I recently found an auction for an A grind and K grind camshaft. Which one is better? i ahve the stock cam on an '89 244.
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Blue '89 Volvo 244 DL 5-speed w/ 176k

I'd get the K, no question.

I've run the K in my '83 240 B23F/M46 for the last 3-4 yrs. It is a really great improvement if you enjoy running through the gears. I have further dialed it in with an adjustable cam gear from Avalanche Technologies - with 6°Adv, you get back a good portion of the low-end power, without giving up much on the top end.

The A-cam is better than the stock M, but still kind of mild compared to the K. It is often a good match for a mildly modified Turbo model, or a slushbox-equipped car that would otherwise suffer from decreased low-end torque (without a torque converter swap.) The VX is similar performance-wise to the A, but for that reason I wouldn't pay more than ~$75 for one.

Stock Volvo cam grinds more or less move the torque around. Low-end torque results in lower peak HP numbers, while the high-end torque bumpsticks put out more impressive numbers.

*EDIT - You asked about emissions - With a K cam advanced 6°, 3-bar FPR and 16° base ignition timing, I failed the CT emissions test (2-speed idle) last year. No surprise, as I was probably letting some of the air/fuel charge slip out the exhaust at that low RPM, due to the K's overlap. When I swapped the stock items back in, I passed with ridiculously low levels.

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Speed Racer, '83 240 R, '93 940 OL1 (East Hartford, CT)

Hello,

The K grind is more aggressive and will deliver slightly more power, but to quantify them both, there really won't be a noticeable difference between the 2 and you will likely get the A cam for cheaper in the end.

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Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Volvo's are alive and well in Brampton!!!

How are emissions? I live in WI and work at the emissions station actually, and know that vehicles have to pass fairly tight tollerances. How will these cams effect them? (i can get the k cam for $8 more than the A!)
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Blue '89 Volvo 244 DL 5-speed w/ 176k

I would look for the VX cam for you '89 with the LH 2.4 injection. The K can will work really well in the K-Jet systems with a turbo, but won't run any differently with your car, especially with the 5-speed. Those other cams are better low rpm/high torque, compared to the VX, which is better for an n/a car.
I have the VX cam and it is a nice increase in high rpm hp, and passes emissions with ease. Last check was NOS 140 HC .03% CO 32 ppm.
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'89 245 Sportwagon, '04 V70 2.5T Sportwagon

A good friend of mine ran a K in his '83 242 with M-46 here in San Diego. With a good cat he passed California enhanced smog. His was a well tuned and maintained car and I strongly suspect the increased HC in the exhaust caused by the greater overlap of the K may shorten the cat's life but that's the price you pay for performance.

He also had some suspension upgrades and high flow 2 1/2" exhaust, quite a fun car overall.
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Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'65 1800S ????K
'67 1800s 79K
'73 1800ES 117K
'88-240 190K+
'92 745Ti 160K
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