Thanks for the tips. The next few steps I am planning on investigating on my '84 include: replacing the fan clutch, replacing the radiator and testing for combustion leaks in the coolant using the NAPA tool recommended in the FAQ section. The thermostat was replaced because of the quirky temp gauge behavior and the radiator is a Volvo Blackstone unit of unknown age, but it appears to be in good condition externally. Internally could be a different story. I have done a compression test within the last month. All cylinders were about the same at 90 psi on the first puff and 180 on the fifth with an error of about 5 psi give or take. One more bit to add to the story; I was driving the wagon yesterday and did a little test. I started out on an even road from stone cold and as soon as I saw the temp gauge start to peak, I pulled over and felt the upper radiator hose. The thermostat was just starting to open as the gauge read in the 10 o'clock position. Again, this matches the beginnings of head gasket failure. I will pick up the NAPA tool on Monday and confirm this, but my gut feeling is a leaking head gasket. I had the opportunity to drive a friends '83 245 and the temp gauge did not have the needle fluctuations mine has.

In regard to the swap, I was aware of the speedo sensor in the rear axle. I am assuming (and hoping) that the wiring for the sensor runs parallel to the main harness rather than bundled with the rest of the rear wiring. Is this true? I know Volvo changed the internals a few time in the B230s life including a "low friction" version (I thought this ran from MY86.5 to 88.5). Can you clarify? And is the "K" designation on the tag on the timing cover indicate a better version of the B230? Do all higher milage B230s have piston slap problems? I know I have read a few posts on piston slap here in the 240 forum. I do understand the enormity of the project, but I thought if I could get the parts for cheap, getting the LH 2.4 would be worth the expense. And finally, no, I don't have access to a non-turbo 7/9xx transmission. This yard has a grand total of six Volvos with this '89 being the most recent, so I try to jump on any parts worth grabbing.

Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving, too.
Nick