New Thread, Volvo 240 Modding

[ConanTheLibrarian]

Evening folks!

First off, I'm new. Not just to this forum, but I'm a complete virgin when it comes to modding. I can do all the research I like but eventually I'm going to have to come to you guys for answers. So here goes:

I have a Volvo 240 Classic LHD (1991 Model -Haven't checked the engine but i'm pretty sure it's a B200/230) and it's around 125k on the clock.
There's a long story on how I inherited it, and initially it was a love/hate relationship but I adore the thing now. I know the thing like the back of my hand and what I want to improve but I'm not sure how to go about it so this is where you come in. Here's my list:

1)Handling:
All 240 owners know that in stock condition, it's like driving a lump of jelly round corners.
(a)Tyres: Currently I think they're about 14 inches... I want a larger size but I'm not sure if 16" or 17" is the way to go. That also means looking at new alloys - any recommendations? This guy's Rondell's look nice but I suspect that's because his car looks a lot beefier than when it was stock chassis. http://www.norskvolvoklubb.no/moe.htm(and they're 17")

(b)Suspension, I'd like to drop it but should I do front and back or just front and by how much? Do I need new shocks? What brand or type? Swaybars? Control arms? Any of you got sensible recommendations and can you explain what each does and the benefits?

2)Cosmetics: - I will change some appearance aspects, but maybe later - a taller bumper would be great (refer to that web page again).
(a)Body kits - Where do you find them? I'm not sure they even exist for the 240. On this note though - Good old mo there has some wing mirrors that have the same colour as the body. Did he have to do that himself or can I get new covers for them? Also, a while back I made the mistake of purchasing some clear indicator lenses rather than the normal clear/yellow ones. Surely it's possible to get coloured bulbs though? I couldn't find any because the guide lugs wouldn't fit - I thought the clear lenses looked quite neat - I was a bit disappointed I couldn't use them.
Lastly here, my grille is fine but the logo badge is suffering from moss - is it possible to get replacement logos or can I find something off an old volvo 700 series and stick it on instead?

(b)For future reference, is it possible to find interior decoration? I'd like to install power windows, but that would mean replacing the door panel's fabric to cover the manual handle holes and buying the correct arm rests (I think they're on IPD). So if I was going to do that, I wondered whether it was possible to update the interior with new seats/covers etc?

[t5 pete]

hello and welcome i would stick with the 15" glt alloys with low profile tryes it would lower the car all round and you dont need to replace the shocks for lowering spring be carefull tho when taking front struts off as the brake lines never come off easy and i would say 95% of the time brake so will need new lines cosmetically you can go for red and clear rear lamps clear indicators and clear sid repeaters get a s/s exhausts maby a spoiler for the bood and really if your wanting a mass power gain its going to be a bit of work but fit a turbo if you need any help send me a pm
cheers pete

[irf]

my advice, don't get me wrong, i'm not trying to shoo you away or anything, but you may be better off on the http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/ site who are also UK based but will have more members with your car.

another place would be http://forums.turbobricks.com/

[ConanTheLibrarian]

my advice, don't get me wrong, i'm not trying to shoo you away or anything, but you may be better off on the http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/ site who are also UK based but will have more members with your car.

another place would be http://forums.turbobricks.com/

Okay, I'll take a look!

Thanks to t5 pete. I'll probably keep getting back to you (issue atm is money as always) but I definately want to try and sort out the handling issues because it's not fantastic at the moment. Do you know anything about the wing mirror covers though?

[t5 pete]

hi what do you mean by wing mirrow covers? they can be colour coded to the car

[cherry1809]

You can keep me informed of your progress. I have a similar project in mind

[LesRED850R]

That will be FUN ! i want to do it too when i find a nice wagon , and a turbo goes on these things very easily......Please keep us informed ! Look at this link , you can read the newsletter and get bits from IPD or just the ideas as i realise postage $$ is a factor. http://www.ipdusa.com/newsletter.asp

[ConanTheLibrarian]

Posting some pics. - Tow bar wasn't my idea. Like I said, I inherited the car lol








Couple of interior things to be attended to. For starters, the plastic pockets are broken and need to be replaced.. IPD does do some options there though.

Bonnet catch - I'd actually like to find a good condition one in a scrap yard somewhere.. mine's not too good looking right now.

and the engine.. the truth is that the label seems to be 'singed' so I can't tell what model it is for certain. Anyone able to help me out?

Lastly! Power steering is on the fritz. It goes left fine but going right is an issue, but I still hear pump noise. The rack was replaced within the past 5 years so it's probably the pump. any ideas?