1989 740 GLE Wagon

carol · Post by **carol** » 21 Sep 2002, 14:43

We just bought the 89 740 Gle wagon, which has a 16 volve dual cam engine. We've since heard that this engine is one of the worst that Volvo has made. The single cam engines are supposedly much more reliable. Any comments?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 21 Sep 2002, 23:45

The 16 valve motor isn't the greatest, but not the worst. That distinction goes to their V6 (PRV) motor. Bad design for the oiling lead to many premature failures. The most important thing with the 16 valve is to make sure the timing belts (2 of them) are replaced regularly. The engines are interference fit, and a broken belt can cause $$$ damage. The single cam motor is non-interference, so when a belt breaks, the motor stops, but replacing the belt gets you back on your way, none the worse for wear.

co51 · Post by **co51** » 14 Oct 2002, 01:21

I have two Volvos.. A 1989 740 GLE with the B234F engine (the 16-valve DOHC) which is wreckd, and a 740 GL of the same year with the B230F engine (the single cam one). I am contemplating whether to keep the B230 in the driveable one, or to change out to the B234. I am planning to add a turbo to the car, and as far as I know, there are to turbocharged B234 engines out there, and I don't know whether it can be turbocharged. I'm aiming for over 400HP after I am done with my modifications. Also considering putting a supra transmission in to replace the standard automatic. Any help?