OT:Engine choice for my Volvo 242??, Needs a new engine, want more HP :) Options

[Mueller]

Well, the 914 "was" going to be my new daily driver for sunny days...now with the twins on the way, a larger car will have to do.....

My father-in-law gave me a '75 Volvo 242 (2-door brick) that needs a new engine. Current motor is(was) a 140hp 2100cc four banger.

I'm going to need at least 200hp I think to make it somewhat enjoyable during my commute....

Popular choices for more hp are:

---Turbocharge existing engine (needs a rebuild)

---Install newer 4 banger Volvo turbo engine (probebly best choice for ease and most support)

--install 5 or 6 cylinder volvo from new generation cars...we have a turbo 5 cylinder (247hp) in my wifes volvo, but they are more difficult to install I believe.

---of course there is also the small block Ford or Chevy...both engines can be installed with kits ready to purchase.

---A new generation TDI Diesel GTi/Jetta engine seems neat, but I don't know what kind of performance people have been able to squeeze out of them.

[r_towle]

great motor...a real tank.

If you think an old 914 leaks....the B230FT pisses oil.

Make sure while its out to change all the seals, get a new oil filler cap gasket at every tune up.

Clean and replace oil lines.

And volvo automatics need the fluid changed very often...

IPD sell a nice simple kits for this...

I would also say check your cam/valve clearances...

There is a rubber washer under the spacer that dries up and causes the valves to make alot of noise...

The fix is new cheap rubber washers...

It sucks to do this in the car...the dizzy is right against the firewall and the whole process is a pain...

While its out do all that, and any other work you want to do on the dizzy end of the motor...

There is a reason the hood can go straight up on a 7/9 series ...cause it needs to..

Rich