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.

[Brian Mifsud]

Mike,

Add IPD Sway bars front and rear. Makes the handling from good to great!


That little car has GREAT suspension for a live axle car. 3 Point linkage, 2 trailing arms, 1 torque arm, and a Panhard bar. No axle hop at all and smooth almost neutral in the corners (I had an 87 wagon where the higher rear weight helped the handling balance).

Light weight car (low 3000lbs) and built very very stiff.

Problems... you've already been warned about the engine harness.. Fried 2 Mass Air Meters before I found the problem at $350 a pop.

Interior plastic is crap and rots in the sun. Swedes never learned how to engineer plastics as well as their American counterparts.

I would have kept my wagon if I didn't have the wiring problems. I was too pissed off by the time I was selling it to calm down when a potential buyer told me I could have fixed all this issue by spending $70 for a replacement harness.........

Turbobricks is a great resource.

Best price in parts I found to be in Groton CT (even after shipping).

http://www.fcpgroton.com/

I just unloaded a case of oil filters from my '86 240 on my brother who drives a '97 850... same MANN p/n.....