C70: Auto to manual conversion?

[280E]

Hi Chaps,

I think the auto box on my C70 has developed some worrying-sounding noises

As an alternative to repairing / scrapping, is conversion to manual transmission at all feasible?

Assume a suitable donor car is available - both cars are ME7 engine management....

Many thanks

[volvo again]

It has been done, think there is a post on Mathews Volvo site...
IIRC you will need, as well as the box, clutch, flywheel, pedal box, master cylinder etc etc

[DaveNP]

There's a thread on this forum of changing an 850 with lots of photos, might be a good place to look.

[280E]

Many thanks for the link, David - it was an epic read

Prices for C70 coupés are still pretty low, so I doubt there's much value in attempting the conversion - particularly as the ME7 system may cause headaches.

I'll renew the ATF in the gearbox and see if there's any improvement - otherwise I'll probably just run it until something explodes - then break it for spares.

Seems a shame, though

[Bob Meadows]

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=323956

Some solid advice here that may help- worth doing a search for more.
Good Luck
Bob.

[DaveNP]

Originally Posted by 280E

...
Prices for C70 coupés are still pretty low, so I doubt there's much value in attempting the conversion - particularly as the ME7 system may cause headaches.
...
Seems a shame, though

I must admit when Dooby first posted that thread I was impressed by the dedication to do it but did wonder why? As you say there are still C70s around at fairly low prices, I suppose if one enjoys working on cars it's a fun way to pass a weekend and come out with the satisfaction that you succeeded.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by DaveNP

I must admit when Dooby first posted that thread I was impressed by the dedication to do it but did wonder why? As you say there are still C70s around at fairly low prices, I suppose if one enjoys working on cars it's a fun way to pass a weekend and come out with the satisfaction that you succeeded.

Yes, there are. However, manual versions were not as popular as auto's when new, so fewer around. Also autos are now suffering from high mileages and years of neglect and folks are now converting them to manuals to keep otherwise good cars on the road, instead of scrapping them. Hence manuals are rising in price and have now become desirable.

When I was looking for mine 6 years ago, I found it difficult to find a manual in the spec that I wanted. Also, considering they were the most expensive model in the Volvo range and over £30,000 new, I was shocked at how rough many were. I looked at a dozen cars before finding mine and not at the lower price range either.

[Whyman]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

Yes, there are. However, manual versions were not as popular as auto's when new, so fewer around. Also autos are now suffering from high mileages and years of neglect and folks are now converting them to manuals to keep otherwise good cars on the road, instead of scrapping them. Hence manuals are rising in price and have now become desirable.

When I was looking for mine 6 years ago, I found it difficult to find a manual in the spec that I wanted. Also, considering they were the most expensive model in the Volvo range and over £30,000 new, I was shocked at how rough many were. I looked at a dozen cars before finding mine and not at the lower price range either.

36 for sale on Autotrader?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

Yes, there are. However, manual versions were not as popular as auto's when new, so fewer around. Also autos are now suffering from high mileages and years of neglect and folks are now converting them to manuals to keep otherwise good cars on the road, instead of scrapping them. Hence manuals are rising in price and have now become desirable.

When I was looking for mine 6 years ago, I found it difficult to find a manual in the spec that I wanted. Also, considering they were the most expensive model in the Volvo range and over £30,000 new, I was shocked at how rough many were. I looked at a dozen cars before finding mine and not at the lower price range either.

I've got an itch I think I will have to scratch this spring for a T5 manual convertible. If I find and get one - it will be my third in 10 years. I've already started to scan the classifieds - to make thing harder the car market channels seems to have changed. 5 years ago I would say e-bay had the most cars closely followed by Autotrader. Worryingly - I'm finding more cars on Facebook marketplace than anywhere else.

This will be a long slow burn for the right car - a facelift T5 manual with grey, black or brown leather preferably in black or grey. But there are definitely much fewer around now, with Coupe's very hard to find.

That reminds me, I must watch "The Saint" (1997 version) again tonight...

[CNGBiFuel]

If it's a manual you want, have a manual. Nothing wrong in that, however... if like me, you're a lazy bastard and prefer an auto, get an auto, then look after it. Catch them early with flushes, fit external coolers and stats etc. I've had truly vast miles out of mine. Neglect them and the argument for a manual gets much, much stronger.

The problem is finding an auto in good nick, such that you can catch it before neglect does damage. Most seem to drive about in flaring autos... trashing them, and when f*&ked, bleat about their manual swaps.

If the intention is to 'drive' we MUST fit coolers, filters stats etc, and I don't mean the internal factory-fit tosh. Never done a swap, never needed to, looking after an auto in the first, has to be easier.

I'll complete that guide at some point.