I am looking to buy a first generation V70. I like the style of the first generation and i have been told that they are the best canidate for a mild engine/suspension build. I don't really know what model is most applicable to my budget/goals. if someone could help me out i would appreciate it. This is what i hope to achive with a V70:

I would like to achive around 240 hp. How much would this cost, and can i do this with out messing w/ turbo?

Stiffen up suspension with Billstine/tower braces/swaybars

Am i correct in these assumptions and how much would a thes mods run me? What model should i be looking for? I live in NE iowa and am having a real hard time finding A car, not to mention THE car. any advie would be apprecieated.

 

You are looking for a 10 year old car (on average) driven 8,000 miles per year.
That is a rare thing, except perhaps in "exotic" cars that are used only for playtoys. Volvos tend to be drivers and are driven. I know this as I searched quite awhile before finding the V70 my wife recently bought used. Based on that search (January, 2009) most of what you'll find for sale with that vintage have passed the 150K mile mark. BTW, hers is an '06 -- lease turn in car.

 

I agree with Malaka on most things. You live in an area where there isn't a large concentration of Volvos. You need to expand your search area if you want to find THE car. The 1st Generation V70 is the best car by far. I've owned one each: 98 V70GLT, 99V70 (currently driving) and an 00 V70 Manual that I bought new in Germany and drove all over Europe. Damn I miss that car. The exterior styling of the 1st Gen V70s in my opinion is in keeping with Volvo's long line of rather boxy cars, but it certainly has some sleakness to it that the more rounded, chubby
If you intend to achieve around 240 HP, you better not get the base model with the 168HP engine. While it is a wonderful and extremely capable engine (its what I drive now), it does not allow for any real performance mods to increase HP. So look for a V70 GLT at the least. I would also stear away from the XC versions. I've lived in snowy places like Germany and Washington state and never found my FWD V70's lacking in the snow. I have a great picture of my dad and I driving through Snoqualmie pass with two V70s and snow everywhere.
Whatever the car you get, change the T-belt if you are not positive its been done within about 70-80k. Recognize that the 99-00 V70s had the ****ty electronic throttle module that Volvo extended the warranty to 10yrs/200k.

 

I have 99 V70 that I am thinking selling. It supposed to be a project for me to clean it up. But never happened. I had a kid and don't have any time to do all the work I want to do on it. I live in Saint Louis area and if interested email me at sudhagar_subramaniam@yahoo.com.
Sudhagar