I recently bought a 1982 244 GLT sedan. It's about 1/3 of the way across the country (Canada) and I have yet to pick it up. The guy that's selling it told me that it has 250,000 km, he's redone all of the floors recently, redid the wiring harness, cleaned up all of the wires with frayed ends, gave it a new coat of paint (it's jet black - sweet!!), installed a new clutch and it comes with an extra set of rims. The fluids have been changed religiously, the frame is solidand it is now garage-stored. I can't lie, I'm freakin' stoked to drive it but I'm not near as familiar with these models as I am with the ones from the late '80s (I've onwned an '87 and '89 240s and an '89 740). I've bought based solely on the reliability of my previous Volvos and the fact that I think that the early '80's 240s are possibly some of the finest-looking cars ever assembled. I'm wondering if anybody out there owns one and can give me some general advice/review of one of these cars. Was also wondering if they have b23 in them and what the HP would top out at. Any information would be appreciated!! Thanks!!

- Ian

 

The 240's in general, are probably the same as the 740's in terms of reliability. It sounds like you found a pretty good one and sounds to bee in good condition.
I think those models came with theB21F or the B21FT (at least that is what is in America). The are pretty good motors for tuning, and you can probably get ~250-300hp before worrying. But If you are looking for a more reliable (tuning) motor, thena 90+B230FTis the way to go (stronger bottom end, as well as some other nice features like piston squirters on 93+).If you doubt the level of preformance these motors can handle, then check out Turbobricks.com.

When you getthe car...Post some pictures ofit

 

The Canadian version of the '82 240 GLT has the B23E engine mated to either the M46 manual box or the BW55 or AW70 auto box. There was no turbo version in Canada.

 

Ouch no turbo!

 

I drove a 1982 244 fire-engine red non-turbo for about seven years. Four-speed with electric OD. I put 100,000-plus miles on it. Best car I ever owned, Volvo or otherwise. I only sold it (to the daughter of a friend) because it had roll-up windows and no a/c. I wanted power and a/c, and I wanted a wagon. If the fluids have been changed and other things (such as the flame trap) have been maintained, it probably has many, many miles left in it. If I were buying a Canadian car, I would be concerned about rust. I live in the Northwest, where they don't salt the roads, so rust was never a problem.