I grew up riding in the back of early 240-series wagons (my parents had quite the affinity for them), and am thinking about picking up a 240 (either coupe or wagon, possibly the latter) to start a stage-rally build. I currently rallycross a BMW 318i (not stock at all) and that's an obvious choice for Group 2 rally, but I kind of want to do something different rather than another bmw (I also drive an e30 325 in Chumpcar, so I do a lot of work on e30s, and also have an e21 project car I'm trying to get rid of at the moment).
So what I already know:
1. I know the 240s are heavily rallied in Europe/Sweden. So while I appreciate photos of 240 rally cars, you don't need to go to the trouble
2. Don't much need advice on rally itself - I've rallycrossed for several years and know a ton of rally drivers. So really I'm just looking for thoughts on car choice within the 200-series Volvo.
3. I'm pretty capable working on cars. Engine swaps, wiring, suspension, etc. Other than big-time fabrication, I can handle most car modding/restoration jobs. I daily-drive a 2009 WRX so have *some* turbo knowledge, but it's one area where I'll be needing to learn a lot more for a volvo eventually
So all that out of the way, lol....
First, I know....a 242 is the most ideal platform for a variety of reasons. That said, I have a sentimental need to build a wagon. Since very few old cars can dominate Group 2 anyhow these days, I want to do something different from what others are doing.
So feel free to tell me why the wagon is a bad idea, apart from the obvious weight penalty in the rear of the car. Does it use any different suspension stuff from the sedan/coupes or do suspension parts, etc pretty much cross over between all models?
Then down to some other things:
1. I tend to gravitate toward earlier models of older cars - both for the more vintage looks and because they tend to be lighter and easier to strip for race use. In terms of the chassis, is there any reason to stay away from early models and go for a later model?
2. I won't ask much about engines because I know the acclaimed red block to some extent, and I know well enough to stay away from the V6 in the 260-series. As to transmissions: most 240s on craigslist are obviously automatics. I don't assume a swap is terribly involved (transmission, driveshaft, pedal box, M/C, etc), correct? I've heard that the way to go is a later 5 speed (vice the early 4-speed with O/D). Will a later transmission bolt up to an early engine, for instance?
3. IIRC the rear axle is a Dana 30, so I assume there are many types of LSDs available (probably via the Jeep scene). That said, early vs. late cars are there axle changes (in terms of strength, etc) that I should worry about?
4. Any other thoughts are welcome. I don't plan to build a world-beater Ken Block rally car here. I want something to have some fun in that will finish events in a respectable position (assuming I drive it well), and something I can wrench on that's different from an e30. So any thoughts about early vs. late cars, suspension, engines, whatever.....
So What Would Turbobricks Do? (and yeah, I'll be spending endless hours reading old threads and such so this thread is mostly just to point me in the right direction for the initial purchase.
And in case anyone cares, here's my e30
So what I already know:
1. I know the 240s are heavily rallied in Europe/Sweden. So while I appreciate photos of 240 rally cars, you don't need to go to the trouble
2. Don't much need advice on rally itself - I've rallycrossed for several years and know a ton of rally drivers. So really I'm just looking for thoughts on car choice within the 200-series Volvo.
3. I'm pretty capable working on cars. Engine swaps, wiring, suspension, etc. Other than big-time fabrication, I can handle most car modding/restoration jobs. I daily-drive a 2009 WRX so have *some* turbo knowledge, but it's one area where I'll be needing to learn a lot more for a volvo eventually
So all that out of the way, lol....
First, I know....a 242 is the most ideal platform for a variety of reasons. That said, I have a sentimental need to build a wagon. Since very few old cars can dominate Group 2 anyhow these days, I want to do something different from what others are doing.
So feel free to tell me why the wagon is a bad idea, apart from the obvious weight penalty in the rear of the car. Does it use any different suspension stuff from the sedan/coupes or do suspension parts, etc pretty much cross over between all models?
Then down to some other things:
1. I tend to gravitate toward earlier models of older cars - both for the more vintage looks and because they tend to be lighter and easier to strip for race use. In terms of the chassis, is there any reason to stay away from early models and go for a later model?
2. I won't ask much about engines because I know the acclaimed red block to some extent, and I know well enough to stay away from the V6 in the 260-series. As to transmissions: most 240s on craigslist are obviously automatics. I don't assume a swap is terribly involved (transmission, driveshaft, pedal box, M/C, etc), correct? I've heard that the way to go is a later 5 speed (vice the early 4-speed with O/D). Will a later transmission bolt up to an early engine, for instance?
3. IIRC the rear axle is a Dana 30, so I assume there are many types of LSDs available (probably via the Jeep scene). That said, early vs. late cars are there axle changes (in terms of strength, etc) that I should worry about?
4. Any other thoughts are welcome. I don't plan to build a world-beater Ken Block rally car here. I want something to have some fun in that will finish events in a respectable position (assuming I drive it well), and something I can wrench on that's different from an e30. So any thoughts about early vs. late cars, suspension, engines, whatever.....
So What Would Turbobricks Do? (and yeah, I'll be spending endless hours reading old threads and such so this thread is mostly just to point me in the right direction for the initial purchase.
And in case anyone cares, here's my e30
