240 Engine Sizes Enquiry

[red122]

Im thinking of searching out a 240 saloon for my volvo collection and looking for some advice .
Im told these were available with a B23 K series engine which apparently is a good choice .

Can anyone explain to an PV simpleton which engines went in the 240s and approximate dates of any changes .

I guess manual with overdrive is also the best option gearbox wise?

How reliable are the turbos in the GLT ?

Any advice would be great and bear me in mind if you have one to sell

Cheers

Alan

[capt jack]

Earliest 240s had a 2.1 litre engine, later cars (approx 84 onwards I think) have had various versions of the 2.0 and 2.3 engines that were used for the 360, 740 and 940 models.

A few GLTs were turbo, but I think most were not. Not sure - wiser minds than mine will confirm!

Earliest cars had either a 4-speed manual gearbox, or 3-speed auto, later cars had 4- or 5-speed manuals, 4 plus an overdrive, or a three-speed auto with overdrive.

The only one I think I'd try to avoid would be the early 3-speed auto. 55mph at 3,000 rpm in top!

I'd suggest that rather than worry too much about the precise engine, go for the car with the best bodywork - that's the real killer of these cars.

I've had an 83 2.1litre 3-sp auto, a 1992 2.3 litre auto with overdrive, and a 1993 2.0 litre 5-speed manual. The '92 2.3 litre was the best drive by far, but the car was generally in poor condition. The '93 2 litre was a Torslanda model, just about as basic as can be, but had the choice today it's the one I'd have again. Bodywork-wise it was perfect, and things like electric windows, leather seats, and even a bigger engine can always be added. In truth, there's something about driving a car with minimal mod-cons, especially in these days of computerificated everything! But rotten bodywork makes for a money-pit.

Serious rot happens in the suspension mounting points, the boot floor, the cills, around the front and rear screens, behind the rear bumper and in the front footwells. Find one that's sound in those areas before worrying about whether it's a B23, or a B200, or a B230.

Whatever you get, assuming it's OHC, change the cam belt, clean out the oil trap, fit new plugs, rotor and dissy cap. And bu&&er off out and enjoy the car!

Jack

[volvo always]

GLT is non turbo B230E with mechanical K jet fuel injection . In the UK we didn't get the turbo models as LHD models the exhaust or brake master cylinder is further away from the turbo so in a rhd risk boiling the brakes as very close to each other. People here have fitted 940 B230FK/ FT turbo lumps and shielded the brake master cylinder etc.

My 1989 240 GLT auto I have owned for 8 years from 159,000 miles and now on 237,000 has been fantastic and engine faultless. As said body rot can take hold so check carefully.

I myself would go for a K jet engine like a B23E OR B230E.

K generally means Carb. My carb 740 wasn't as good as the K jet.

Make sure the heater fan works as if not it's a weekend of dash removal to get to it! Mine died 3 years ago! You get some heat but not much from natural convection.

I also have a 1996 940 turbo and have to say it's more comfortable and very quiet, I wanted another Volvo with ABS and AC.

AC in a 240 in the UK is very rare. ABS is available on a late 240 from around 92/3

James

[red122]

Thank you both for these helpful posts

[Stephen Edwin]

If you are collecting, what are you really wanting? Really desiring? How about looking searching waiting in the hope of an early 244 saloon with the early round headlights? No or few modifications or only stuff that can be reversed. Original wheels and trims. Cushti.

With yes definitely the best condition body you might find. And the best trim specification you might find.

I hope you enjoy whatever you do buy.