Looking for information on what engines will swap smoothly into a recently purchased 1987 Volvo 240dl :: Local engines I could find via Craigslist include a 760 Turbo from an '89 wagon.

This isn't my first experience with Volvo cars but is my first rebuild/restore :: Any information helps and if there's anything I can clarify to receive better opinions please let me know!

 

For an engine swap, swapping a turbo engine into an '87 240 is a bit of work involving fabrication of certain parts for routing air intakes, exhaust, etc. It has been done (look in the sticky threads of this forum. Swiftjustice44 did this to his 240). Over on Turbobricks you can find a lot of info for this kind of swap.

If you are looking for something a little straight-forward, look for a non-turbo redblock engine. For the most part you can use any b230 engine. The main differences over the years are the ignition and fuel injection systems. However, as long as you stick with the fuel injection (intake system, injectors, ECU, etc) and ignition parts (distributer, ignition module, etc), you should be fine.

 

Thanks for the input Act, is there a more effective way to your knowledge to get the most out of the 240 performance wise? Not on an absolutely strict budget but not looking to put in 10K either and can do most things out of the comfort of my garage w/ close family.

 

Forgot to mention I am open to other options rather than a full blown engine swap. Tried google searching performance upgrades but couldn't find much. Again, all help is appreciated!

 

I'm probably not the best person to ask as my goal is always to keep my car as simple and reliable as possible. Also, I actually don't drive my 240s on a daily basis. These are for my kids who are learning to drive or are rookie drivers. My goal is to keep them from going too fast.

There isn't a whole lot you can do to increase the HP of the normally aspirated engines. Going turbo is always an option and can be had relatively cheap if you are a dedicated DIYer. Like I said in my earlier post, turbobricks is a great site that discusses this at length. Browse around over there to see what projects people have done/are working on.

Good luck

 

try a 16 Valve head from a 940 bolts right on and....and the parts you would need can be obtained from yoshifab.com

moderate to heavy mods but all the stuff needed is ready to bolt on....no cutting or stuff like that...but if you live in California this will give you smog, dmv problems..

or a performance cam form ipdusa.com....
I once tried a coil from an 94 850 turbo(some cutting and wiring) and it gave me an extra umph but my fuel/mile ration went down the drain. It started much stronger and you could feel the difference but fuel consumption was terrible, I take it the system was overcompensating or something like that.

 

Bolting on the 16v head requires more than just the head. You will need timing belt, timing belt covers, tensioner, exhaust manifold, downpipe, etc. Not to mention the ECU, AMM and perhaps wiring harness.