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First Volvo - 1988 760 GLE Turbo

robotmaxtron

robotmaxtron

Active member
Joined
Dec 17, 2024
Location
Mile High
Backstory
I've been on the hunt for something fun to drive and something to wrench on. Today, I picked up my first Volvo and will be my first project car. A 1988 760 GLE Turbo. Looks like the car was originally purchased in Arizona before making it's way to Colorado. 156k miles with the first owner, seems like I'm the second owner. Body is in good shape, as is the interior. Headliner is sagging but the service history looks like it's been maintained pretty well. Very pleased it came with the original window sticker, rims, and stereo. That first drive home, I got a big thumbs up from a Porsche Carrera and a VW GTI. Game recognize game 🤙

https://imgur.com/a/kJoSai3

Next Up
Planning on doing some restoration and a few performance updates. Mostly a daily driver but I've been known to overbuild things. I've got service manuals and a few accessories on the way already. Namely, the LSD conversion kit from RacingDiffs. There's obviously lots of excellent information here in the forum already but I know there's a lot of unknown unknowns ahead. Warnings, tips, and advice always welcome.

I'm already such a big fan of the car, but would be interested in hearing what y'all would prioritize.
 
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You got a limited slip for it right away?

I actually am curious if it already has one - the solid axle turbo cars got a G80 locker (which isn't really a limited slip so much as a snow traction device), but I never put much thought into what came in the IRS cars - I would have imagined some kind of locking diff.

Neat 760 though, looks like it's in good shape. I used to hate these things because I thought they looked like a shoe with the facelifted front end and early square back but it's grown on me. Turbo spoiler on the trunk, lower it, get some 16-17-18" wheels and it'll look pretty well proper. In my dumb ass opinion.
 
The LSD was on sale and I couldn't resist. I thought it was an open diff but I'll be sure to get photos as it progresses.

Totally agree on the ride height, spoiler, and wheels. Running 91 octane in it now, I'd really like to get it tuned up for e85 at some point too.

Boxy shoe seems pretty fitting and I'm super into it. The two tone interior is so classy and the carpet on the doors is choice. I've rarely driven something so well equipped.
 
It will have an open diff.
The racingdiffs insert kit should be okay for snow, and for a little while.
Try to find a diff from a 1992 to 1994 960 sedan. Will have a G80 locking diff, bolts in. If you can, get the whole rear subframe from one because it has a sway bar as well.
Check out my project thread for some inspiration, haha.
 
I'm willing to bet you $0.02 that it will have G80 locker. Of all the facelifted 764's I've seen, only one diesel car had the open diff, though it might just have been broken like the rest of that car. All the other Turbo and V6 cars had lockers from the factory.
 
nordmaschine said:
I'm willing to bet you $0.02 that it will have G80 locker. Of all the facelifted 764's I've seen, only one diesel car had the open diff, though it might just have been broken like the rest of that car. All the other Turbo and V6 cars had lockers from the factory.
Click to expand...
My experience has been the opposite. Never seen a G80 in a Mk1 IRS car that wasn't a 960.
 
Added a few more pictures to the initial album that all seem to be showing up now. Did lots of reading up on the year, seems like it's using LH2.2 for fuel management and EZ 117k for the ignition system. Had to replace the gas cap to pass smog testing but now fully road legal. The preheat hose seems like it was previously removed and wasn't an issue.

Test fitted the rear window louvre from @SekCustoms and it looks great. Planning to get them installed as soon as it warms up a bit. I got the rear sides too but haven't had a chance to get them test fitted yet.
https://imgur.com/a/KNPxeYd

Not having cupholders kinda sucks. Haven't quite got everything lined up right but the accessory 240 (?) armrest almost fits.
JoUFBfi.jpeg


The tapedeck seems have died and taken my Scowl tape down with it. Sourced and swapped out a replacement deck but if anyone has suggestions for getting the deck open please let me know. Probably jammed with broken belts by the death rattles.
KkYlPk9.jpeg

Sourced and installed some replacement red lenses for the driver and passenger doors, cigarette lighter, and ash tray. Looks like the sunroof exterior trim will probably need to be replaced before too long.

Wheels and tires real soon. Stay tuned for exhaust sounds, adventures in electronic boost control, and probably more lights.
 
The stock 15" wheels would be great with some snow tires, instead I took a chance and ordered some 17" rims. I got them from a reseller, but they arrived via th-pettersson
Barzetta Star - A perfect choice for your old car.
Click to expand...
:ROFLMAO: The tagline cracks me up. 7x17 5x108 ET15 by the numbers. Discount Tire's always been good to me, so I had them mount up some Yokohama Advan Sport A/S+ tires. 205/50r17 to keep the speedometer close enough. No clearance issues it seems. Briefly the snow melted and I got a couple pictures this afternoon.

Super happy with how they've turned out. Will actually need to get some snow tires at some point, a new spare too but another day.

6Tedvjt.jpeg


Even got in my moose plates.

NcMQjRG.jpeg
 
That is an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) car, correct? The differential isn't gonna be the same as a solid axle vehicle.

I have heard 850 armrests fit well with a small modification.
 
Oh, that's ACE! Would love a 740 turbo with mild upgrades like my 244 GL was just to piss off the new era people with all the toasters and milkfloats around me lol

Do a skid!
 
Finished up the exhaust replacement this weekend. At some point the exhaust was repaired, but it was pretty ugly. Bought the converter when at the time, it was the only option for a CARB compliant replacement from Magnaflow (part number: 3322949). These days, it looks like there are substantially cheaper options available in Colorado. Picked up some fresh rubber hangers, 2.5" exhaust clamps, nuts, bolts, and washers.

Ripped out the original exhaust, replacing it with one from Simons via BSR. The Magnaflow converter came with an O2 bung, capped it off for the time being but eventually I'm planning to install an AFR sensor and gauge. Looks like there's a port through the floor I'm hoping to be able to run the future wiring up through, just about above where the O2 sensor will be. Ended up having to trim the tailpipe leading from the converter but otherwise the whole installation was pretty bolt-on. Used some JB Weld muffler paste at the connections, probably wasn't necessary but I figured couldn't hurt.

Old and busted meet that new-new.

UMl53XC.jpeg


I promised exhaust sounds, and for your consideration, the initial firing up and checking for leaks. All said and done, it wasn't too bad on jack stands with a second set of hands.

 
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