I have always driven an 850, but have just found a great deal on an AWD S70. I have two questions.
First, would it be possible to drop the automatic the S70 has for a manual transmission? I am wondering if any problems would arise because it is an AWD and finding an 5spd manual AWD S70 is harder than finding a needle in a haystack- what would I need to do? and what do you think in terms of cost?

Second, would the fenders, bumpers, hood and headlights from an 850 fit on the chasis of an s70? I prefer the way the 850 stands.

Thanks for any and all help

 

All S70 AWDs imported to the U.S. were automatic only. Not sure if Volvo made 5-speed manual trannys for the AWD for European consumption or not. Since the M56 tranny is for FWD cars I'm not sure it would work with the AWD setup. The first gen AWD systems on these cars and the V70Rs are notorious for problems. What you could do is convert the S70 to FWD by removing the drive shaft and the M56 should bolt up OK. A number of folks on Swedespeed have accomplished this mod so you could do a search there.

I doubt the body panels from an 850 would fit on an S70 without modification. Since you like the 850 better why don't you just shop around for a good one (although they are getting scarcer by the day).

 

+1 With simul8guy. Nuf said.

 

1. DO NOT BUY THE S70 AWD. I own one and will tell it is a waste of time and money. If the ETM hasn't been replaced your looking at a $900-$1200 replacement right off the bat when it goes bad and it will go bad. And or they may just clean it which IMO is the wrong thing to do.

2. I cannot answer you on the manual swap. I can only assume it can be done, but what it will take I have no clue. Maybe a manual 98v70r tranny, I dunno.

3. Yes the front end of the 850 will fit on the s70. You'd need the front quarter panels, bumper and headlight assemblys. It is a pain and not worth it to make it look like an older model car.

So I agree if you like the 850 stick with the 850 and just get a new to you one. That is better then your old one.

 

Thanks guys, for all the input. I was interested in the swap so I could have a 5spd AWD "850", but definitely if there are that many problems with the AWD on the s70, I will just stick with a 5 speed 850.

Thanks to all! And Merry Christmas too!
God Bless

 

Volvo's are so rugged that anything that causes them to stop is blown out of porportion. If it was real bad it would have been recalled. I heard the most important thing is to keep the tires the same size. I want one myself but I can't afford tires let alone a rear axle repair.