i've been thinking it over and an engine swap is actually more feasible than i had thought. i didn't think i would be able to do it in my own garage. it's been a very tough month for this lifelong volvo driver-finding the 83 240's ignition pickup has been a bit of a goose chase and now this. i should have the 240 on the road next week. i found an engine in the area for $350 with 150K on it. i'm thinking this could be a good learning experience...and to salvage a beautiful bertone would make me feel a bit better about blowing the engine after 2 months of ownership. there was a slight knock in the engine; i guess i found out the hard way what it was.
sorry part seekers-didn't mean to get your hopes up. i was anguished