I have been planning the purchase of a 2 door volvo for some time now and have finally settled on a 240. The finished product of this next project will be a 242 with a manual tranny, b230ft with post 86 fenders and headlights and a flat hood.

Here are my questions:
Should I start with a 80 NA 242 (nice dash and cheap car) through on the fenders and lights (pretty easy to find) and in time drop in the B230FT engine from a donor 740Ti? -or- Should I start with a 84 242 turbo change the hood (not sure where I'd get one) fenders and headlights and in time drop in the B230FT engine from a donor 740Ti? -final scenario- Should I get a NA 84 242 change the hood (not sure where I'd get one) fenders and headlights and in time drop in the B230FT engine from a donor 740Ti?

Realistically, it would be some time before I'd be able to put in the B230FT engine but, the post 86 fenders and headlights are readily available and relatively inexpensive (probably I'd need the bumpers too). I am looking for a longterm weekend project for the next 4 to 5 years as I trudge through grad school. My end goal is to create a unique, long lasting, custom, peppy, smooth, nice handling, and, comfortable ride for weekend juants and solo road trips.