 760 with a 6cyl is less desirable and cheaper and rarer for all those reasons. Same as with the 780, I bet at some point Volvo planned for an 8 cyl for the thing but the 4cyl turbo again ended up the best choice... They should bring that motor back...

 

I heard some where that the 780 was to come with underbored PRV v6 that was twin turbocharged. The engine wasn't reliable and it would overheat with all of that crammed under the hood. Seems like a weird problem, but they went for the turbo 4. By 1990 I think all 780's were the turbo four. The Italian market 780's I think came with the B204GT with 200hp.

We'll have to see how this engine turns out: The GTDi

Check out the link to the pics.

 

I found a Volvo 760 turbo Im interested in.
is there any problems I should be aware of?

 

Gary:

A few more possible issues than with a 740 are possible.

Since the 760 comes with a power sunroof standard, headroom for anyone taller than 6 feet can be at a premium...check to make certain that you fit.

The climate control can be troublesome...make certain that it works.

Radios have a separate amplifier that can go bad.

The Nivomat self-leveling suspension can wear out, and require replacement springs in back to compensate for the springs that are inside the Nivomat.

All of the headliners sag and need to be replaced.

Mine is a 760 Turbo.


Dave Riedle

 

It's the shocks in the nivomat that go bad,not the springs. The climate control is the worst thing of the 760, very troublesome! Also the high security keys wear out faster, including the ignition switch. Most 740 have sunroofs too. Headliners are not a problem after 1991, 1990 is the last year for the 760...

 

That's correct...the springs don't fail in the Nivomats. Unfortunately, if you can't find used ones, you have to replace the springs because the springs are not strong enough to simply swap shocks. I should have made myself clear... :-)

Dave Riedle