Are the 16 valve engines any good compared to the 4 or st8 6...thanks and where can I find info on the 16 valve engines..thanks..Leo

Leo,

On the brickboard FAQ there is a breakdown of what you need to do for maintenence - It is regular and more expensive than the non interference 8v 4 cylinder engines. If you don't do the t-belt change on the 16v you will get one big bill when you have to rebuild the head after it breaks.

Do a search on the main page of this site and you will find millions of posts regarding the 16v vs the regular 4 banger. I am a new owner of a 16v 940 and will be very anal about the more expensive repairs since I know the alternative is much worse.

Tim

Stay with the 8 valve engine. It's a better engine. I have a 92 740 w/ the 8 valve and its a strong engine. If you want speed opt for the turbo.
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Regards, Chris

I guess its all a case of what your prepaired to put up with..

all volvo's are equal, but some are more equal..

or to put it better they are all good...

if you want performance turbo or 16 valve...

if you want ultimate reliability go 8 valve NA

turbo probably has less catastrphic failure than 16 valve...but higher maintenance costs (turbo's wear out and oil needs more changes etc) but if a 16 valve throws a cam belt....ouch...

just did this exercise for me an my brother..he wanted low running costs, i wanted more performance...

we came down to he wanted 740 gle, NA 8 valve 2.3 no ABS no cat carb preferabley
i wanted 940 turbo...

he got a 745 2.3 with abs and injection (but full service history)
i got 945t 2.3 91 (i.e the highest output on a 940)..

within the last 6 months he has had to replace the exhaust (£100.. $150) I have had to replace the oil coller (£200 - volvo) and will need to do the turbo (£200 -£500) and assorted bits and bobs. Turbo's and 16 valves will also be heavier on fuel and tyres/clutches...

as the man says you pays your money and you takes your choice...

they are all good cars...turbos are quick...but dont expect real performance they arnt a 'performance' car theres just to much weight there...and the powercurve is built for 'getting on with it' rather than 'oh ^&%&' seat of the pants driving..

having said that a 16 valve or a turbo will keep up with trafic nicely and they drive well (if you can live with the handling which to be honest is only ok..)

not trying to put you off...but drive before you buy..i like the drive..but you may not...

oh...and i am picky..have done a LOT of driving with work in all sort of cars..