[Shop-talk] Volvo Engine Swap

[Jim Stone]

My brother has a 2004 Volvo S80 with 60,000 miles on it.  It was in excellent
condition until the timing belt broke and trashed the engine.  At least I
assume the engine was trashed.  He had the timing belt replaced on the off
chance that no damage was done, but that didn't do the trick.  Volvo has
offered to cut him a deal on a new car, but they don't seem to want the old
one at all.  I have no idea what it is worth with a bad engine, but I don't
think he is going to get very much for it.

Which brings this email to me.  I am thinking about buying it and putting a
used engine in.  However, my experience under the hood on modern cars is next
to nil.  I have had Alpine engines in and out many times, but am always
intimidated when I look under the hood of a modern car. Assuming I gave my
brother a grand for the car (his mechanic suggested
that might be a fair value) and bought a used engine for $2500, I'd have a
 car worth considerably more.  My daughter is currently driving a 1996
Accord with almost 140,000 miles; this would be a hell of an upgrade if
it was feasible. How hard is this?  Am I crazy to even think about it?

Thanks.