my new 1980 Volvo - Swedish brick warning

[Double02]

I've picked up a replacement for Mitch Jr. BMW-only guys can stop reading here. This wasn't supposed to happen until later in the year but the right car came up and I got (quite unexpectedly) my wife's blessing to grab it. The car is a 1980 Volvo 244 GL. Looks like this:

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0498.jpg
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0499.jpg

I first noticed it on CL back in December, with a small crappy nightime photo, short & inaccurate description, and crack-smoker price ($3k). I still called though since it looked promising and ended up talking to an older German woman whose husband had died a few months earlier. This was her car and she was the only owner. Low mileage, 1-owner, and standard but I couldn't get the car then since I'd only had Mitch for 2 months and didn't want to get stabbed in my sleep.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I notice the ad re-posted right after I successfully sold Mitch. The price had dropped a few hundred dollars but was still way too high. I sent the owner another friendly e-mail saying hi again, politely suggesting her price was way above market, and asking her to call me if she doesn't get any bites in the next few weeks. I followed up last sunday and went to check it out after looking at a couple of other Volvos of similar vintage. So, the car looks pretty good on the exterior and the motor looks reasonably well cared-for. But, the interior has been partially eaten by her small dog...

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0492.jpg
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0497.jpg

Yes, that is a big bite out of the dash. As bad as it looks, the dog damage is almost entirely in the door cards and handles. But, that, plus all the dog hair, plus the aged leather would definitely scare of the casual buyer. On the plus side, it drives really well, everything works, and she has records going back to the bill of sale. It's obviously been garaged almost its entire life.

Only other problem is this big spot on the hood where she got carried away with some abrasive cleaner. Doesn't always look this bad:

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0500.jpg

Told her I was interested in the car if she would sell it for $1500, based on the dog damage and paint. She had a couple of other bites to wait on but said she'd let me know. Turns out the other bites didn't pan out, she called me Monday saying OK, and I bought it Tuesday.

A local independent Volvo shop had compatible door cards and handles, so I dropped by yesterday. These guys like old Volvos so it looks like it will be a great resource. They put the car up on the hoist and checked it out:

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0507.jpg
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0511.jpg
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0505.jpg
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0504.jpg

Has a few oil leaks but they say nothing major. Biggest issue is it will need a new clutch later this year so the seals will be done at the same time. Timing belt and water pump are also candidates. But, that was about it for bad news. Virtually no rust. Maybe they were trying to make me feel good but they claimed this is one of the nicest examples they have had in for a loooong time, and that I made a good purchase.

After a bit of love from the guys, the interior looks like this...

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/2002BL/Swede/DSCF0513.jpg

Unless the M5 sells, the clutch, timing belt and waterpump will be all I get around too this year. Next year will see some new IPD sport springs, KYB shocks, IPD sways, strut brace, and possibly some Virgos and an IPD exhaust. Final build out will likely be a B230FT and possibly a newer interior including the dash.

I'll have it out to the next rainy meet.

[B10er]

Congrats Bruce!!! Looks awsome!

[motrhead]

If it was mine, I would forget the turbo and go for a naturally aspirated B23E from an early model with the mechanical injection (which is exactly what mine had). You need to beg a ride in a naturally aspirated GLT and see what you think. You have to pump up the turbo engine from stock to see a whole lot of improvement over the naturally aspirated GLT engine, and the throttle response of the non-turbo engine is a real treat on a twisty road.
Mind you if you want 500 hp, the turbo is the only choice...

[Double02]

If it was mine, I would forget the turbo and go for a naturally aspirated B23E from an early model with the mechanical injection (which is exactly what mine had). You need to beg a ride in a naturally aspirated GLT and see what you think. You have to pump up the turbo engine from stock to see a whole lot of improvement over the naturally aspirated GLT engine, and the throttle response of the non-turbo engine is a real treat on a twisty road.
Mind you if you want 500 hp, the turbo is the only choice...

Good points Dean, thanks.

The main reasons I'm thinking eventual turbo swap are:

- I already have the 02 for NA build potential
- Turbos were the natural powerplant evolution for 200s/700s/900s. If it was a 140 then no question it would be a NA build.
- never owned a turbo and I like variety

While shopping I did try out a 1982 GLT, but it was pretty beat so not a fair representation.

I was thinking more like 180-200 hp, so not much extra over the stock B230FT. Still, engine swapping will be a year or two away so that gives me plenty of time to go for rides in other cars to see what I'd really like.

[motrhead]

There is always the 16valve...:D
You should easily be able to get a bunch more than 200 hp out of a B230FT without spending a fortune.
As much as I like my 740 Turbo, I was originally looking for a 240 Turbo. I passed on one because of the price, but I am kind of kicking myself for not grabbing it. I have a spare turbo drivetrain that is *someday* going to end up in my '70 122S. I plan to spend the money on making the 2400 pound car go faster rather than making the 800 pound heavier 740 into a high-strung vehicle.
The 240 is a bit better balanced than the 740 (weight distribution) and about 100 pounds lighter, but the 740 is so roomy and comfortable and quiet, and it is built like a tank (except for the niggling little problems with interior trim, the 740 is put together better than my Benz).
I would still be badly tempted by a nice GLT. I put around 500,000 very satisfied km on my pair of already-well-used 240s (the 79 was somewhere near 500k when I let it go, and my parked Diesel wagon is around the same mark) and would enjoy another.
I see a GT steering wheel in one of your pics. I think I'll have to find one of those for my 740. If I was picking rims, I would choose the early model Turbo rims on a 240 or 740.They are so perfectly Swedish.:) I have the later smooth Turbo rims, and they just aren't as nice.
Your 244 brings back a lot of good memories.

[Double02]

Nice to get feedback from a knowledgeable Volvo guy.

The shop I bought the replacement door panels had the GT wheel so I grabbed it to replace the stock bus wheel. The GLT I test-drove had a small diameter steering wheel and it was a nice improvement.

By turbo wheels do you mean the 5-spoke Virgos or something else? I really like the Virgos and was planning to do them with the rest of the suspension.

[motrhead]

Oh man! I've never heard of them being called Virgos. I must be too old. I had to do a quick search.
Yes. Those are the rims that belong on a 240. You have very good taste.:D