I have a 1988 turbo wagon. The engine is just plain dead. I have a 1988 240 non-turbo engine and a 1982 240 turbo engine, both in good condition. Which is my best bet for the easiest install in the 740? I wasn't sure if the turbo engine, being 6 years older than the 740 would be a good match. I'm thinking of installing the 88 240 engine but I was worried about compatability with the fuel pump and computers. ANy help will be greatly appreciated.

Richard

The 88 240 will essentially be a plug-in, but you will need to make one significant modification. You need the 740 distributor on the head. Take yours off the original engine, and install it to the 240 engine after removing the cam plug. You'll also need to block off the hole where the 240 distributor lived. Volvo uses something like a freeze plug for this hole. It's likely the original plug is still available through the dealer, though I've never needed or ordered one.
The engine temp sensors and things should all be in the right locations. You'll need to completely remove and swap the accessory drives: alternator and power steering pump are reversed from a 200 to a 700.
Good luck!
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 221K, 88 744GLE- 202K, 91 244 181K, 88 244GL 145K

Hi Rob

Thanks for the info! I went out to the garage and took a look. I'm hoping that I'll be able to plug the distributor hole on the non-turbo engine with the plug presently where the cam driven distributor will go. It's definately good to know that the computers won't be a problem.

I'm much less concerned about running the car with a non turbo engine since a friend of mine just bought a 740 GL and had no trouble at all climbing the mountains to get to my house last week. Although none of my 240s ever left me wanting, I just couldn't adjust to a similar powerplant hauling the 740 body around having no previous experience with them. My friend climbed, East WIndham Mountain (a six mile run and steep at points) in Curise control at 60mph, no problem at all. Now all I need is an extra pair of hands!

Thanks again
Richard