240 General: - New (to me) 1980 Volvo 244

john.wigley · Jan 21st, 2021, 17:42

Yes, indeed. Standards, along with expectations, have definitely changed dramatically in the last half-century or so. Tighter manufacturing tolerances, combined with improved lubricants, have resulted in vastly increased economy, performance and reliability from ever smaller engines, but at the expense of greater mechanical complexity and sophistication.

When I was running 1950's cars in the '60s, the need for a 'top' overhaul was not uncommon every 10 thousand miles, with a full one becoming necessary at 30. These were relatively simple affairs, but I would not want to do that on a 240 Alan, much less on a modern performance car such as your Porsche.

Take the Fiat 500 that I spoke of earlier for example, little bigger than a motorcycle unit, it was what I called a 'kitchen table' engine - one that you could take out, strip down and rebuild - on the kitchen table, if necessary!

Regards, John.

Jan 21st, 2021, 17:42	#11
john.wigley VOC Member since 1986 Last Online: Today 07:45 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leicestershire	Yes, indeed. Standards, along with expectations, have definitely changed dramatically in the last half-century or so. Tighter manufacturing tolerances, combined with improved lubricants, have resulted in vastly increased economy, performance and reliability from ever smaller engines, but at the expense of greater mechanical complexity and sophistication. When I was running 1950's cars in the '60s, the need for a 'top' overhaul was not uncommon every 10 thousand miles, with a full one becoming necessary at 30. These were relatively simple affairs, but I would not want to do that on a 240 Alan, much less on a modern performance car such as your Porsche. Take the Fiat 500 that I spoke of earlier for example, little bigger than a motorcycle unit, it was what I called a 'kitchen table' engine - one that you could take out, strip down and rebuild - on the kitchen table, if necessary! Regards, John. __________________ Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana .....

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