tired 1992 240?

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 23 Oct 2007, 20:46

My 92 240 has about 190,000 miles. Is it really as tired as it feels? I know it really never had much power, but after driving the more modern cars it really feels dogish. I can't remember how it was at new. Of course I think the cars in the early 90's were much slower than modern cars.
Is there anything that can be done to help this thing or is it just not worth it at this stage?
Mark

RichyRich514 · Post by **RichyRich514** » 24 Oct 2007, 10:05

you can get the motor rebuilt if you have the extra money to throw out the window! if not forget about it .

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 24 Oct 2007, 10:35

That's what I've been doing...trying to forget about it. I live in an area where the interstates run through the mountains. I start at the bottom at 75 mph and am at 55 near the top. Other than the hills it's not too bad. Just can't pull out to pass someone unless there is a 1/2 mile of clear road ahead

As I said in the original post, I am spoiled by the powerful new cars.

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 24 Oct 2007, 17:53

The old four-banger Volvos, especially the non-turbo versions, are not "rubber-burners' There is no "neck-snapping" acceleration, or the feeling of being pulled back into your seat. That's just the nature of these beasts.

My 740 will cruise the flats of Interstate 5 through the Central Valley of California all day at 85+ mph. But when I hit the Grapevine hill, I have to shift to 3rd gear and tach 3,700 rpm to maintain 65 mph on the hill climb. As far as I am concerned, a small price to pay for 26+ mpg on regular gas.

Your 240 still has plenty of life left in it. If it just doesn't feel right to you anymore, consider passing it on to someone else, who will appreciate it and go find a more potent accelerator to satisfy your driving desires.

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 24 Oct 2007, 18:03

In the back of my mind I keep thinking about the Ford 302 conversion kit plans for the 240. Wasn't there also something avilable with the Chevy 350?

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 24 Oct 2007, 18:49

I don't know about a Chevy conversion. There is a Volvo Club member who lives about a mile from me with a 5.0L Ford in his 240 wagon. I'm sure the look on my face was priceless the first time his wife drove by me in that wagon. My ears said "Mustang GT" while my eyes saw only a Volvo. Boy, was I confused!!!

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 24 Oct 2007, 20:56

IPD, the Volvo supplier was selling a kit which I think just consisted of the plans to slip a 302 in a Volvo 240. I don't think they list it for sale at this point.

waynej · Post by **waynej** » 25 Oct 2007, 11:02

At 190k you should not even be close to needing a rebuild. A Seafoam treatment will restore the power to about what it was when new, which is still less then the newer models.
An 850 turbo will perform better and use less gas than a 240 V8 conversion.

I recently replaced my 740 with an 850 NA(no turbo) automatic, the power and cornering are amazing compared to the 740 and on the first 4 tanks of gas it averaged 25 mpg around town. Thats a little better than my 740 did with a 5 speed.
The 960's also have plenty of power and are still rear wheel drive. I heard they made a few with twin turbos.

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 26 Oct 2007, 16:00

What is a "Seafoam" treatment? I don't think I've ever heard of that.
Mark