I'm thinking about putting a VX cam into my '92 240.

I don't have the time to do it myself, so I'm trying to decide what kind of shop to go to. I have a choice of the dealer or a private "Swedishmotors" Volvo + Saab place.

Dealer: Good 240 mechanic, and I have been very satisfied with past work. However
I doubt that they do very many cams. Would they be more likely to screw it up if they're "out of practice" or is cam work pretty standard?
Also, I'm not sure if a dealer would do this "aftermarket" job anyway.


Swedishmotors: I have been there before, and was impressed with the shop and the service manager, a bit less so with the mechanic. I assume they're more experienced with this kind of thing.

Any advice?

I could install it for you if you want if you are in the WI area. If not... that volvo and saab place should do fine. Nothing special about it

Hey thanks--that's a nice offer. Unfortunately, I'm in Central Pennsylvania, so it would be a bit of a long commute. :(

It's not a difficult job at all, only a little more complicated than adjusting the valves. I would, however, add a brace across the rear cam plug (IPD sells one for $15, or you can make one for almost nothing... research a Don Foster post). I found the cam swap to be less frustrating than adjusting the valves!

I think you'd be well served by either place. I would expect about one hour's labor on top of a t-belt change AND valve adjustment. My guess the dealer will be more expensive.

OK, changing a cam is about equal to doing a timing belt + adjusting the valves in terms of labor cost. I'd go to the indie shop.

Well if you want people who really know this kind of work., take it to an engine reconditioner, they specialize in this kind of work. See if they're happy to work on the engine while it's in the car. Depending on your mileage, you might consider having the valves done while they've got it.
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Drive it like you hate it