This Unassuming Volvo 242 Is A 10 Second Drag Strip Terror

"DailyTurismo" (thedailyturismo)
11/06/2013 at 12:16 • Filed to: Daily Turismo

The Volvo 240 chassis is a good hunk of metal let down by a wimpy stock engine, wallowing stock suspension and tires from the Huffy catalog. Start fixing each and every single one of these problems and you will soon have a fast, fun and boxy Volvo...or just buy this one.

Save your time and money - buy a completed project from someone who wants out. Find this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for sale in Modesto, CA for $12,500 via craigslist.

This isn't just another carburetor equipped 350 shoved into the front of a 242 after a weekend of fighting some old Volvo ignition model, it is quite the contrary. The seller has a ton of time into fab work on a custom turbo system, custom subframe - the list goes on here on his thread on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . And the car...it goes well too...10.7 second 1/4 mile passes as seen on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The only visual clues that this is anything other than a slightly lowered 242 is the wastegate exhaust dump directly in front of the driver's side front wheel. Its gonna get loud in here...

The LQ4 V8 is a generation III small block Chevy engine from a truck and is related to the LS1/2/X engine family but has an iron block and weights a few more lbs. A gigantic turbo forces more air into this engine and the car runs E85 ethanol on a MegaSquirt DIY fuel injection system to the tune of 550 wheel-horsepower.

See a better way to cover the 1/4 mile in less than 11 seconds? email us here: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Originally posted as !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Photo credits: craigslist

DISCUSSION (78)

EL_ULY > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 12:19

My dream build... but wagon :]

Ghost Dog - For the kittens > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 12:20

PlayerWAN > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 12:44

The best part of it? THE STEELIES. :3

It's a "Porch-uh" > EL_ULY
11/06/2013 at 12:45

Buy this. Swap everything over to a same year wagon body. Most of the hard work is already done for you!

EL_ULY > It's a "Porch-uh"
11/06/2013 at 12:53

lol true :]

gmctavish needs more space > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 13:37

I will never understand the reflex-like desire to throw out the Volvo engines….they have so much potential, even the old pushrod B20 in my 144 could be built to the 200hp range NA. Turbo'ed, well, I'll let Jens Gustavsson show you what turbos can do to Volvo engines…..

MonkeePuzzle > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 13:41

from the build thread:

Kinja'd!!!

umm, ok :D

D > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 14:18

Kinja'd!!!

This gave it away immediately

BeaterGT > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 15:48

Iron Block ftw

Harris_the_Unknowing > Ghost Dog - For the kittens
11/06/2013 at 15:49

These beads?

FriscoFairlane > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 15:49

One think you can assume about this Volvo is that I freaking want it.

cluelessk > gmctavish needs more space
11/06/2013 at 15:52

Cheaper to build a GM v8. Most would say more reliable too. Parts are available everywhere.

InterceptingJensen > PlayerWAN
11/06/2013 at 15:52

I thought the same thing! Those steelies made the car perfect!

Limp Home Mode > D
11/06/2013 at 15:53

Same first impression I made.

Ry-bones, FiST pilot > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 15:54

$12,500? NP all day long.

phutnick > MonkeePuzzle
11/06/2013 at 15:55

Needs a wheelie bar.

InterceptingJensen > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 15:55

I know this is random, but this was my favorite picture from the build process:

Kinja'd!!!

OH and this one:

Kinja'd!!!

(yes, I'm a gearhead that loves cats, don't judge me)

CU > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 15:57

NP! NP!!!! NP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LodestarRunner > gmctavish needs more space
11/06/2013 at 15:57

Because the US has a limitless supply of LS engines in every junkyard. All manner of 5.3, 6.0 or full LS engines waiting to be pulled from crashed trucks and F-bodies. In Sweden it's the exact opposite and they have plenty of Volvo lumps to play with.

nezuko > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 15:59

I wonder if this is faster than the old 1980 242DL that I drove through college that had the three speed automatic and 107 horsepower SOHC I4.

anonsagainstanonymous > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:00

SEEXYYY. I want to dragon those steelies

XC99TF00 > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:00

Better way to cover the quarter in less than 11? How about in less than 10?

1969 Saab 99 body with a modified Saab engine (to the tune of >700 hp), utilizing Audi's quattro AWD system. Certainly doesn't look like a sub 10 car from the outside.

Kerberos824 > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:02

I can barely handle the want. Holy crap that's awesome.

Kerberos824 > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:04

I assume that the new owner would need to cage it if you were going to continue running in the 10s? The track I visit occasionally requires a cage for anything doing runs under 12.

TwoWheelsAmazing > gmctavish needs more space
11/06/2013 at 16:14

I never got that either. Boost for the win!

BobFraggle > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:15

Well that definitely pickles me tink! Vroom vroom whoosh!

n1zm0 > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:27

A friend in HS had a yellow Volvo 240, the coupe type which had a 5.0L in it, it wasn't 10 seconds fast but it sure did haul ass and get some looks, I remember seeing that mustang engine in there and thinking to myself at the track one night: 'Why the f didn't Volvo put something like this in here in the first place? This engine bay is HUGE!"

Scary__goongala! > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:38

those steelies.....my pants just got tight

94GTratracer > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:39

Ummm. That car is not street-legal in California. Megasquirt? No way, Jose.

Douche McGee > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 16:43

This is for sale locally - a 302 powered Volvo wagonfor $2400.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4175313719…

If I wasn't looking for a winter beater I would be interested. but a Miata and a 5.0 powered Volvo wagon doesn't seem to be an ideal winter garage. And my girlfriend would kill me :)

Kinja'd!!!

qqwweerrttyy > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 17:14

Niiiice... he has a lot more videos if you click the first YT link in his CL posting.

I can't say I'm 100% into his methods... Megasquirt batch firing Subaru injectors (assuming sliced stock WRX injectors), but his results are pretty impressive.

DailyTurismo > Douche McGee
11/06/2013 at 17:28

Wow - nice price, but I think the seller is confusing Leno with Letterman - probably a common occurrence.

DailyTurismo > nezuko
11/06/2013 at 17:30

I'm going to say...maybe...

spydrb8 > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 17:31

The builder of that car has a history of awesome before the Volvo. I've known Jeff for a while and he turns out the best stuff.

K20 Turbo powerd bug? Check

suspension swapped '55 beetle with subaru power? check

ej22t powered '58 beetle ragtop? check

ej20t powered 914? check

Is he a totally awesome dude with bitchin' fab skills? check

DailyTurismo > 94GTratracer
11/06/2013 at 17:34

It might have been a diesel car to begin with...so...no smog, no problem. Or the seller lives in a non-smog county. But I had the same concern about the registration myself!

It's a "Porch-uh" > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 17:36

Yup, and it was actually Paul Newman who had it built and asked Letterman if he wanted one. There was a funny interview with Letterman talking about the conversation with Newman, especially Newman asking Letterman if he wanted a "puffer."

volvomoose > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 17:46

Followed this car for a long time on Turbobricks, every part of the fab work is top notch. The cross member is a work of art...

WarShrike > PlayerWAN
11/06/2013 at 18:45

Those really look slick.

WarShrike > spydrb8
11/06/2013 at 18:48

Yeah the underside picture of the engine bay made me chuckle in a good way. That's some nice work. Is there anywhere I can follow him in his work? He seems to be one of those few crazy enough to just do the things some of us sit around and think, "You know what'd be awesome?" type moments.

DailyTurismo > volvomoose
11/06/2013 at 18:50

Kinja'd!!!

Is this the member you were looking for?

Moarloud > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 19:17

What are those steelies called? I really want a set now...

skymonk > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 19:47

Kinja'd!!!

I freakin' love those wheels! That thing is awesome! I want.

gmctavish needs more space > LodestarRunner
11/06/2013 at 19:53

I get that to an extent, what I don't understand is buying a new engine when you already have one in the car with that much potential

Crazyloki > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 20:11

Why not do it with an Inline 5? Also always with the GM motor swaps...

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > gmctavish needs more space
11/06/2013 at 20:32

Outside of the purely psychological reasons, I could imagine someone swapping out the original Volvo engine with an 'merican V8 for affordability. Even if the stock Volvo engine is in good running order, it is likely going to cost more in the long run to get it to the desired HP/TQ figures as compared to a cheap V8. And the eventual maintenance and replacement parts for the Volvo engine will likely cost more in America than a V8.

Plus, I suppose engine swaps are just cool.

Semabe > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 20:36

Those custom steelies have more win than the Red Sox. I saw a thrashed $1500 240 DL wagon today (brown 4 speed + od car!) for sale that needs those wheels and an LSx swap.

gmctavish needs more space > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/06/2013 at 20:36

Yeah fair enough. Personally I've never liked cross-swapping though. I prefer cars to keep the engines of their respective marques. I've thought of B23ET swaps into my 144, but I've never considered V8, just doesn't suit a Volvo to me. I mean maybe the XC90 V8….but that's a Yamaha

Texican > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 20:38

Have you driven a Fjord lately?

FlyingV > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 21:50

It's really special. I would buy it right now if I lived anywhere near the seller.

Disabled_Vette > DailyTurismo
11/06/2013 at 21:52

the ugly welds on that member make me cross

LodestarRunner > PlayerWAN
11/06/2013 at 22:22

Awesome for the street. I also have a feeling this would look great with slicks and skinnies.

Cain_Robertson > Douche McGee
11/07/2013 at 01:15

Keep in mind that these cars are very rear-rubber challenged, and that they're loads of fun because of it - in the dry, with a pretty stock-ish motor. Think 'european car' and not 'muscle car' - the experience more than the numbers.

The V8 swap is easy and common, doing something more than drifts or burnouts with it...that's why there's a back-half on the car above. Also, once you get grip, that Dana axle back there will need to be replaced with something up to the task.

Stock 80s era V8 swap is great, just don't expect it to be a daily driver in rainy climates, do any winter driving whatsoever, or think you'll need loads of engine upgrades, you likely will only vaporize tires faster. However, think about it, get a cheap ass fuel sipper for times like that, and this a great little hoonmobile that can do Ikea runs or bring an 8x10 SVT to Doom practice.

But...glory! I've thought about it many times, the car and the cash in my hand never seem to meet...this is one of the times it's best to buy the project. You likely wouldn't get one driving anywhere near that coin, and that's if you think your time is free...

Cain_Robertson > Kerberos824
11/07/2013 at 01:18

Lots of tracks are cage for 10.99 and under, lots of people choose to do a few passes in the 11s, do a stupid 10 second pass, get booted with a smile on their face...depends on how the local track does it though.

Think about it - we have stock cars now that couldn't run at your strip without a cage. Bone stock. Not a COPO or something either...what a time.

XJguy > PlayerWAN
11/07/2013 at 02:35

They do look great but they also would be an instant red flag that somethin's a-brewin. Its the moment that too much understating actually overstates and gives you away.

UberFisch > DailyTurismo
11/07/2013 at 06:50

Kinja'd!!!

Worth. Every. Penny. I am in love.

Fuel_of_Satan > gmctavish needs more space
11/07/2013 at 07:14

Volvo will even provide a lot of the parts for a build like that themselves. Don't know how they do things these days, but in the day of 240 you could buy everything you needed to turn it into a Group A rally car over the counter at your local Volvo dealer.

But I suppose those options increase in price as the distance from Sweden goes up and I know that in some markets they wont even have heard of it.

However, even in Scandinavia these are relatively common with V8-conversions since it's normally is a bolt-on modification with documents of approval from Volvo themselves.

Fuel_of_Satan > It's a "Porch-uh"
11/07/2013 at 07:22

Letterman's encounter with Newman and Bill Cosby's experience with Carroll Shelby has to be some of the best stories of non car guys getting in over their head. Or maybe they're both car guys to be honest, they just don't know the technical bits.

IDriveASaabAndNobodyIsToBlame > DailyTurismo
11/07/2013 at 07:22

As the discussion seems to stroll around bricks and steel, I am just gonna leave this one here..

Kinja'd!!!

IDriveASaabAndNobodyIsToBlame > IDriveASaabAndNobodyIsToBlame
11/07/2013 at 07:22

And yes, I fapped to this.

gmctavish needs more space > Fuel_of_Satan
11/07/2013 at 09:58

That's really cool, I didn't know that

OtizzyStarBai > PlayerWAN
11/07/2013 at 10:44

WERD! they're awesome... love em'

ccc40821 > DailyTurismo
11/07/2013 at 11:30

Volvo 142 will do:

volvomoose > Disabled_Vette
11/07/2013 at 13:03

Kinja'd!!!

Yes please explain to me how ugly his welds are...

Texican > Fuel_of_Satan
11/07/2013 at 13:34

What? How recently have you seen that? I can't even get half of the stock parts for my 75 242 ever since they sold to China. At least they can still find part numbers so I can track things down, but I'd be shocked if they still have motorsport stuff available. Of course, all my 'unobtainium' OEM stuff comes from a dealer in Dallas that stocks vintage parts, so you may just be dealing with a cool parts department.

PhiLOL (slowcarSLOW-MPGlol) > Douche McGee
11/07/2013 at 14:11

As a fellow St. Louisan and Miata driver, I felt obligated to introduce myself. I hadn't seen that Volvo but I usually keep my eye out for Jalop wet dreams such as that one. Happy motoring!

Disabled_Vette > volvomoose
11/07/2013 at 14:29

I was making a joke...

volvomoose > Disabled_Vette
11/07/2013 at 16:14

I figured, but I still wanted to show the pretty motor mount.

Texican > gmctavish needs more space
11/07/2013 at 16:28

The Swedes build some amazing stuff, but they also have much better parts support, and many more motors laying around for spares. Here in the states, you have to import all the really good parts at high expense, or deal with diminishing returns on fabrication. Past a certain point it becomes an economic argument. That 200hp n/a B20 is very doable... for about $4-$7K depending on where you start and how much labor you can do yourself. That covers the whole budget of a SBF/SBC swap and gets you very close to the LSx series.

I get the hesitation to cross-pollinate, and I love the B20 in my car. Still, to get into the 13s (much less below), it's an expensive build for the B20, or a V8 that's half asleep. I'm going with a 306 Ford, because in rural Texas things like that are just sitting around. For the rest of time, parts will be easy to find, upgrades will be plentiful, and the base of knowledge around me for help expands dramatically.

Fuel_of_Satan > Texican
11/07/2013 at 17:53

Not very recently and less than 100 miles from the Volvo factory rather than Texas. That is among the markets that never would've heard of racing Volvo's in first place, much less stock the parts needed to create your own.

TougeFeind > DailyTurismo
11/07/2013 at 17:58

Tempted to trade my 08' FG2 Si for this...

Disabled_Vette > volvomoose
11/07/2013 at 21:25

That is nice.

Douche McGee > PhiLOL (slowcarSLOW-MPGlol)
11/08/2013 at 17:59

Thanks. We'll have to get the STL Jalops together for a drive one day. My car is an '06 Grand Touring.

PhiLOL (slowcarSLOW-MPGlol) > Douche McGee
11/08/2013 at 18:07

PRHT or no? Mine's a '95. Are you part of the Gateway Miata Club?

Douche McGee > PhiLOL (slowcarSLOW-MPGlol)
11/08/2013 at 20:04

Just a regular ragtop although it has a nice cloth soft top. Not a member of the GMC, but I was VP of the club back in 2000. I've checked their website from time to time, but I've only had this one 3 weeks.

If you want to e-mail me directly - teampunkass at sbcglobal dot net - I'm Jeff

scot > Douche McGee
11/09/2013 at 02:35

~ hello gentlemen; also St.Louis-centric Jalop. i've been to see the red 5.0L 5speed car as has my regular Volvo guy. since there are several dozen vehicles between the two of us there is no room in the stable. as i mentioned in DT comment thread the car was built in Maine by Converse Engineering, who also constructed the Newman and Letterman cars. it was very well done when fresh but has become a little thread bare and needs some upkeep. the price is very reasonable despite the short-comings.

Douche McGee > scot
11/09/2013 at 11:13

What kind of upkeep did it need? I are tempted, especially now the my girlfriend is no longer my girlfriend ;)

H4N5 GRU83R > DailyTurismo
11/11/2013 at 00:48

DEM STEELIES.

Neuro > DailyTurismo
11/12/2013 at 12:17

Still like the stealth volvo the local Airship company had as a chase/utility car - they swapped the volvo engine out for a full race Porsche engine as used in the airships :-)