Hey guys! Newbie here from Central Illinois

I have a question...currently have a 1998 Ford 5.0 in the shop that I am rebuilding with my son. The idea was to teach him about motors (he's 11) and spend some time in the shop with dad (I act 11). Getting to the point, where we are looking at what we are going to do with the motor when finish. I really hadn't thought that far ahead.

So we both like the looks of the 240 Wagons, there are many, many threads about swapping in a 5.0 into these cars. Although I don't think Converse Engineer exists anymore, we can certainly fab up some motor mounts. The motor is being converted from EFI to carb for simplicity (its his first motor build).

Found a vehicle, good body, bad motor, may purchase this weekend, 1991 240 DL Wagon. Is there a bellhousing or conversion kit available to mate the AW70 tranny to a Ford 5.0? If so, will we need a computer to operate that tranny or is there a shift cable kit available like the ones from Lokar?

If its possible to mate the two, we will stay with a new stock top end, and should be in the 220hp / 280 tq range. If we need to use a different transmission, we'll build it in the 325 / 325 range. I assume the AW70 would be destroyed quickly with a built motor, and would be destroyed eventually anyhow.

Sorry for long first post, thanks in advance.

 

After an exhausting search, I may have answered my own questions. Yes it can be done, but its pretty cost prohibitive. And the car was sold this AM.

Anyone aware of any 240 wagons for sale? Stick shift preferred.

Thanks!

 

what you likely want to do is get a ford 5-speed, like out of a 5.0 mustang, and use THAT rather than the Volvo 4-speed... its not hard to retrofit a clutch pedal and shifter to an automatic Volvo... Volvo stick shifts in the later years are pretty rare, especially in wagons, and the earlier year 240s are getting very scarce due to their age. any later 240 stick would probably be the 5-speed, which isn't nearly as strong as the 4-speed+OD used in older cars (and turbo models).

 

When I got my wagon it came with an m47 5 speed , getting a M46 in a 240 is not a very easy task. But with any of the manuals you will have clutch pedals and such so the transmission can be easily swapped out at a later day.

The T5 WC transmission is a great upgrade for a manual.

 

Found a 1976 265 with a 4 speed manual about 7 hrs away, heading out to get it next weekend. Other than the V6, is there any major difference between a 245? The car has a blown head gasket, but is a manual, so the clutch pedal is there. Should make the conversion simpler. I'm planning on a complete suspension rebuild, anything specific I should be looking for/upgrading? Cut the springs to lower or spend 3 bills on lowering springs?

302 is pulled and on a stand, tear down will start this week. Started looking for transmissions, wondering if I'm better of with a Mazda M5R2 from an f150 vs a T5....

 

there was a very detailed writeup of installing a performance ford smallblock in a 740 in the stickies here, but I notice its disappeared.

 

I won't say better off, but it will work for your application. People like me who go with a turbo redblock will use the T5 because of its adaptability. Your using a ford engine so it won't matter , it will be all about getting things lined up and fabricated.


I would not lower my car on cut springs, nor would I want to drive I high HP 240 on cut springs. To get the look/height you want you will have to sacrifice to much of the original suspension and you won't be able to leave enough there for handling, at least with the IPD you will get a stiffer spring rate to make up for the drop or loss of suspension travel. Last thing I want is an ill handling car.

 

Fair point. The 302 should be 300+ hp when finished, was planning on poly bushings, larger sway bars, etc. Seems poor form to just cheap out and cut the springs.

Was there any extensive reworking of the transmission tunnel to fit the T5?

 

It should fit in the tunnel , the issues you will have should be drive shaft length, diff. mounting, and cross member.

https://yoshifab.com/store/drivetrai...wap/volvo.html

www.aaronreedbaker.com T5 swap


Heres a few links to check out

 

Thanks for the info! Picked it up and heading back home. 14 hour round trip, but worth it. Technically it's a 265, not sure that that makes a difference though

 

300 HP will likely exceed what the differential/rear axle can handle, especially on a car as old as a 1976. and the brakes on a car that old are not going to be nearly as substantial as they were on later versions. a 265 likely has beefier front springs than a 240, and wagons in general have beefier rear springs as they are meant for carrying cargo.

I think I'd wait til the engine is in it before messing with spring rates and fancy shocks as you don't really know how much weight you'll be carrying on the front with that 302.

 

I hate to say this but if you google volvo 240 v8 conversion you can find a source for many of the parts you are looking for.

 

Get the transmission with the engine you are installing.

the rear axle shafts are the weak point once you get sticky tires and some power (over 400).

fyi, the AW71 trans is fine over 600hp. Proven many times in other project cars.

Confused at the heavy sleeper part? What's heavy

 

400/600HP ??? I thought things started to break down much over 250HP...