I was recently talking to my father on a camping trip. I think he developed a new respect for the wagon when I easily climbed the trail that scraped up his truck and gave him a flat. That night I then folded down my rear seat and slept comfortably while he was in hunkered in the cab of his truck during a storm that rendered our tents useless. Anyway, he was wanting to build and engine for my wagon with me, any advice out there for this. We both have small-block chevy experience, and he's been building diesels and race motors for alfas since the '70s. For a reliable B230 what do you guys think?
--
1981 Volvo 244 GL w/ 225K Original B21F and 3spd. auto

Something my mom always says to me, but I hardly ever listen to:

"If it ain't broke, don't mess with it!"

Well, she doesn't use the word "mess," but you can figure out what she actually says (it begins with an "f")...

Why rebuild if you don't have to? I'm up past 420K miles on my '80 245, and I've never even considered a rebuild.

The previous suggestion of finding another 240 that has seen better days and rebuilding that engine was a pretty good idea if you ask me. That way, you "Don't Mess with a Good Thing" (to quote Rufus Thomas.)

Q - is your Volvo a 244 or a 245 (wagon, has 5 doors) ? And, are you ready for a really life-time memory project with your Dad?* Maybe you and he can use the time and talent to rescue another brick from the crusher. Fine a 1988 or newer. They have good wiring harness and better engine bottom end.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)


*Spoken from the viewpoint of one who remembers more of the times and thing done with my Dad, and he's been gone 20+ years now. Get all the time you can. With pix, with a tape recorder. For your kids. Doing an engine is a great opportunity.

..I do believe my son would do the same to me! That's gratitude for you.

At 225k and given reasonable care, the B230 should be only halfway to rebuild time, if that. On the durability scale it ranks far, far ahead of the SBC. One reason is design (the rod/stroke ratio is fairly high, which reduces the side thrust of the pistons on the walls, and the oiling system is excellent), and another is materials - very high spec metallurgy was used. Your Dad sounds highly qualified to do the work, but if the engine is now showing no signs of distress, ask him to hold off for another 200k or so.

Rebuilding a SBC with good quality parts and machining: what? $800?
Rebuilding a B230 with likewise: $2000?
--
Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-944 B230FD plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)

You made your dad sleep in the cab of his pickup?
--
'91 940T (198K) , '94 940T (145K) , '92 745T (170K)