264 GLE VS 242 DL Flathood

[Freq]

Medfurd linked me to a car for sale/trade. 1980 242 DL Flathood manual. I was wondering if I should try to make a straight trade for this. Why?

My car
Automatic (not as fun as a manual)
K-jet V6 (hard to get parts for)
186k miles
Sound system (Sony tape deck, 2 Boston 6x9s, 2 brand new Pioneer 5-1/4" speakers)
Very comfortable cloth seats

242 DL
Manual 4 speed
B21(?) 4 cyl
FLATHOOD
156k miles
Vinyl seats in front, cloth in back

There's not a whole lot of info on the site, but it says it runs well, so I'm gonna e-mail the guy and ask for some more info, pictures, and maybe check it out in person. Should I go for it? Or should I stick with my K-Jet (unless someone here wants to give me their 240 for it? :-D )

Edit> If I decide it's a good idea, I'll probably put my 264 in the For Sale forum incase someone here really wants it, but I doubt that with the rate people are selling off their 200s.

[DurableSwedish]

the 242 is a nicer car and easier to modify, but i think being a b21, it'll be slower than your 6. Depending on your $$, you probably should +T the DL or snag one of those really cheap rebuilt b21fts floating around in seattle/portland. Go for it!

[Freq]

My car'll be faster with the engines stock, but the 242 would be both lighter and easier to modify than the 264, right?

[DurableSwedish]

definitly. although, john lane (i think) has some crazy 500hp turbo 6 cylender engine in his car...b21f is easy to modify and even easier to turbocharge. put aside $500 to +t the engine.

[Freq]

Making the engine +T is one of the things I liked about the B21. John's V6 is the stuff I dream about, but between not having much money, and even less knowledge of mechanics, it doesn't seem like a dream that'll come true (unless I payed someone to do the work for me). I'll call my dad tomorrow about it, and if he says it sounds like a good idea, I might go for it. I'd hate to see my baby go, though. So many good memories in her. :(

[volvogeek]

Having had both a 264 GLE and a 242 DL at the same time, I can tell you that I very VERY much preferred the 242. The 264 was a heavy, ungainly beast of a car, and the 242 was a sportscar in comparison, even with the MPG ignition. I basically learned how to work on cars in general with the 242, screwed up a LOT of things, learned even more, and it was STILL quicker than the 264. Not to mention it *always* passed emissions with flying colors.

Granted, the 264 had every conceivable option - leather, power everything, sunroof, remote trunk release, etc etc etc - and the 242 was a plain jane, so that added up.

Not to mention the PRV's penchant for cam-eating, and 4-doors are a dime a dozen. Get the 242. :) You won't be disappointed.

[medfurd]

Do it, man! I'll help you +T, sounds fun. The only thing with the 242 that I would caution you about is that the body doesn't look so hot, but it's really no worse than what's on the 264, so go for it. You'll love the manual transmission and better modability. I feel the same way about letting cars go, but maybe you could keep it around as a parts car? I'm sure you have enough $$ to buy it outright, based on your Les Schwab wheel plans, but it would be better having the extra cash. Judging that this 242 is just sitting in a field, I'd be willing to bet the owner doesn't want another old Volvo lying around, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Good luck!

[fast850turbo]

i'd take the 242.

[Freq]

I feel the same way about letting cars go, but maybe you could keep it around as a parts car? I'm sure you have enough $$ to buy it outright, based on your Les Schwab wheel plans, but it would be better having the extra cash.
The Les Schwab plan was after I saved up many a paycheck. :P And I don't know how well a 264 would be a as a parts car for a 242?

Edit> My dad said to go for it, so once I get an email back from the owner, we can start talking. :D

[Freq]

Hi
I'll send you some more pics and info tomorrow. A
little short on time right now.
I'm interested in the 264. I have a 1978 Bertone 262c.
What do you value your 264 at? Any pics? The 242 runs
strong and shifts well. The body is a little rough but
no major damage. I was thinking of making it a rally
car but i have a 1985 245 wagon chevy v8 project thats
been takin all my time. The nice things about the 242
it the rare flathood and factory foglight grill
(foglights work)! I'll send more pics soon

:D

[olov]

good luck man, i eventually want a v6 monster, but if i were in your shoes right now, i'd let the v6 go, the redblock will be easier to manage, and 2 doors are pimp

[medfurd]

^ 4play, this engine will never be a monster, period. Just so old and crappy, and it's not even a Volvo engine really. It is the factory engine, but to me it's the same as putting an SBC or 5.0 in a brick.

Freq, it's looking good. :) Sounds like he likes your car. Better wash it for him :-P