So, I just bought an '83 245, manual transmission, roof rack. Nice shape, obviously cared for, though the paint is sorta eh. I am very happy so far. It has Virgo 15" alloys, which I am going to replace soon - I don't like alloy rims. Sure, it has an interesting stalling problem - before the engine temperature stabilizes, it will cut out completely from time to time. Dead. I'm assuming electrical issues, since the tach drops to zero instantly even though the engine is still rotating through the drivetrain. Once it is warm, she runs strong without a hitch.

I want to set it up as my fishing/camping/expedition vehicle. I'm on the hunt for a set of steel wheels with the center hub caps. I'm planning on going with some fairly agressive 195/75/14 or similar tire. Anyone have an idea how large the tire diameter can go before parts start rubbing (205/75/14 maybe)? Speedometer error I can live with.

Planning on setting her up with front and rear fog lights, KC-style off-road flood lights and a rock guard over the grill. The stock alternator is going to have the capacity to keep everything lit if need be, right?

I'm not aiming for a high-performance tire-burner. More along the line of a rugged little gas-powered buckboard, high strung and happy on gravel and dirt. In my experience 4wd just ends up getting you stuck further out in the boonies than you would with only two.

Ed

 

Congratulations. You want to trade those Virgos for my steel wheels? Though they are 15", but I do have a set of 14" with the Omega hub caps... just a thought.

 

Congratulations! I also bought my first Volvo yesterday, a 93 240. Look forward to hearing how yours comes together.

 

the stock tire sizes of 195/75-14 on a 14" wheel, or 205/65-15 on a 15" rim, is the perfect fit, anything with a larger diameter will cause poor handling, make the front end feel like a lead truck...

those 15" Virgo alloy rims are very good high quality wheels, far more likely to be straight and true than a 25 yr old set of steel wheels, why don't you like alloy?

 

I just don't like alloy wheels, along the same lines that I just don't like pea soup. It's a personal thing - just no accounting for taste, you know. I've always preferred plain steel rims, painted black or matching the car's paint.

That being said, I do believe that if one's driving in unimproved areas, having tires with a larger aspect ratio gives you more rubber between the road (rocks, gravel) and the wheel. Makes it less likely to dent the wheel. Also works the suspension components less, since the taller tires absorb more bumps, or so it seems.

First things first - I need to get a good service manual and a better multimeter. The car came wth a Haynes book, but it's vague. The info here on the boards is more usefull and based on reality.

 

Classic repair manual explanations. To replace engine: remove engine, installation reverse of removal. Thanks Haynes!

 

The Bentley 240 book is OK, but even it has lots of bad advise, and/or lousy pictures, and/or procedures which can better be done differently, as much of it is cribbed from the factory service documentation which assumes a dealer shop fully stocked with special factory tools.

I have never liked Hayes manuals of any sort. Chilton are even worse.