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Ok...a response is needed. I'll respond to each assertion in turn...
1)Yes, the engine is an interference design and has a timing belt. Same with 99.9% of ALL modern engines. The red-blocks aren't interference b/c they are ARCAIC...designed in the early '70s! If you replace the timing belt, tensioner, and pullies on time...there's nothing to worry about.
2)The block has Nikasil (sp.?) plated iron cylinder inserts (Porsche tech.). These will wear SLOWER than the all-iron red-blocks. If anything, they *might* wear the rings faster b/c the cylinder liners are so tough. About rebuilding the head...why would you ever unless you overheat the thing??? That's the operator's fault...not the car's.
3)There is yet a consensus on the block porosity problem. I have a '92 within the "problem block" range and it's fine. I have a hunch these "porous block" cars never had their coolant changed...which is asking for trouble in an all-alloy engine. You should change the coolant every year as a precaution.
4)Why are we so concerned about overheating? Again...owner's fault if he/she doesn't maintain the cooling system properly. Hoses, water pump, thermostat should be replaced as preventative maintenance.
5)True, there are more electrical gizmos, but that's why you buy a 960 over a 940...for the added features. My '92 960 raised three kids and has traveled almost 200K miles...and it's electrical gizmos are fine!
6)Nivomats. First, they are not so terrible. Expensive to replace, yes, but handling is not sacrificed that much. In fact, get a couple people in the back or put luggage in the trunk/cargo area and the Nivomats will handle better. Since most of us don't use our Volvos as rally cars, I actually prefer this feature for traveling.
7)I've done back to back acceleration tests between my 960 (204hp version) and my 760T with TurboPlus and the 960 was actually marginally faster. I don't put any stock in magazine road tests, especially for Volvos. Somehow they always manage to get the Volvo to test really slow. I actually saw a test where C&D reported the 960 did 0-60 in 11.4 seconds or something...BS!
8)I concur with the maintenance suggestion. 960s should be maintained strictly by the book...especially timing belt changes. Synthetic oil is a must.
In sum...the 960s do require more attention than the red-blocks but it's a trade-off and something that every person should decide for themselves. I personally think that the red-blocks have the refinement of a John Deere implement and in turbo form (the only acceptable one in my opinion) get similar gas mileage. But...as I said...it's a personal choice. Personally, I value the added power, efficiency and refinement of the I-6 enough to give it a little more TLC than I otherwise would with a B230FT.
My $.02,
Lance
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