I feel the need for Swede speed - let's talk Volvos

Specifically, RWD Volvo wagons. I'm into wagons, I'm into sleepers, I'm into RWD, and I'm pretty Swedish (2nd generation American), so this all feels pretty natural.

If I want to go fast in a box for cheap, I figure I have a couple options: silly boost or V8 swap. Boost makes me giggle and V8 roar makes my pants tight, so it's six of one, half dozen of the other, really. I'm not opposed to either route, so line up the pros and cons of each.

Before big power in my book, though, comes handling. Is IPD still the source for making the bricks turn well and look good?

At this point I don't have a strong preference for the 2--/7--/9--, so is there a good reason (weight? amenities?) to go in one direction or the other?

Also, feel free to insert various auto porn of the Prancing Moose variety in this thread.

I have had mine (745 turbo) for a little over a month now. Between a combination of 226k miles and driving my Miata most of the time it isn't very fun to drive in my opinion. Some parts from IPD and a manual swap would probably fix that. I would like silly boost at some point but at stock boost it is just about adequate, not fast though.

It does have some fantastically comfortable seats though. And with the seats folded down the back is the perfect length for me to sleep in.

I prefer the looks of the 245 but went with the 745 since I found a nice one for sale.

Boosted V8! Though im having wet dreams of a 7mgte powered 245

Hm, why not boost AND a V8?

Lots of opinions around here. I owed a 945 for a year or two. Boost at 16-18 with an upgraded turbo and a couple of other things. It was quick, but the auto was kind of a drag and if starting again I'd probably go V8. The gas mileage was not fantastic and parts were hard to get for a DD type vehicle.

anybody else thing a Brick wagon is the perfect recepient of box flares?

2-series is the lightest, probably the most robust from the factory.

The 7/9 series handles better out of the box, but the rear suspension needs strengthening if you put more than ~300lb-ft through it (the subframe will crumple like a piece of foil.)

I'm a big fan of turbocharging, but the 240 was originally designed for a V8, so why not? Or go halfway between the two with a turbo V6.

If I am not mistaken, the 2 series also has better brakes.

242 with a T6 swap.

GO!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=Y-xzkCdtMx8

I may know of where a Volvo 142 could be for very very cheap if you are interested.

Edit: Oops. It is a coupe.

Edit again: This bad boy

Hoop wrote: If I am not mistaken, the 2 series also has better brakes.

Not sure about that, 90+ or so 9 and 7 had very nice big brakes as compared to the earlier years.

It sounds like you're going to circumvent this issue nicely, but the 9xx wagons never came here with manual trans. I was saddened to find this out... I believe at least some 2xx and 7xx did, so perhaps the pertinent question is whether the bracketry for the third pedal is present on auto cars, depending on how much of a pain that sounds like to you...

Great thread. Love Volvo's. I'm partial to the 740's myself. A close friend of mine had a boosted 740 with the 16v from the 960 that made around 400 at the wheels. Best sleeper ever, it would beat 90% of the stuff that was out there at the time, and it would draw zero attention from the law. Best thing is, that engine room is huge, you could drop anything you want in there. Personally, I've always though about putting one of the Volvo turbo 5 cylinders in a 740 wagon and build a Volvo version of an Audi Avant. To me ears, there's nothing like the scream of a turbo 5.=

I have this one http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/reader-rides/3157/

It is tons of fun. Down right now for rust repair. Has IPD sways and Bilsteins but stock shocks. Lots of body roll but is predictable except on quick transitions where it was snap oversteer.

I also had a 84 Wagon with a 305/auto for a short while while flipping it for about $800 profit. Bought it for $600. The Chevy V8 seemed like a simple enough swap. It was powerful enough driving around town and felt downright quick when shifted manually. I almost regret selling it.

I'm ambivalent to any Volvo made after 1974. The 1800, 544, and 122 series cars are fertile ground - weights in the 2200 to 2400 lb range and stylish bodys. Plenty of parts and donors to be found.

if you are talking 80's to early 90's boxes my preference is the 700/900 in wagon form... i'm on my 3rd :)...

the 200/700 where avl with manual gear boxes... for the 700/900 that came in auto they are ready to add the pedal box for the clutch... your choice hydro or cable...

can also do the swap on the bertone... the 700/900 are pretty much all the same... http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/VolvoAW70M46Conversion/AW71M46Conversion.htm

the real problem with the manual swap is gearbox selections... volvo used a 5spd in it's NA (the m47 trans)... from web lore driving it hard even with a stock turbo will kill it quickly... the box they used for turbos is the m46... it's a 4 spd with an electric activated OD unit... they will last longer but hoon with them at even moderately increased power levels and they go BOOM (i've got one in my shed that i'm debating putting into the wagon)... the aw71 auto trans that came with the turbos is far stronger... but it saps a lot of the fun out of driving lol...

if you really want a manual gear box you are looking at swapping something in from somewhere else... in europe they got a much stronger trans... but to import it and install you'll spend as much as you did for the car... companies also sell swap kits for getregs (SP?) and whatever was used in the supra at some point...

the most common in the states though is the t5... few companies sell adapters or will modify the volvo bellhousing... the t5 from a v8 f-body is what you want for best fit in the 700's... but that swap is going to run $700-$1000 or more after you mod the driveshaft, buy the bellhousing/adapter, the custom clutch etc...

I like them and the turbo engine... plenty of room to work... but i'm sure a nice I6 or v8 would be better around town if boost doesn't get ya giddy :)...

EvanB wrote:

^^Agreed. I think the 850s are the sexiest wagons, too bad they're WWD.

be careful of 80s and 90s 8 valve heads.... they can crack.

I know its not RWD but I do like the S60R especially with the factory aero kit.

Thanks to forza I have a serious lust for the 242 evo's

I will happily sell my clean, running 242 to a GRM'r for a noticeable discount off of my joe blow price.

Its just like a later one, except with MORE STYLE! This + t6 or v8 would be my choice. Be the guy to do it!

Vigo wrote: I will happily sell my clean, running 242 to a GRM'r for a noticeable discount off of my joe blow price.

I read that non pg at a quick glance.

This is mine, I've posted these same pics in other threads but here they are again. I've had it for a couple years now, honestly, I just change the oil regularly but I do need to get some oil leaks fixed, flush the trans and cooling system, etc. the headliner has gotten torn up (due to hauling a large amount of stuff) and some of the interior trim pieces have cracked. The sunroof doesn't work any more either.

But when I first got it, I had the IDP springs put on it and it lowered it a bit. It handles well and is reasonably reliable for a 20 year old car. I wish it didn't sound like a vacuum cleaner and if I keep it I eventually will do something, probably work with the turbo 4 and if that isn't enough then do a V-8 later. My drive to work is only a few miles and so the mileage is a reasonable 90,000 at this point. These are good, solid cars with loads of potential. If you get one you'll have to post some pics for us....

Here's one before I had it lowered.

Whatever you do, you need to add these when it is done: