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Re: Best of the 244s?[240-260/1988] posted by Chip Hewette on
Thursday, 20 August 1998, at 7:38 p.m.
I think it would be best to focus on the '86 - '93 vintage.
(1)larger headlamps...more visibility for you and oncoming traffic
(2)streamlined large rear view mirrors
(3)excellent lower body molding (plastic) that protects known rust spots from dings and nicks that allow rust to start
(4)prettier hubcaps
(5)redesigned trunk latch...you can once again open the unlocked trunk without a key
(6)higher trunk lid in the center...stronger, more aero, a bit more room
(7)lower cost air mass meter
(8)good A/C compressor, and R134a retrofit kits are available
(9)inexpensive tire size...185/70R14 is widely available (although somewhat small for a car of this weight and size)
(10)at some point, they went to a true 5 speed without a separate overdrive...I think...others chime in on this point
(11)with the wiring harness issue, '88 is the earliest year to look for...pre '88 are supposed to be at high risk for wiring harness degradation
(12)improved flame trap system, throttle pulley, etc. underhood benefits
Hope you can find one with lots of miles for $4K.
Re: Best of the 244s?[240-260/1988] posted by John L. on
Monday, 24 August 1998, at 3:08 a.m.
Some comments:
1) The large headlights are actually not as good as the older sealed beams. Part of the problem is the degradation of the plastic lenses. If you were to buy an '86 or newer 240, I would recommend getting the Euro H4 setup at $600.00 a pair. The pre-'86 models have an advantage in this respect. I bought a pair of drop-in H4's for $20.00 at a Volvo wrecker in Canada. I'm only running 55/60's in my car, but the beam pattern is the best I've seen.
4) I've actually been helping a friend of mine convert his '86 245DL to the older hubcaps, since he and I prefer seeing the wheels to covering them up. On the '84 245, I am running 1975 240GL hubcaps on '85 240 steel rims with chrome trim rings. Looks very nice, especially with chrome lugnuts.
7) They did that in '85. I prefer K-Jet, tho. Better performance and a LOT cheaper to maintain.
8) The R134a kits will work on earlier 240's...
9) Cheap, but 195/70HR14 Dunlop D60A2's beat the cr*p out of any 185/70R14 tire. The 185/70R14's have been seen on '78 242's, so that's kind of a moot point.
10) 1987. Some M47's work fine, but give me an iron case M46 out of a 1982 240 anyday.
11) Wire harness, I agree, but any 240 can be upgraded with a new harness and have the same high quality wiring that the '88-on cars do, same with the flame trap (did that on my '81 242, which has the superior Bosch breakerless ignition).
1981 242GL - 256K; 1984 245GL - 233K; 1985 245GLT non-turbo - 174K; all with M46 and all near Seattle
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