Newbie looking for a 360
Hi there, been keeping an eye on this forum for a while and decided to join as it's probably going to be the best place to find what I'm looking for.

I'm 25 and live in Middlesbrough. I own 3 classics Fiat x1/9 (daily driver), Vauxhall Chevette auto and a Bedford Chevanne. I also own a classic BMW motorbike. I've decided it's time to have a bit of change about and get something a bit more practical as a daily. Wanting to stay classic and rwd limits choices somewhat, but the volvo 300 series dies fit the bill!

So what is it I'm looking for? Well,

Im Looking for an original unmolested 360 model. Preferably with MOT so I can tax and drive away.

Saloon version preferred but will consider hatchback.

Fuel injection not carb.

Would really like to special edition with leather seats and all the toys, but maybe that's asking too much?

So has anyone got anything suitable it know of any??

Cheers

Ashley

Not an easy task, you need to monitor the internet for a several months. Main problem will be rust, finding a garaged one is very hard, and sellers looking semi-serious money. Facebook page has more activity with buying/selling but more modifications.

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I had a feeling I was asking too much lol!

As Ride_on says - you'll need to keep an eye out for some time, but be picky as there are still cars out there if you're patient. Don't necessarily discard the carbed cars either - the LE-Jet fuel injection system on GLEi's and GLT's is primitive at best and often the carbed 360's perform quite similarly. That said, whilst it's not the most advanced injection system it is at least reliable!

My faith in injection has shaken a little, apparently pump failure is common at 100k+ generally in all cars. I was aware there was a small fail rate in 940s but mine eventually died a few weeks ago after 170k. They use brushed DC motors which the brushes eventually wears out.

Carb Volvos are more reliable and generally hold the milage records but dirt and corrosion can take effect on the carbs. My solex carb 360 did 200k with only a worn alternator and general servicing rubber pipes replacement etc, it ran perfectly always even when cold. My injections did not do any better on mpg and my first GLT broke down with pump power issues. 1.4 and 1.7 carbs are more troublesome. The B19A Stromberg carb needs a bit more servicing.

I've come to the conclusion that fundamentally combustion engines cannot drive a variable load efficiently.

Injections do start a bit better, don't need starting techniques and don't get confused when cornering hard.

My gord, I never thought I'd hear a good word for carbies on here {^¿^}.... And go for one with power steering or you will need to weight-train...

calling the LE injection system 'primitive' may actually be too kind .... but it does work. although one of my ecu's fried the board for no apparent reason, thats why im keeping 2 spares

ive never found the lack of PAS an issue, its got miles of lock, its doesnt take much effort but you do need to keep winding it to get round some tighter corners, but a good stamp with the right boot helps bring it round

bogbasic wrote:And go for one with power steering or you will need to weight-train...

Nonsense.

Well, of course it depends on how strong your arms are... and how psychologically prepared you are (remember its all psycho-logical, man, like being made redundant .... when the PAS suddenly packed-up on my 360, I really could not steer it at low-speed... at one point trying to do what should have been a quick 3-point turn with a bus about to bash into me and a transit van honking at the rear, it was pure purgatory, man, although the bus-driver clearly saw the funny-side of it. If it never had PAS in the first place, I guess I would have been more prepared - although I have driven non-PAS 340's for 18 years!! I would love to put PAS on my current 1.7 and it would be a much nicer car if I could, but I gather that a custom-EPS may be the only way ahead, and the funds harder to find ;-

1) Ensure strut top bearings aren't knackered.
2) Don't "dry steer", do the wheel turning whilst in motion like you were taught to.
3) Don't "Wax on. Wax off" with one hand, you're NOT the Karate Kid.

Then no need for

bogbasic wrote:when the PAS suddenly packed-up on my 360, I really could not steer it at low-speed

That's a different kettle of fish as the rack ratio is surely different?

Drivers are spoilt silly these days with all these extra things to go wrong and fix.

My 340 had lighter steering than my MK2 polo until I welded the diff

macplaxton wrote:

bogbasic wrote:when the PAS suddenly packed-up on my 360, I really could not steer it at low-speed

That's a different kettle of fish as the rack ratio is surely different?

It's a different kettle of fish as you are having to fight the PAS fluid through the pump, much harder and therefore heavier than a non PAS rack.

Hi all.
Thats a lot of car going for cheap money.
Cheers Mark.

Bet it doesnt go cheap. that interior is outrageous
Also looks very tidy lowered on the mini steels