1990 740GL Wagon

Enders · Post by **Enders** » 28 Jul 2010, 21:22

Hi! I'm Andrew, and now that I have the semi-intro out of the way, I have either the dumbest idea ever, or perhaps most brilliant.

Recently, I blew the engine in my 740, and have since bought a new car. However, I have a fully paid for wagon just kinda sitting. My Swedish Fireball. I admit, I loved that thing. It was rough and old, and burned oil, but it was my car. I'm sure you understand.

So, the idea is to turn it into the greatest sleeper car of all time. It looks like a beater, but what would it take (in fact, is their a "tuner" sub-culture out there for Volvos?) to turn it into something that would blow away that annoying kid in his Civic? Is this too much to ask on a 20 year old frame?

I ask because I have mostly basic car repair and maintenance skills, but I have a way of biting off more than I can chew, and still choking it down. Also, I think it would be fun.

Ideas? Suggestions?

Thank you!

Post by **JRL** » 29 Jul 2010, 08:10

In the past many of these have been converted to a Ford 5.0/5 speed manual drivetrain.
Almost a bolt up.
Do a search, I'm sure there still are kits available, all you need is a donor engine and transmission
Other conversions have been done, including the "Volvette", a 700 HP Corvette engined conversion with a 6 speed

Post by **matthew1** » 29 Jul 2010, 09:26

From what I've read and people I've spoken to, JRL's suggestion of a Ford 302 is not only the best way to make a 700/900 sleeper, but probably the best bang/buck of any Volvo speed modification on any model. If you can turn a wrench.

You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a 302 engine for sale, they're everywhere. Ford made millions of them for decades. Probably still do.

Volvord used to be active here. Good guy. He drives the proof of this mod. He's got some good stories.

Let us know what you do, this stuff is always interesting.

Post by **jblackburn** » 29 Jul 2010, 09:36

I was following an old beat up 740 down the road one day, and came up next to it at a light, and got in the lane that ends right after the light to get in front.

HOLY CRAP. It blew my S70 out of the water (and it's not a slow car)...that thing was off like a ROCKET. The sound was just awesome...it even sounded like it even had a supercharger on it. If you do it, I'd say you're well-deserving of a high-five

Enders · Post by **Enders** » 29 Jul 2010, 15:14

Thank you! Awesome! I am getting excited......

Post by **JRL** » 29 Jul 2010, 15:34

Paul Newman was the master of these.
He must have built 4 ro 5 of Ford-Vos dating back to the late 70s
As usual with all his stuff, he was very conservative, but they hauled and handled!