So I joined the Darkside...

[basscase]

...or is it the Brightside? Either way I now own a Volvo as opposed to a VW. I just picked up an '81 242 Turbo. It's got a few things done to it already. It's got ipd suspension, ipd front and rear sway bars, ipd panhard rods, ipd performance camshaft, bigger intercooler, some crazy custom BV that has got to go, magnaflow exhaust with straight pipe and a few other things like new dash cover, leather racing seats and a few other things I'm sure I'm forgetting. The "rat style" hood has got to go though. Apparently his sister closed the garage on the original so he ran to a junkyard a grabbed an old flat front hood.

So I hope to learn a lot from hanging out around here. And if anyone is local to Portland, I'm always down to meet up. Maybe you can let me know what I've gotten myself into!:-D

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8489/img6751.jpg
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/694/img6752.jpg
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7459/img6753i.jpg
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3147/img6758z.jpg
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1776/img6760.jpg

[kahlua240]

nice seats

[GrandmaSideways]

We're the darkside, as is VW - but the difference is we have cookies.

Looks like a fun car, good luck!

[Tom Wiley]

Looks like fun! Being in Portland puts you in a great Volvo community.

[basscase]

nice seatsThanks! They are pretty. But after an hour or so of playing with my new toy...I realized they are not so comfy for extended trips. They have two positions, Racer and Gangster...Gangster is completely useless. :roll:

[basscase]

We're the darkside, as is VW - but the difference is we have cookies.

Looks like a fun car, good luck!Mmmmm...cookies! So far it's pretty fun. I expected to feel the boost a bit more though. It seems to like the freeway a bit more than town.

[basscase]

Looks like fun! Being in Portland puts you in a great Volvo community.Yeah with ipd being just across town I kinda expected there to be at least a decent community!

[77volvo245]

I saw this car on PDX Craigslist.

[basscase]

I saw this car on PDX Craigslist.Hey whaddya know me too! :-P I'd been looking for a decent 240 for a while, but I saw this and figured it's a good starting point.

[Tom Wiley]

Mmmmm...cookies! So far it's pretty fun. I expected to feel the boost a bit more though. It seems to like the freeway a bit more than town.

thank the 7.5:1 compression ratio...

[GrandmaSideways]

Maybe add a manual boost controller?
I won't recommend doing that until you know what you got motor wise - in terms of how healthy it is.

[basscase]

Maybe add a manual boost controller?
I won't recommend doing that until you know what you got motor wise - in terms of how healthy it is.That would be nice! I need to get into it a bit and see what I'm into. Being a VW guy though I'm not too sure what to look for.

I let my buddy take it around a bit...and he was like "where is the boost? The turbo has to be shot. This can't be right" I can feel it a bit on the freeway though and I reminded him it's a 27 year old 4500lb car. I'm just used to my chipped 01 1.8t GTI.

[GrandmaSideways]

Keep in mind this is a different car from another time. Back in the day, the VW performance car would be what - A Rabbit GTi 8v? Hmmm... That's quite slow too.
There's tons of different options. V8 swaps are common swaps, later Volvo 'whiteblock' motor swaps are common as well... and then people putting on 16v heads, and turbocharging those, and people building up 8v motors.

[Addicted242Boost]

That would be nice! I need to get into it a bit and see what I'm into. Being a VW guy though I'm not too sure what to look for.

I let my buddy take it around a bit...and he was like "where is the boost? The turbo has to be shot. This can't be right" I can feel it a bit on the freeway though and I reminded him it's a 27 year old 4500lb car. I'm just used to my chipped 01 1.8t GTI.

~3000lbs, 4500lb is ludicrous for a 242.

[basscase]

~3000lbs, 4500lb is ludicrous for a 242.I could be way off, but I think the GVW is something like 4300lb. :e-shrug:

[Tom Wiley]

~3000lbs, 4500lb is ludicrous for a 242.

Get it running properly, do a full tune up (known as a stage 0). and turn up the booooost.

[basscase]

Get it running properly, do a full tune up (known as a stage 0). and turn up the booooost.Tis step one my friend, tis step one. Starting ASAP!

[Tom Wiley]

Tis step one my friend, tis step one. Starting ASAP!

There are some goos lists in here.http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=165572

You should come to the IPD garage sale in May.

[basscase]

There are some goos lists in here.http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=165572PERFECT! That is exactly what I needed! Thanks!!!

You should come to the IPD garage sale in May.I will absolutely be there.

[Redwood Chair]

...or is it the Brightside? Either way I now own a Volvo as opposed to a VW. Maybe you can let me know what I've gotten myself into!:-D


A paint job for the flathood?:oogle:

I could be way off, but I think the GVW is something like 4300lb. :e-shrug:

G V W = Gross Vehicle Weight
Car + Payload or fully loaded car.

Oh,and;
Welcome to the madness :)

[basscase]

A paint job for the flathood?:oogle:Yeah, it's called some sandpaper and a rattlecan!:oogle: Just to hold me over till I can find a hood that lines up better. The driver side has a gap the size of my finger!



G V W = Gross Vehicle Weight
Car + Payload or fully loaded car.Which is basically what it is when being driven with two adults up front, correct? Either way...it's a tank!:nod:

Oh,and;
Welcome to the madness :)Thanks!

[Tom Wiley]

Yeah, it's called some sandpaper and a rattlecan!:oogle: Just to hold me over till I can find a hood that lines up better. The driver side has a gap the size of my finger!



Which is basically what it is when being driven with two adults up front, correct? Either way...it's a tank!:nod:

Thanks!

They are solid built cars, but weigh less than many modern cars or similar size.

[Addicted242Boost]

They are solid built cars, but weigh less than many modern cars or similar size.

Yea they aren't too shabby for what they are. People on the board have got them down to 2700lbs. Hell, a 1.8T gti weighs 2900-3000lbs.

[Matt]

You have a rare hood, don't junk it.

[crazy240]

def the bright side!! we are on top of the hill, well on the pile of best and coolest cars to have.
nyways.
in other words i am big 240 fan, yay go 240......
yo:hyper:u need to clean it up a little. paint those rims a bright silver instead of the getto now.
repaint the whole car in a black metallic. keep it clean with tinted windows and a clean exhaust tip. get the boost up and running(they run waaaaayyy better when overloading)!! get a turbo cam or a "K" installed and you will be happy. just keep in mind that when boost goes ^ fuel also goes up. what turbo do you have?? a 13c or bigger? if its not boosting proper the gauge will tell you, its usually close to redline when stock in full boost.
let us know how it goes and welcome.

[basscase]

You have a rare hood, don't junk it.It's rare? What are the flat hoods from?

[basscase]

get a turbo cam or a "K" installed and you will be happy. just keep in mind that when boost goes ^ fuel also goes up. what turbo do you have?? a 13c or bigger? if its not boosting proper the gauge will tell you, its usually close to redline when stock in full boost.
let us know how it goes and welcome.Supposedly there is a turbo cam in there. The boost gauge is busted...go figure. And how do I know which turbo I have?

[Tom Wiley]

It's rare? What are the flat hoods from?

Some of the early 240's . If it is a factory flat hood turbo, there is a possibility of it being a 1 in 500 car.

http://flathood.saliv8.com/verification.php

I wouldn't say rare, nor would I say common.

[basscase]

Teh early cars. If it is a factory flat hood turbo, there is a possibility of it being a 1 in 500 car.It's not factory. The previous owners sister crushed the original with the garage door. So he went to a junkyard and grabbed this hood. :-(

[Tom Wiley]

It's not factory. The previous owners sister crushed the original with the garage door. So he went to a junkyard and grabbed this hood. :-(

only Volvo nerds would now about the 500, so it is not a big deal. I, would paint the hood that you have if you can or source another.

[DurableSwedish]

go weigh the car, I'd be surprised if it was over 3000lbs with you in it.

[basscase]

only Volvo nerds would now about the 500, so it is not a big deal. I, would paint the hood that you have if you can or source another.Oh, I am absolutely painting that thing. I kinda like the flat hood. I just need it to line up better.

[b4_ford]

www.ovtuners.org

Go there, register, introduce yourself, meet locals. Welcome to the addiction.

[lovethellama]

Maybe you can let me know what I've gotten myself into!:-D

you now have a disease! congratulations and welcome to the board. you are one of the lucky ones to be over on the west coast where everyone is. Nice 242 and keep the flathood!

[Cassie]

Cool car to start with, but i must say, a girl would never have put all those colours together. :rofl:

We're the darkside, as is VW - but the difference is we have cookies.

Is that all because of me, and my cookie making?

Looks like fun! Being in Portland puts you in a great Volvo community.
Heh Heh Heh....we are just full of surprises.

[Redwood Chair]

Yeah, it's called some sandpaper and a rattlecan!:oogle:

If you are going to ruin it with rattle can,
at least ruin it with something that can be painted over.
http://paint-and-supplies.hardwarestore.com/49-266-epoxy-spray-paint/rust-oleum-appliance-epoxy-264325.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=264325&utm_campaign=googlebase

[b4_ford]

Is that all because of me, and my cookie making?


No, there have been most excellent cookies in the Portland Volvo scene since you were at least 12, and probably long before that.

[Blackbrick]

Nice car, enjoy!

[basscase]

www.ovtuners.org

Go there, register, introduce yourself, meet locals. Welcome to the addiction.Just registered! awaiting approval. Thanks!

[norcal505]

more pics, more pics, more pics.
it looks fantastic
I'd love me a black 242ti !

[Crazychopstick]

That hood rocks.

I was considering doing the yellow highbeams on my car I still can't decide I like it or not.

Sweet car man, you'll love it.

[Crazychopstick]

BTW you can probably align the hood yourself, maybe with a friend to help. It's just four bolts.

[basscase]

BTW you can probably align the hood yourself, maybe with a friend to help. It's just four bolts.EXACTLY what's on the agenda for tomorrow, well that and looking at the tranny mounts! It looks like there is some play in the bolt holes to move it around a little bit.

[basscase]

I was considering doing the yellow highbeams on my car I still can't decide I like it or not.I'm still trying to decide too. My friend says it's one of his favorite things about the car...but meh. Maybe when I clean the front end up a bit I'll like it better.

Sweet car man, you'll love it. I'm addicted way quicker than expected. I bought it with intentions of doing minimal work on it. :rofl:

[Vol242vo]

Nice find, looks like a great start! You've joined an endless resource of Volvo knowledge, just ask and you'll be surprised! Now let Mayhem begin!

[basscase]

Nice find, looks like a great start! You've joined an endless resource of Volvo knowledge, just ask and you'll be surprised! Now let Mayhem begin!So far between Turbobricks and OVT I have a feeling the Volvo community is right up my ally, everybody has been awesome! Dare I say less BS than the VW community........

[Addicted242Boost]

So far between Turbobricks and OVT I have a feeling the Volvo community is right up my ally, everybody has been awesome! Dare I say less BS than the VW community........

Which VW community? BS=waterpumpers. The older aircooled guys are legit.

And welcome to the Volvo community. You're stuck for life. I've tried to get out a few times, but come crawling back.

[700volts]

If it seems gutless, maybe the cat is clogged. Does this have the cat in the downpipe like my '83? If so there may be a bung above the cat, take it out and see if you have more power. Warning...if you bust the bolt don't blame me. :)

Have fun!

[TurboBrickMan]

Supposedly there is a turbo cam in there. The boost gauge is busted...go figure. And how do I know which turbo I have?

EXACTLY what's on the agenda for tomorrow, well that and looking at the tranny mounts! It looks like there is some play in the bolt holes to move it around a little bit.

So far between Turbobricks and OVT I have a feeling the Volvo community is right up my ally, everybody has been awesome! Dare I say less BS than the VW community........

Oh you haven't been in the Volvo community long enough to know what kinda shens and BS go on here. Anyways send me a PM if you need help with anything tomorrow, I should be pretty free during the day.

[Indiana Brick]

May I inquire as to where you got your cool looking seats?

[RedFridge]

Hey man nice ride.
Welcome.
Spruce er up.

[basscase]

Anyways send me a PM if you need help with anything tomorrow, I should be pretty free during the day.PM sent! Thanks!!!!

[volvogeek]

go weigh the car, I'd be surprised if it was over 3000lbs with you in it.

Agreed, my 245 is ~3300 with me in it, and I'm a fatty. 242's should be a couple of hundred under that to start. If you take trips up the gorge at all (I84 past Troutdale) there's a weigh station near Cascade Locks on the eastbound side. The scale is accurate to 100 lbs and the display is external, so if they happen to be closed, you can just drive on up and park on the scale for a sec to get your weight. Westbound there is another just past Hood River, same details on the scale.

Saw your car on PDX CL as well, in fact I posted it up on OVT thinking it'd be a good deal. :) Welcome!

[Matt]

Agreed, my 245 is ~3300 with me in it, and I'm a fatty. 242's should be a couple of hundred under that to start. If you take trips up the gorge at all (I84 past Troutdale) there's a weigh station near Cascade Locks on the eastbound side. The scale is accurate to 100 lbs and the display is external, so if they happen to be closed, you can just drive on up and park on the scale for a sec to get your weight. Westbound there is another just past Hood River, same details on the scale.

Saw your car on PDX CL as well, in fact I posted it up on OVT thinking it'd be a good deal. :) Welcome!

"what'd you guys find out at the weigh station?"

"my cruiser weighs 16,000 kilograms!"

[basscase]

Agreed, my 245 is ~3300 with me in it, and I'm a fatty.I guess that's not so bad, really.

Saw your car on PDX CL as well, in fact I posted it up on OVT thinking it'd be a good deal. :) Welcome! Thanks for the welcome! Yeah, I talked him down quite a bit too, he was asking 3K. :roll: I gave him 1600.

[crazy240]

Supposedly there is a turbo cam in there. The boost gauge is busted...go figure. And how do I know which turbo I have?

it should say on it what it is. kinda hard to see when in the car. some of them have a tag under the silicone hose on top. you will haveto take it off.
take the boost gauge out and blow some air in the back with a compressor. if it works you have a leak in your rubber hose going to the intake mani.
the gauge just comes right out if you pop the plastic cover.