peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 11, 2014 12:53:30 GMT
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Hi all! I've had my tank for a few months now. I had it up for sale but I got hit with an epiphany as I was climbing solo on a Japanese mountain, with the wind and rain in my face, cleaning off the blood of the tiger I'd just killed with my bare hands, lightning crashing behind me, after I'd just saved a small village from a land slide... That I should keep it as it's a great work horse and with a bit of tlc it has potential of being a looker too. The body is pretty much immaculate, as is the engine bay and running gear etc.
What I'd like to do is -
Give it some lower/stiffer suspension (as it's like wallowing around in a dingy)
Get a nice set of subtle or even deep/euro looking alloys for it
Get another rear diff as the current one is the equivalent to a unicycle
Last but not least, make it a little faster/louder! Don't get me wrong, it does go well but not well enough...
So I'd like help locating a suspension kit, help finding alloys that fit, and advice with engine powah!
I'll post a pic up in a mo of what I've got vs what I'd like. Thanks in advance!!
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 11, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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It's the 2.3 manual 4 speed petrol btw ;-)
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May 11, 2014 13:11:27 GMT
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I don't know what the estates are like but my 240GL (2.0 CSi + 5 speed) went very well. Handling, when pushed, could be iffy and more than once the back end got out of control. The 740SE (2.0 CSi / 5 speed again) that replaced it handled a lot better but nowhere near as quick either on acceleration or top speed. First off I'd look at shocks and if original then new might help the wallowing. Obviously you know the normal route for springs and kittens  Also check suspension bushes - maybe OK for MOT but polybush or even new OE might improve things. Is the engine single carb, twin carb or injection ? If single carb then obvious suggestion is the twin set up off a higher spec model. Then there is always the turbo option. If you are happy with the 4 speed then you can get an overdrive but after driving 4 speed with overdrive and 5 speed I prefer the 5 speed any day. Rear axle is going to be "ouch" money as they are in demand for other vehicles with being capable of handling decent amount of power without exploding. Might therefore be cheaper to simply get somebody to fit new bearings / check backlash etc it you can't do that yourself. In fact I suggest buying a 2.3 turbo or twin carb with 5 speed gearbox and good diff as parts donor as that could be the cheapest way of upgrading. Maybe something rusty, damaged or MOT failure ? Could be worth joining Volvo forum to see if anyone is breaking such a car if you don't have space yourself. BTW I still rate my 240 as one of the best cars I have owned and only changed to the 740 after bonnet came up at speed so damage to roof, windscreen frame and smashed screen making it "betond economical repair". Paul H |
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 11, 2014 13:46:19 GMT
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 11, 2014 14:01:50 GMT
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Thankyou Paul H!
Yea I did think about just buying a donor car as it's a single carb and a 4 speed so it's not ideal for me power wise or drivetrain wise as I do a lot of driving and a good portion of that is motorways...
I'd rate it as a great car too. Not much fun (yet) but it's deffo a great car. I only just found that huge compartment opposite side to spare wheel) where I found tons of spare parts, a huge Volvo side-jack, nuts and volts for the 6th and 7th seats and guess what it was all wrapped up in... Safeways bags!! Lmao
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May 11, 2014 15:01:21 GMT
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I'm broody after looking at the pics Can't justify another though  Paul H |
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 11, 2014 16:22:01 GMT
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I know the feeling pal, I keep seeing my old car pop up all over the Internet and it makes me wanna cry/GO AND STEAL IT BACK!!! Lmao.
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May 11, 2014 17:22:40 GMT
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Give it some lower/stiffer suspension (as it's like wallowing around in a dingy) See steve's 244 project! Get a nice set of subtle or even deep/euro looking alloys for it Your preference really. Don't dive into getting some 940/60 etc alloys as often the centre caps won't fit on the front. Get another rear diff as the current one is the equivalent to a unicycle Could do with some info on that one - were any other ratios available? I once heard talk of someone attaching a standard 5 speed box onto a volvo that already had a high ratio diff and apparently it was uselessly high geared. Last but not least, make it a little faster/louder! Don't get me wrong, it does go well but not well enough... Get yourself the 5 speed box and see what you think. I own a 4 and a 5 speed... and let's just say... the four isn't staying that way for long. About 500RPM different at 70mph... And cut off the massive backbox... straight pipe it out on the drivers side... probably get rid of some rattles too because they are always badly fitted! Just my 2p's worth. |
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"A Pierburg carb? It would be more economical to replace it with a funnel..."
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May 13, 2014 14:28:12 GMT
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These respond well to the old 'chop a coil off the spring' trick if you're that way inclined (I'm passing NO comment on adviseability or legality).
At the rear, you can add a second ARB for the cost of an ARB from a breaker and two bits of 3mm steel plate about 10x20cm. You can do the same at the front with a s/h ARB and some threaded rod.
IIRC Turbobricks has a 'how to guide'.
If you can get some welding done, the shell comes 'ready to fit' for strut-braces to the bulkhead in the engine bay - peel back the sound deadening just above the brake resiviour and you'll see the holes on one side...the others are about where the red dipstick is located.
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THE_Liam
Yorkshire and The Humber
If at first you don't succeed... HAMMERS.
Posts: 1,363
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May 13, 2014 14:35:08 GMT
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I was very tempted by this one when it was for sale, half regret not going for it. My vote would be for a 2.3 turbo from a 940, banded steels, choppy choppy springs, and rebuild the axle, far better than buying a new one that could also be goosed. When you say a unicycle, do you mean one wheel drive?!?! Sounds interesting handling-wise...
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 14, 2014 18:23:48 GMT
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Give it some lower/stiffer suspension (as it's like wallowing around in a dingy) See steve's 244 project! Get a nice set of subtle or even deep/euro looking alloys for it Your preference really. Don't dive into getting some 940/60 etc alloys as often the centre caps won't fit on the front. Get another rear diff as the current one is the equivalent to a unicycle Could do with some info on that one - were any other ratios available? I once heard talk of someone attaching a standard 5 speed box onto a volvo that already had a high ratio diff and apparently it was uselessly high geared. Last but not least, make it a little faster/louder! Don't get me wrong, it does go well but not well enough... Get yourself the 5 speed box and see what you think. I own a 4 and a 5 speed... and let's just say... the four isn't staying that way for long. About 500RPM different at 70mph... And cut off the massive backbox... straight pipe it out on the drivers side... probably get rid of some rattles too because they are always badly fitted! Just my 2p's worth. Looks like I needs me a 5speed box then!! When I initially bought the car I wanted to get rid of the engine and box altogether as the head gasket was totally shot and just throw a nice 1JZ in there but my other project needs more attention!! |
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Last Edit: May 14, 2014 18:30:30 GMT by peddyp
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 14, 2014 18:39:02 GMT
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These respond well to the old 'chop a coil off the spring' trick if you're that way inclined (I'm passing NO comment on adviseability or legality). At the rear, you can add a second ARB for the cost of an ARB from a breaker and two bits of 3mm steel plate about 10x20cm. You can do the same at the front with a s/h ARB and some threaded rod. IIRC Turbobricks has a 'how to guide'. If you can get some welding done, the shell comes 'ready to fit' for strut-braces to the bulkhead in the engine bay - peel back the sound deadening just above the brake resiviour and you'll see the holes on one side...the others are about where the red dipstick is located. I'm liking your ideas on this!! Exactly what I was after. I was tempted to lose a coil or two but I wasn't sure how it'd react being a 2 ton car! The dual ARB's sound like a great idea too, I shall do some research. Thank you very much ;-) |
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 14, 2014 19:09:17 GMT
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I was very tempted by this one when it was for sale, half regret not going for it. My vote would be for a 2.3 turbo from a 940, banded steels, choppy choppy springs, and rebuild the axle, far better than buying a new one that could also be goosed. When you say a unicycle, do you mean one wheel drive?!?! Sounds interesting handling-wise... You missed out Mister... You missed BIIIIG!! Lmao. I'm very temped to go banded steels BUT I wanted some nice deep alloys or even stretch out to some snazzy expensive splits... Thou shalt choppy said springy's! And yes maybe I should have explained the rear diff situation... Although it's a loyal workhorse, I still tend chuck the back end around a little after the heavens have opened. (I feel it's a great way to unwind from the day) The rear diff is useless in this sense, 1st gear is nothing but one wheel spinning around uselessly, 2nd gear is just twitchy and completely unpredictable and 3rd gear locks up great but that is soon followed by a lack-o-powah!! |
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May 14, 2014 20:16:13 GMT
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The rear diff is useless in this sense, 1st gear is nothing but one wheel spinning around uselessly, 2nd gear is just twitchy and completely unpredictable and 3rd gear locks up great but that is soon followed by a lack-o-powah!! It isn't a LSD that is faulty / has wrong oil ? Might be worth removing diff cover and having a peek inside to see if gears stripped, half shaft splines worn and other such problems Paul H |
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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May 14, 2014 21:26:23 GMT
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The rear diff is useless in this sense, 1st gear is nothing but one wheel spinning around uselessly, 2nd gear is just twitchy and completely unpredictable and 3rd gear locks up great but that is soon followed by a lack-o-powah!! It isn't a LSD that is faulty / has wrong oil ? Might be worth removing diff cover and having a peek inside to see if gears stripped, half shaft splines worn and other such problems Paul H As far as I'm aware it's just a rubbish open diff matey, doesn't feel like there's anything 'wrong' with it, just feels like it was never made for my intentional application! Lol |
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THE_Liam
Yorkshire and The Humber
If at first you don't succeed... HAMMERS.
Posts: 1,363
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If it only ever spins one wheel, there's a issue there mate. Rebuild is probably the way forward.
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240 rear axles are normally bullet proof and a popular choice for hot rodders with big engines as they are capable of handling large amounts of power and torque. If yours can't handle the original 2.3 single carb then there is definitely something wrong. As I've said already before you go the change of axle route removed the diff cover to check out what is wrong.
Paul H
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May 15, 2014 13:28:42 GMT
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I'm liking your ideas on this!! Exactly what I was after. I was tempted to lose a coil or two but I wasn't sure how it'd react being a 2 ton car! The dual ARB's sound like a great idea too, I shall do some research. Thank you very much ;-) I found this on TB...not brilliant, but gives you a pic of what I fitted to my 240 GLT rally car. And there's some even better pics here...As for anti roll bar, I've just remembered the American's call them sway bars...which makes searching for articles a LOT less frustrating! Anyway, have a look at this thread for an idea on how to fit twin rears. It really is very simple!! And some pics/ideas in this thread, but you'll need to scroll around as some of the early pics have expired. HTH |
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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Thanks for all that Clive, really helped out and made things crystal clear!! That turbo bricks is a great site!! Just looking for a poly bush kit and this is the cheapest one I can find at £300!! Look at this on eBay: pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=331181114495Volvo 240 Front & Rear Suspension Complete Bushes Kit - SuperPro Poly |
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peddyp
Part of things
Posts: 710
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Would deleting the backbox have any effect on the engine? I know NA's can be temprimental with a lack of back pressure...
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Also check suspension bushes - maybe OK for MOT but polybush or even new OE might improve things.
