Fellas,

I have an '83 245 wagon...great car. It has the M46 4spd trans. with electronic O/D. I bought IPD's overdrive mini kit a couple of months ago but didn't getting around to fixing it until last week. Everything works fine now, love being able to cruise at 70mph and only 2500rpm.

My question...my owner's guide advises that O/D should be used at all speeds above 35mph for maximum fuel economy. The wagon has a 3:31 rear and at 55 it's just humming along at 2000rpm. It will go in at 35, but that's only about 1300-1400 revvs according to my tach and is OK on a straight, level road but am I "lugging" the engine?

This is my first Volvo with a stick and the M46 is kind of funky...I'm never really sure what gear I need to be in...2nd and 3rd gears seem like they could go on forever. I've taken her up to 60 in 3rd with 2000rpm left on the tach.

What's a good speed (rpm) to shift through the gears?

Sorry if these questions are incredibly stupid...

-Jim

This OD MiniKit you speak of, is it simple to install? Thanks.

OD mini kit takes about 3 to 4 hours and requires you remove the OD from the tranny. Takes a few special tools, one from almost anywhere with modification ( needs grinding) and the other from a bearing supply house.

The pin wrench can be mocked up for a one time use but for about $25 or finding one to borrow is not worth the hassel in my opinion.

Read the process in the 700/900 FAQ listing under Transmission section.

Duane

Hey Jim,,Sometime's I like to keep it at 4000 rpm's just to hear the engine purr (some call it an italian tune-up). Only after the engine is at operating temp. Seriously overdrive after 50 mph use the clutch..It is my opinion that the Type F oil should be changed yearly..

> My question...my owner's guide advises that O/D should be used at all

> speeds above 35mph for maximum fuel economy.

HA! I love that line - right along with 'shift from 1-2 at 5MPH, 2-3 at 15MPH, 3-4 at 20MPH...'

If you want absolute maximum economy, then you can do that. Expect glacial acceleration and extra stress on the engine, though (not bad to do occasionally, but could be bad if done long-term.) Don't feel bad about ripping up through the gears - this engine and tranny can take it, and they'll appreciate the workout. I usually shift somewhere north of 3K-4K RPM, depending on what the speed limit happens to be.

The 3.31 rear is great for fuel econ, but it is a bit tall. I think a 3.91 may find its way into my car eventually.

Jim,

Keep your tach at or above 2000 rpm. Upshift at about 3000, holding longer for quicker continued acceleration on occasion. And clutch when going into or out of OD.

Use OD if above 50 for a long time. Enjoy the fantastic gas mileage, about 26 in city, 30 to 31 on highway is what I get on my 83 wagon.

Duane

ODGuru (Laycock only)

>Enjoy the fantastic gas mileage, about 26 in city, 30 to 31 on highway is >what I get on my 83 wagon.

Eesh. I wish I could get that. I'm lucky to see the low 20s, usually around 17-19mpg.

Robin Roemisch

bitjockey@hotmail.com

Asheville, NC

'89 744tic m46 12psi

You can too with an engine that is right on the money fuel control wise, and an egg between foot and gas pedal (so to speak). If engine is runnning rich because fuel control is out of wack all the best driving techniques will not help economy.

Hard, fast acceleration is out, unless necessary to avoid getting hit.

Anticipation of what's ahead and coasting to a stop light, lifting foot off gas when light turns yellow, down shifting and going into neutral as soon as able without compromising vehicle control. Makes brakes last a lot longer also. Wife in automatic averages 20,000 per brake pad set. I get 45,000 per set in the manual.

Not being in too much of a hurry to get anywhere also helps. Speed limit or below without impeding traffic. Upshifting at about 3000 rpm, holding speed in highest gear without allowing RPMs below 2000 or above 3000.

Duane

"Eesh. I wish I could get that. I'm lucky to see the low 20s, usually

around 17-19mpg. "

Do you do a lot of city driving?

I do, so I normally see around 17-18 miles per gallon. Course with the older fuel injection I have and the city driving I expect that.

Going to iPd I saw closer to 24 miles per gallon, mainly highway miles.

take care

Luke

82 242T 163K miles

Yeah, every morning it is a 30-mile straightaway with two 10-mile city stretches at either end. I live in the mountains though, and its hard to stay out of the boost on an 11% grade... :)

Once I get my engine running the way it should (its running rich right now), it'll be alot better.

Robin Roemisch

bitjockey@hotmail.com

Asheville, NC

'89 744tic m46 12psi