V8 Volvo's Chevy power!!!

[bobby28384]

Wow, I'm impressed 784VC....thats a really nice looking car you got there. Even though 80s and 90s Volvos are boxes, I like them better than the new ones. They used to be safe, affordable cars. Now they're expensive, luxury cars! My family has owned 3 Volvos over the years (240, 740, 850) and they all worked very well! Great sleepers!

[jal12386]

hey volvord, i have seen your sight many times and i am thoroughly impressed by the work you have done. I am amazed at how fast these cars can really get

I am planning to do the 240 conversion in the near (or distant) future with a chevy lt1. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if any particular modifications like headers or valve covers can become problematic with the volvo engine bay or other parts of the car. Also, i was wondering if anyone has tampered with the rearend on the 240's. I have heard that they are dana 30's but im not positive. I would like to put a nice rear end in it before beefing up the engine. Obviously, having not quite reached maturity yet, i dont think i could possibly leave a chevy small block untouched.

And one last thing. I havent seen any numbers as far as quarter mile times and/or 0-60 for conversions of the chevy-engined variety. Does anybody know some?

[Volvord 784VC]

The 240 makes an excellent candidate for a conversion, I am not as familiar with the Chev conversion but I know one with the LT1 is fairly straight forward, the problems come when you try to install the LS1 as there is some oil pan interference. Exhaust systems are always a problem on a conversion like this, many use the stock exhaust manifold or "block hugger" headers. To use a long tube header be prepared for some major modifications, but in my mind the long tubes are worth the effort.

As for differentials, the 240 comes with a Dana 30, many of the turbo's come with Dana 31's, both are quite strong, you will not run into any problems as long as you stay with a "street tire". If you plan on racing and use a drag tire or slicks then there is a good chance you will experience a diff failure.

As for 1/4 mile times ... well you do the calculations, a 3000 pound car with 400HP should easily be into the low 12 second range, 450HP puts you in the mid 11 second range.

Visit us at http://www.brickboard.com/V8/ there are a large number of members with Chev V8 Volvo's

Good luck.

[billyvray]

I want to find out more about the v8 engine in the Nissan 240sx. I emailed you v8-240sx. Sorry to clutter the volvo section, but there's a lot more info on v8 swaps here.

[Volvord 784VC]

I don't see any problems with your proposed conversion, the only tight area will probably be the exhaust manufolds/headers.

Here are a couple of sites that may lead you to some information

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/pparaska/
http://members.tripod.com/~grannys/
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/

If I can answer any of your general swap questions, let me know and good luck.

[billyvray]

I haven't found anything directly related to the 240sx. I'll keep trying.

[jsinhood]

Originally Posted by billyvray

I haven't found anything directly related to the 240sx. I'll keep trying.

There is no info related to the 240sx....the guy was confused and thought you wanted 240z. The Datsun 240Z conversion is pretty common, I have even seen many Big Block conversions. The 240sx conversion is extremely rare. The problem being that SR20's are a dime a dozen and cheaper in the long run. I want to put a 4.6 Cobra engine in my 240sx but the Army put that on hold for me. If anyone has info it would really be appreciated.

[Volvord 784VC]

Originally Posted by jsinhood

There is no info related to the 240sx....the guy was confused and thought you wanted 240z. The Datsun 240Z conversion is pretty common, I have even seen many Big Block conversions. The 240sx conversion is extremely rare. The problem being that SR20's are a dime a dozen and cheaper in the long run. I want to put a 4.6 Cobra engine in my 240sx but the Army put that on hold for me. If anyone has info it would really be appreciated.

Although this post is over 3 years old now, I was not confusing the 240z with the 240SX, the general concepts and information required to perform a V8 engine swap in a 4 cylinder powered vehicle is generally the same. Reviewing and researching conversion swaps in general will assist greatly in your knowledge, understanding and challenges.

Your idea for installing a 4.6 in a 240sx would rank up there with some of the most challenging. The 4.6 is an extremely wide engine, without knowing the dimensions of your engine compartment I would guess that major modifications and fabrication would be required to get it to fit, but do keep us posted if you proceed with the conversion, and good luck

[jsinhood]

Originally Posted by Volvord 784VC

Although this post is over 3 years old now, I was not confusing the 240z with the 240SX, the general concepts and information required to perform a V8 engine swap in a 4 cylinder powered vehicle is generally the same. Reviewing and researching conversion swaps in general will assist greatly in your knowledge, understanding and challenges.

Your idea for installing a 4.6 in a 240sx would rank up there with some of the most challenging. The 4.6 is an extremely wide engine, without knowing the dimensions of your engine compartment I would guess that major modifications and fabrication would be required to get it to fit, but do keep us posted if you proceed with the conversion, and good luck

Yeah, the post is a little stagnant. I have taken into consideration the width of the Mod engine and it will require some modifications to the front suspension pieces, if I decide to tackle that particular beast. The difference in the Z car and the SX is sustantial. The Z has a much larger engine bay, especially the width. A guy we used to race with had a 502 stuffed in a Z. I believe, and I could be wrong, that this space is from the side draft system used on the Z. I am far from a Z expert but I know they used side drafts for a while and that particular set up was much wider than the FI on the SX. More side to side room. The S chassis is very thin rail to rail. As for the 4 cylinder conversion being similar that is far from the truth. We bolted a L98 into a Fc3s with nothing more than mounts and block huggers (yes I know rotaries are pigs). We also managed to get a Lm9 (GNX) 6 into a Starion without modding anything other than mounts and a scoop. The theory is similar but the process varies greatly, hence my post about the Z information not being for the 240 sx.

[jsinhood]

Originally Posted by jsinhood

Yeah, the post is a little stagnant. I have taken into consideration the width of the Mod engine and it will require some modifications to the front suspension pieces, if I decide to tackle that particular beast. The difference in the Z car and the SX is sustantial. The Z has a much larger engine bay, especially the width. A guy we used to race with had a 502 stuffed in a Z. I believe, and I could be wrong, that this space is from the side draft system used on the Z. I am far from a Z expert but I know they used side drafts for a while and that particular set up was much wider than the FI on the SX. More side to side room. The S chassis is very thin rail to rail. As for the 4 cylinder conversion being similar that is far from the truth. We bolted a L98 into a Fc3s with nothing more than mounts and block huggers (yes I know rotaries are pigs). We also managed to get a Lm9 (GNX) 6 into a Starion without modding anything other than mounts and a scoop. The theory is similar but the process varies greatly, hence my post about the Z information not being for the 240 sx.

**Sorry if my spelling or grammar are a little off, I am in Korea and it is late here. Also, I dont have facts to back all of my thoughts, they are off the top of my head. If I proceed with the change it will be next year but I will definately post

[jjjarvis22]

I have a 83 volvo 760 with a 96 lt1 with a 6-speed tranny out of a 96 camaro ss drivetrain has 25k body 112k runs mint daliy driver body super solid but needs some cosmetics the car is in maine and is for sale for $4000 obo to get more info please call josh at 1(207)754-9978

[jjjarvis22]

I have a 83 volvo 760 with a 96 camaro ss lt1 with 6-speed trans drivetrain hs 25k body has 112k daliy driver for sale $4000 obo cars in maine call josh at 1(207)754-9978 for more info

[fuelthefire003]

i have a 90 240sx coupe and i wanna drop in a chevy 350 need to know what steps to proceed with any info greatly appreciated thanks

[Volvord 784VC]

A thread on Volvo V8 conversions is probably not the best source for your Nissan conversion. But be prepared that any conversion of this significance will cost 3 times more and take 4 times longer that your estimates.

There is probably not a kit and everything will need to be engineered, designed and manufactured specifically for your application. Reliability and longevity will be directly related to how well engineered each component is.

I am not trying to scare you off but I do speak from experience and it is not just a "drop in" and drive. an engine conversion like this will effect handling, braking and reliability.

I have invested over 3 years and well over $20,000 into PARTS for my conversion. I have upgraded drive train (engine, clutch, trany, driveshaft, differential), suspension (springs, shocks, sway bars, panhard rod, bushings), brakes (caliper-6 piston front, 4 piston rear, rotors- 12.26x1.25"), weight distribution is 51%F-49%R.

The end result is worth the time effort & expense, but I warn you it is a long expensive journey to get it right

[gmorgan23]

Cool car, and engines!!! I'm also planning to modify or upgrade my car in time.. Maybe you could give some suggestion with it.. Try to post some info bout my ride later on..