New 240 suspension/engine advice
 

Hi I have just purchased a 1980 Volvo 244DL which was advertised locally.

I have been looking for a couple years now so had to buy when it popped up.

Im currently at university and blown all my money on the new Volvo.
Im planning long term to save up and eventually swap the engine, gearbox , add Coilover's etc.


For the time being I want to do a couple slightly cheaper and smaller jobs.

Starting with lowering slightly. On lowering springs alone how much can be dropped before clearance issues? (bearing in mind I live in London)

With the engine what are the most cost effective power gains. I have been looking at different cams. Is there a specific one for street driving and getting a bit more low end torque people would recommend? As well as carb , exhaust, intake changes etc.

Cheers in advance
Olly
https://i.ibb.co/LQYk3Ss/IMG-4583.jpg

Hi,

Welcome to 240 ownership and the forum, great car choice ;)

You can lower a 240 cheaply and easily with 40mm lowering springs without running into any issues with either suspension geometry or scraping speed bumps. Depending on where you are in London a friend has almost exactly the same car as you with 40mm lowering springs fitted, which you might want to have a look at.

Engine/power wise, you’re probably best off making sure everything is working properly as a start- the cam is probably an A cam, so not much scope to improve there- a V cam has slightly more lift but not enough to make much difference. You might find a k or h cam if you’re lucky. A Weber carb kit does exist, although tuning a n/a car costs quite a lot for the power gained. Obviously I’m going to say turbo swap it…

Throw out any questions you have, there’s a lot of knowledge on this forum and someone will know the answer to anything you ask….

Cheers

Engine swop
 

My best tune up was fitting a 2.3 litre (2326cc which it was designed for) engine. The 2 ltr 1986cc is under powered and only used as a UK tax break.
The used 2.3 cost £265 plus fitting. That was 350k miles ago.

BrianH 245 GL 1989 LPG 800K from new. Best car I ever had. Bomb proof!! Keep that oil Clean.

Welcome to the forum - this is a really good place.

Super duper, that car looks really nice (my 244, the Royal Barge, is a 1980 GL auto - very similar to your motor car).

I’d agree with Bugjam, the first thing to do is make sure what you have is running properly. Your motor will probably be a B21a 2.1, they are really simple cars and very easy to work on.

Alan

Suspension wise a set of 40mm lowering springs and new dampers will transform the car. I would also suggest replacing any worn bushes

Power wise I suspect you have a B21a.

You could convert to fuel injection or go DCOE's along with a cam etc


I would avoid spending twice if you can. If you want coilover get a decent set to start with, engine no point spending on mods that are only short term

Agreed. 2.3 red block is the way to go rather than trying to tart up existing

As it so happens I have a running 2.3 engine and manual gearbox for sale. £500 if it’s of use to you/ anyone. Engine is low mileage (only 130k) having had Volvo genuine timing belt/ tensioners done at 120k.

Have a video showing it running v good condition.

Rhys Faulkner
 

Engine/power wise, you’re probably best off making sure everything is working properly as a start- the cam is probably an A cam, so not much scope to improve there- a V cam has slightly more lift but not enough to make much difference. You might find a k or h cam if you’re lucky. A Weber carb kit does exist, although tuning a n/a car costs quite a lot for the power gained. Obviously I’m going to say turbo swap

Dr Car Polisher

There is not that much between a B21 and B230 really but the B21 is by far the stronger bottom end

Great thanks for this.

Yeah the engine in it only has 51k on it and no drivetrain noise, haven't got the car with me at uni so haven't had the chance to go over properly yet.

Turbo was the route I was looking to go down (building the motor separately on the side) . Ideally looking for 200-250bhp range with still a decent sense of reliability.

What is the best way to achieve this with still a bit of simplicity and not completely break the bank?

Great thanks for this.

Yeah the engine in it only has 51k on it and no drivetrain noise, haven't got the car with me at uni so haven't had the chance to go over properly yet.

Turbo was the route I was looking to go down (building the motor separately on the side) . Ideally looking for 200-250bhp range with still a decent sense of reliability.

What is the best way to achieve this with still a bit of simplicity and not completely break the bank?