Hi everyone

This isn't so much about complaining about the car, but just wanted to see if someone could point me in the right direction.

I used to have a S70 2.5 10v, loved that car and since have had a Jaguar XJ8 and now a Saab 9-5 2.3T. About 2 weeks ago I decided to get a C70 and later on sell the Saab because I want something more "cool" than the Saab.

So I bought a C70, 2.4T V reg with 128k, I didn't pay very much for it and I am beginning to see why. I have had endless problems and I don't know how to fix them..

I bought the car knowing it needs a good service, and the brakes need doing, and a new window regulator. At first the car had rough idle and sometimes stalls and it was difficult to rev.

So in the last 2 weeks I have done the following:

Replaced - MAF, spark plugs, fuel filter, coolant and theromstat
Cleaned - air intake system and ETM

Air con topped up, engine oil + filter changed, front brakes all replaced

put in new windown regulator (which btw I don't know if there's already a post out their but I can certain write something for the fourm if it will be useful to others)

I took the car out today, and I am still disappointed with it.

Firstly, it seems that there's no boost from the turbo, or at least, very different to my Saab (it has had BSR stage one so running on 240bhp), I certainly don't expect the C70 to be the same as the Saab, but there's just something missing. I can't hear any sound of turbo (is that the case with the LPT?) I find that the power comes and goes very quickly, and to be honest, it felt like that car is a N/A 2.4 with 170bhp max. After what I have done the car revs fine, no stalling at all, seems to run hotter that the old 2.5 10v, and ETM certain makes the car much more dull to drive than the wired throttle body.

And then there's this ticking which I have written separately about, it seems to come from the side of the engine where the ETM is, only happens with driving and it sounds almost identical to the air con compressor clutch, I have tried recording it but no sucess, I am quite worried if that clicking noise has something to do with the gearbox/clutch (altho both of those things are on the other side of the car, which is why I am convince it's the ETM) Altho service history shows that ETM had been updated and cleaned and replaced by VOLVO a few years back.

I have no warning lights, no crazy fuel comsumptions, the car sounds absolutely fine, but there's no power (certainly not 193bhp anyway), and a funny clicking sound from what I think is the ETM

I have had suggestions that the fuel pump is on it's way out, or the clicking is coming from injectors. I originally bought this car hoping to do very long trips (1500 miles) frequently in months to come, and I don't mind replacing parts of the car, but I am running out of ideas on what's wrong with it. And at the moment, I certainly wouldn't dream of taking it for a long trip even tho there's nothing wrong with it which stops the car from driving long distances.

I didn't pay very much for the car (£1800), but I thought by working on it and making it better. It will be the same as getting one for £3000 and prob have to do half of the work anyway. Now I fear I have made a mistake...

I like the car and want to stick with it, altho at this way I am not sure if I can, I am moving to Sweden (from UK) to work for 5 years hence I bought this car to travel back and forth, now it seems my 100% spot on 9-5 with 158k is more up for the job and cost much less..

Anyone would like to help me out and give me some suggestions? I am totally lost and any suggestions will help and I will be grateful for it!

Thanks

 

I can sympathize with your plight. I bought my '01 C70 convert about four months ago and have had bizarre problems ever since and two bad experiences with the local Volvo dealer just trying to get a diagnosis. I paid top dollar for the car and fortunately, I'm able to do most of my own work but even so, I've put about $1500 in parts chasing problems. I love the styling and the car is in beautiful condition with low mileage, but I don't trust it enough to take on a long trip. I've gotten mis-information and contradictory answers to questions I've posted on several message boards. I'm quite disenchanted with the whole experience and, I hate to say it, but this will be my first and last Volvo. Good luck with yours.

 

Well I have a 2.3 instead of the 2.4L, but for city driving I hear the 2.4 is better since the smaller turbo spools quicker. It will always be recommended to do a full stage 0 on these 1st gen C70's. Turbo related stage 0 would include new vacuum and intercooler hoses. Barring the turbo being bad there are only a few components left to inspect. Installing a boost gauge will go a long way in helping to determine the current boost situation and whether or not it is improving with future work. Internet forums are a nice way to get free advice, but you must still decide whether or not it applies to your situation and validity of the offered information.

 

As for "Turbo Sound", your really not going to hear it on a "stock" Volvo. Why? Because the intake is sealed up nice and tight. If you put a cone filter on the end of your MAF and left the top of the box off then you'd hear the turbo spooling. But with the OEM intake setup your not going to hear it one bit.

Did you get any codes read? Even though it might not show a CEL there might be stored codes in the computer and when read will tell you what could be going on.

 

With the turbo sound, is that really the case? Because I kept asking myself "The car does pull hard, but I really can't hear the turbo and it's not like there's a sudden boost of power?? There is lots of power, but not what I would expect it to feel like?"

can i just take the air box off for a short trip just too see if I can hear the turbo?

Thanks

 

Just remove the little plastic cover on the air intake. It is located in the corner by the radiator held on by 1 T15 screw. This will make your car louder.

 

i totally feel for you. I bought a 98 c70 a few months back and have had nothing but problems. I have been working my way through the huge list of problems with car and it is getting really expensive. honestly i am going back to a toyota or a honda as soon as i can sell the car. i really like the looks of the car but it doesnt handle age too well.