Monday, November 21, 2022

Performance modifications for Volvo's 240

A small block Ford is a fairly common engine swap for these - a Chevy LS can also be made to fit.  There are some turbocharged 4-cylinder engines (including Volvos!) that would liven one up also (and a V6s!).

 Volvo's 240 was not sporty in standard form, but it could be. Here's how I'd build it -
A blend of factory and aftermarket parts could bring out the classic brick's athletic side:
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/hibi-1990-volvo-240-dl/

"American V-8 engine swaps (https://www.cartalk.com/blogs/jim-motavalli/paul-newmans-v-8-volvos-getting-groceries-style) are commonplace in rear-drive Volvos today, but I'd prefer to keep a Swedish four-cylinder lump under the hood. And while my first inclination was towards installing a late 780 Turbo's stout 188hp/206-lb-ft turbocharged B230FT, I'm now leaning towards the rarer B234F, a.k.a. the 16-valve.

This DOHC variant, which admittedly isn't as hassle-free as its SOHC 8-valve sibling, was introduced for 1989 in the mid-range 740 GLE 16-valve. It featured a better-breathing four-valve head and made a peppy 153 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in standard form.

Thankfully, it's possible to make a hybrid engine by mounting the 16-valve head on the existing block and changing certain components, if a complete B234F isn't readily found.

The 16-valve engine came mated to the M46 four-speed manual with button-operated electric overdrive fifth gear ..."

The Perfect V8 Swapped Volvo: https://www.motortrend.com/features/perfect-v8-swapped-volvo/

Tested: Old Volvo Wagons Are a V-8 Swap from Serious Speed:
    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a33324644/tested-volvo-v-8-wagons/
"Anything with 240,000 miles on it is only $2000 to buy," says Converse. "We've converted a number of cars that had over 200,000 miles on them. We go around on an anti-squeak campaign, replacing suspension and body bushings. At 200,000 miles, a Volvo body is still good, but what makes it feel old is rattles and squeaks."


No comments: