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v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by alan on
Tuesday, 22 July 1997, at 12:26 a.m.
I build speciality, high performance v-8 powered volvos. I am constantly searching for trick performance ideas and inovations pertaining mostly to the 200 and 700 series Volvos. Suspension design and refinment is of greatest interest. Please contact myself with any inovative ideas or questions concerning V-8 power and performace aplications.
Re: v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by Jim Ells on
Tuesday, 22 July 1997, at 11:50 a.m.
Alan: I drive a '79 262 Bertone Coupe. The car is original and fortunately, in great shape. Flawless black leather interior. Everything works except A/C, which will be up in a few days. Had to scratch build and match dryer, condensor, pump, controls, etc. Just the usual here- no rocket science.
Extensive open hood surgery yielded 350 Olds V8, Cadillac 4 spd trans, and lots of 2" mild steel tubing to get the smell out the back. The car is 107 pounds lighter, overall. Tires:215R60's on stock wheels. Previous owner had windows tinted. Guess this is OK.
Interesting to note:Nobody seems to want to acknowledge the fact that these models exist. No particular mention in parts books. The local Volvo repair guy has a snobby, puritanical attitude about anything creative. 'Boy, is this guy ever fun. Went to him twice for quick, dumb stuff. The guy managed to bust the horn while straightening the wheel. Go figure? Sets' down by the water in a one car ex old time gas station and sucks $55/hour by himself from the poor brick drivers around here who don't realize "it's just a machine, mate"; as my English friend & mechanic says. Sorry Alan, got a little carried away there. Anyway, I'll send along anything that looks interesting to you.
I have, over the years, built many cars from the ground up. Can't recall how many engine/drive train transplants have come & gone. Several Volvos, but not the one I currently have. Some dyslexic bone-head down on the coast did my 262.
Nice guy, but didn't put all the bolts in the bell housing. Nor did he feel it prudent to tighten the four (6 required) that he installed. All that's been taken care of. I really wonder about some folks.
So, what about you? is this a business with you? A little more info would be interesting.
Regards - Jim Ells / direct e-mail
Re: v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by Jim Ells on
Tuesday, 22 July 1997, at 11:55 a.m.
post reply w/addresses
Regards - Jim Ells / direct e-mail interpac@interpac.com or interpac@silverlink.net
Re: v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by walt on
Tuesday, 29 July 1997, at 7:59 a.m.
I would like to hear more if you are in the business of doing V8 conversions in 240s commercially. I am interested in doing so with my 240. Email direct at wbnash@dakotacom.net
Thanks,
Walter
Re: v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by Frank Plumley on
Tuesday, 29 July 1997, at 9:16 p.m.
Walt -
I read your message at the Brickboard and took it upon myself to contact you. You indicated your interest in V8 power for your 240 series Volvo. I did such a conversion myself with a kit from Converse Engineering. This company has been offering kits to turn key rigs for several years.
Afterward, I wrote a short story about the project which will be apearing as the focus story in the September issue from IPD-USA! Even later, I created a web site for Converse Engineering to help them market their product. You may be interested in checking out the website at:
http://fplumley.home.mindspring.com/converse/default.htm
Check us out if you like, I have included my short story on the website also. Drop me a line if you have further interest or questions/issues I can help you with.
Frank
Re: v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by Henry T. Mui. on
Thursday, 31 July 1997, at 1:18 a.m.
Gentlemen;
Could not help but, to add my 2 cents worth into this V-8 Conversion.
First of all back in 93' my friend Tim drove one of these V-8 conversions
from Ross. He stated that "Ross'kit does not solve problems of speedometer
or tachometer recalibration either." Has Ross's kits solved this problem??
There was also the problem with compromises servcability of the front suspension.... but, that has been solved by using modify the struts
(shorter springs).
Things I recommend:
A three row alloy radiator.
Carbon matallic brake pads.
Cross drilled rotors.
5 -Speed (the Ford auto won't stay in OD at full throttle, which is really
frustrating when you maxed out in third gear (115mph).
How could anyone not want a V-8!
Re: v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by Jim Ells on
Thursday, 31 July 1997, at 2:13 a.m.
Henry: Ditto on the pads. I went to a 4 core rad for more (flatter) temp stability. Also, ext trans cooler in series w/tank. Separate guages to monitor lube and gear oil temps.(I'm used to this type of engine watch) For $36.00, VDO re-circuted the stock 6 cyl tach to 8 cyl. It even still says Volvo-how'd they do this? Beats me. Tacoma Speedometer calibrated Spdo w/90 degree calibration/drive adaptor to accommodate the Cad output to stock Volvo indicator. Since the Olds/Caddy combination is lighter than the original V6/auto, front suspension only received new strut cores. Did have full 2" exhaust replaced from headers on back. Everything appears to be just fine. The car is really quick, and quite comfortable, especially on long trips. Having the extra power is well worth the effort and expense it took to get it all together.
Personally, I would much prefer to swap to V8 than rebuild the same old low performance hunk of iron. It's just not that big a deal. Additionally, I've always enjoyed the opportunity to re-design some of the lame systems and control methodologies that show in the original configurations.
Re: v-8 powered performance volvos[ALL/1998] posted by Frank Plumley on
Thursday, 31 July 1997, at 8:41 p.m.
You identify a number of issues in your message, all of which I agree are valid concerns.
1. The speedo in my 242 was a .980 unit (85mph model) I exchanged for a 120mph model, also .980. A company by the name of Mustangs Unlimited carries a variety of speedo gears for the transmission end of the cable. By counting the number of teeth on the transmission speedo gear, finding out the differential gear ratio, and measuring the diameter of your rear tires, you can deternine the number of teeth needed on the speedo cable gear that mates with the transmission gear. Any Ford, especially Mustang specialist has the cable gears available. You should be able to find the one you need.
2. The tach was very easy to fix. If you have a 6 cylinder tach all you have to do is adjust the rheostat on the tach head. If you have a 4 cylinder tach you have to install a resistor (same circuit board) and then adjust the rheostat. End of problem.
3. Front suspension/brakes. I can verify the validity of your comments on both of these points. My car is old ('82) struts all original and need rebuilding.
4. Transmission - I have a T5OD in my car, so I can't comment on the issue with the automatic. I have suggested to Ross that he subscribe to the Brick Board so that he can address issues of this type.
5. Radiator - I am on the verge of coming to the same decision!
Frank