Car is a 1988 240 wagon w/5 spd trans.

I'm not sure what would be involved here. The car "looks" good in the ad, and has relatively low mileage (190000km), no rust, and the factory "tubular" hitch--and I need a hitch. Price is good for the market. I'm just not sure what the car might need to pass emissions testing as I'm guessing the Euro models may have different emissions equipment? Owner says it needs "carb" repair kit, but as it's injected, I'm guessing the owner doesn't know too much.

Hi,

I would pull the top end and give in a valve job. In the US, the Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel systems are everywhere. It would be pretty simple to just put one of those in an ditch the carbs. Also, to your advantage the carbbed engines have a longer duration camshaft, which adds to the power band, so use it.

After that, things get simple. Get a header pipe from the LH donor car and weld an aftermarket cat to it.

Problem Solved. Pleasant Driving!

Goatman

I bet the original poster has settled the matter by now.

Are you talking about a "grey market" car? I have one myself -- a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 280GE Gelaendwagen (a.k.a., G-Wagon), model W460, a barely civilianized version of a military vehicle (not to be confused with the 2002-on W462, a "plush" GWagen that MB finally started selling here).
Up until about 1988, it was legal for a U.S. citizen to bring one (i.e., once per lifetime) built-for-a-foreign-market car into the U.S. It had to, however, be brought into partial compliance with US regulations by a U.S. Gov't-certified, so-called "registered", importer (i.e., they do emission control modifications, install side-impact beams in the doors, etc.), which could tack on tens(!) of thousands of dollars to the cost of the car.

Frankly, I can't believe that a 240 would be worth the costs since it's already sold here -- on the other hand, a rare Mercedes (like mine) that wasn't sold in the U.S. would be cost-effective if people were dying to have one. But anyway, if it is a grey-market, be sure that the seller has both the DOT and also EPA documents that certified that the car has been legally imported and brought into compliance, and therefore registerable, in the U.S. Without those papers, you're sunk -- think of them as quasi-birth certificates, something you don't want to lose!
For example, my 280GE is not in the computerized database that my state's inspection stations rely on (details of engine size, weight, etc.) to plug in the parameters for the dynamo-testing (i.e., simulating road speed and load) of the car's emissions, so each time it gets inspected, I have to show my DOT and EPA documents to explain why it isn't in the database, and thus proving that the car is legally here (then they manually punch in the parameters based on the manufacturer's data on the placque on the door jam).

On the other hand, maybe your prospective 240 is just a U.S. market car? Ask the seller some pointed questions first....

Good luck.

This car is in Canada (British Columbia). It was imported from Europe in 2003--I'm surprised that anyone would have done so, as I'd think the transportation costs and import fees would have been prohibitive for such a relatively cheap car.

The asking price keeps dropping, but I just wonder if there's a way to get this thing through "Aircare" up here. If it doesn't have a cat, I'll have to add one, but wonder what else might prevent it from passing.

It looks like it's going to be a hassle bringing the car south from Canada - and it's not only cat changes that may be required. Read what I've copied (below) from the website http://www.buyclassiccars.com/import.asp.
I hope this helps you.
Regards,

VEHICLE IMPORTATION GUIDELINES
(Imported From Canada)

All passenger cars less than 25 years old imported for personal use (not resale) into the U.S. on a permanent basis from Canada should follow this procedure. This process may also be followed if a vehicle was originally imported from Canada on a temporary basis or if prior DOT or U.S. Customs clearance was not obtained.

Contact the manufacturer of the vehicle, and ask if the vehicle complies with all applicable U.S. Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). The letter from the manufacturer must identify your vehicle by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). READ THE LETTER CAREFULLY.

If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle complies with U.S. FMVSS, except for minor labeling requirements, you have an acceptable letter. This letter along with your vehicle registration should be presented to U.S. Customs at the border. U.S. Customs will review the manufacturer letter to assure that the vehicle complies.

If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS, except for the speedometer, or headlights, you may have these components replaced at a dealer authorized by the factory to repair your vehicle. In addition to the documents cited above, you must present the invoice for the speedometer or headlight replacement to obtain U.S. Customs approval.

If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS except for FMVSS No. 208 (automatic or passive restraint requirements) you WILL NOT be able to bring your vehicle into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless it is modified by an RI. If an RI is willing to modify the vehicle, it may be expensive and may change your desire to import the vehicle.

If the manufacturer will not issue a letter for your vehicle, the only method to import your vehicle on a permanent basis is to contract with an RI.

EPA approval is also required. You may call the EPA information line at: (202) 564-9660.

VEHICLE IMPORTATION GUIDELINES
(Imported from a country other than Canada)

The following provides information concerning the importation of a passenger car built to comply with the standards of a country other than the U.S. or Canada. Importers of motor vehicles must file form HS-7 (available at ports of entry) at the time a vehicle is imported to declare whether the vehicle complies with DOT requirements. As a general rule, a motor vehicle less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) to be imported permanently. Vehicles manufactured to meet the FMVSS will have a certification label affixed by the original manufacturer in the area of the driver-side door. To make importation easier, when purchasing a vehicle certified to the U.S. standards abroad, a buyer should have the sales contract verify that the label is attached and present this document at time of importation.

A vehicle without this certification label must be imported as a non-conforming vehicle. In this case, the importer must contract with a DOT-Registered Importer (RI) and post a DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle's dutiable value. This bond is in addition to the normal Customs entry bond. Copies of the DOT bond and the contract with an RI must be attached to the HS-7 form.

Under the contract, the RI will modify and certify that the vehicle conforms with all applicable FMVSS. Before an RI can modify a vehicle NHTSA must have determined that the vehicle is capable of being modified to comply with the FMVSS. If no determination has been made, the RI must petition NHTSA to determine whether the vehicle is capable of being modified to comply with the FMVSS. If the petitioned vehicle is not similar to one sold in the U.S., this process becomes very complex and costly. A list of vehicles previously determined eligible for importation may be obtained from an RI or from the NHTSA web site.

Since the cost of modifying a non-conforming vehicle, or the time required to bring it into conformance, may affect the decision to purchase a vehicle abroad, it is recommended that you discuss these aspects with an RI before buying and shipping a vehicle to the U.S.

For federal regulations concerning vehicle emissions contact the Environmental Protection Agency, Manufacturers Operations Division, EN-340, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460, Tel: (202) 564-9660. Information concerning duty or other Customs matters can be obtained from the Classification and Value Division, U.S. Customs Service, Washington, DC 20229, Tel: (202) 927-0300, or http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/auto.htm

For information regarding registration or operation of a properly imported vehicle in a specific state, we advise you to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or other appropriate agency in that state since the requirements vary by state.

Registered Importers

Autosport Design
203 West Hills Road,
Huntington Station, New York, 11746 USA
Tel: 516 248 0066
Fax: 516 248 4422

G & K Automotive Conversion
3231 South Standard Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705 USA
Tel: 714 545 9503
Fax: 714 545 7667

Sunshine Car Import
745 NE 19th Place
Cape Coral, FL 33903
Tel: 941 458 1020
Fax: 941 458 4410

Wallace Environmental Test Lab
2140 Wirtcrest
Houston, TX 77055 USA
Tel: 713 956 7705
Fax: 713 956 0104

Automotive Importers
1730 SouthFirst Street
Yakima, WA 98909
Tel: 509 248 4700
Fax: 707 839 1662


Northern California Diagnostic Lab
2748 Jefferson St.
Napa, CA 94558
Tel: 707 258 1611
Fax: 707 258

European Auto Repair Center
6845 SW 59th Place
Miami, FL
Tel: 305 661 2939
Fax: 305 662 2105

JK Technologies
3500 Sweet Air Street
Baltimore, MD 21211 USA
Tel: 410 366 6332
Fax: 410 366 7655 Western Cascade
12065 44th Place S.

Tukwila, WA 98178 USA
Tel: 206 243 2667
Fax: 206 767 2157
Black Shrine
1760 Monrovia Avenue, Unit C-12
Costa Mesa, CA 92627 USA
Tel: 949 515 8056
Fax: 949 515 8036

Potsdam Importers
7513 USH 11
Piotsdam, NY
Tel: 315 265 1850

A lot of people have these questions when trying to import classic cars. You might try talking to someone who has done it before.

Happy Days Dream Cars
http://www.happycarz.com/

I'm not planning to bring the car to the US as I live in Canada. It's already been imported to Canada (not far from where I live), but it doesn't currently pass "Aircare", which I need so that I can insure it here. If it doesn't pass, I can insure for 3 months to get things fixed. It is expected that I spend enough to get it through emissions testing or $500 (whichever comes first) each year it doesn't pass.

I was hoping that someone would know if there would be anything about a 240 of European origin (assuming the engine is in good shape) that would mean I can't get it through emissions testing with the addition/replacement of the catcon and a good tune-up.
--
GSP in Chilliwack, BC, Canada

GSP,

At least you reside in a nation that is not in debt.

A 1988 Volvo, that you say is injected, will have, or at least, should include the Bosch LH-Jetronic (fuel) and EZK ignition system (ignition and EGR).

So, with see here at http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineOBDCodes.htm. Socket 2 for LH-Jetronic (fuel) and socket 6 for EZK ignition. Repeat process until you have recorded all fault codes, if any. (The codes will begin to repeat multiple fault codes set.)

If this 1988 Volvo 240 sedan from Europa has come from say, Germany, you may already have EGR and possibly the Pulsair or air pump to inject it into the exhaust. Does the 1988 Volvo 240 also have labels indicating unleaded fuel or "No Pb!" (plumbum metallicum or lead), then you have a 240 that may be catalytic converter equipped, or at least we hope it is and that the catalytic converter works.

I imagine Canada, perhaps varies by province, performs an emissions test. Perhaps other may perform a visual inspection? Do the emissions requirement vary by province as in by US state and other nations divided by region or prefecture and the like? Could you get a record of emissions tests recorded for the car?

Like other respondents suggest, you may want to contact an auto importer for information. Also, read your Canada federal and provincial regulatory schema and mandates for cars.

Would not the 1988 Volvo 240 be already test and has become a naturalized Canadian Volvo 240 automobile by now if it is already in Canada? Or has it been sitting in port or something unclaimed?

You may want to perform things like a compression test and get a good feel for condition. The engines in Volvos from Europa nations means your may have a very high compression engine that can give a spry performance for a 240. You may also have a hotter cam (like Canadian market carb-equipped OHC four cylinder engine [B21-230] may more likely than not have a K-cam in there).

You have motor clubs in Canada like AAA is the U.S.? They may be able to consult you freely on what you need to do. Also, motor clubs may have facilities to test emissions without going through the test just yet.

And take care of that M47 transmission. Use the Volvo OEM gear oil ONLY, or at least use Redline MTL as the Redline website specifies for Volvo 240 with 5 speed.

Questions?

Good luck.

Tom Horton's
--
Delicious breakfasts at Tim Horton's in Canada.

You can resister the car up in Whistler, Pemperton or somewhere that does not have air care. I did it.
Or you could wait until Jan.
2013 is supposed to be the last year for air care in the lower mainland.

Are you absolutely sure it's a Euro car? More likely it was European delivery---a US spec car picked up at the factory, then shipped over here. The best way to tell for sure is to check the various certification labels under the hood and in the door frame. On the other hand, if it does in fact have a Km speedo, that suggests it could have been an unofficial import.

If it is indeed a Euro, a lot depends on what state you are in, as the rules vary widely. In some places it's relatively easy to get an exemption, in others it's just about impossible. In some places, if it has fuel injection and a catalytic converter, and everything is working properly, it might just go through without a hitch.

It is no longer possible to import a non-US vehicle into the United States as a personal import, with some exceptions. In 1998, NHTSA granted vehicles over 25 years of age dispensation from the rules it administers, since these are presumed to be collector vehicles. It is also possible to certify the car though a Registered importer for DOT work and an ICI for EPA work, bringing in a number of cars to spread the cost of type approval and destructive testing. Destructive crash testing is not always needed if the vehicle can be shown to be substantially similar to a model sold in the US. The Smart Fortwo car is imported in this manner. Finally, the Show or Display law allows import of vehicle[s] "of such historical or technological significance that it is in the public interest to show or display it in the United States even though it would be difficult or impossible to bring the vehicle into compliance with the Federal motor vehicle safety standards. This provision is intended to facilitate the importation of a make or model of a vehicle which its manufacturer never certified for sale in the United States." However, this provision still demands compliance with emissions standards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_import_vehicles

Good luck,
Jay
84 245 GLTi 235k
88 740 GLE 220k

European emission requirements were somewhat "relaxed" compared to the US - Leaded fuel was sold until late 80's, and catalytic converters didn't become mandatory until the early 90's. I believe you might find anything from a Solex carburetor to K-jet or Motronic injection from under that hood.