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first of all, i have a 1978 245DL; 4 speed with overdrive, everything stock, but good condition. there are a few problems with timing and idle, but i've been tackling them this past week, and will most likely finish next week.
secondly, i have about 3 shop manuals (Chilton (bad), Haynes (very good), Clymer (very good). the one i like the most is the Clymer, which covers 1975-1979 240s. it was printed in 1980, so everything is very relevant to my car. in the very back, it has a "high performance how-to" section. it covers a great deal of suspension, engine (in three stages), drivetrain, turbocharging, and body modifications. very informative, very helpful.
i was reading in the drivetrain section about "final gear ratios." i thought to myself, "this is exactly what i am looking for." -- but am i right? im thinking this gives me sort of an "extra gear." my car obviously cannot beat anyone out drag-style. that's not too important to me. but what does damper my young male ego is that the car can't really handle the beltway; i live in the baltimore/washington area; that means lots of beltways, highways, etc.
i max out around 60-70 depending on the road and elevation; and i dont get there quickly. i'm constantly getting passed by everybody... not just the cool kids in bmws and pontiacs, but soccer moms and soccer grand-moms. i realize that once i finish tuning up the car to normal stock, this situation may improve, but even before i read this section of the book, i remember thinking "if only i had a 6th gear, i'd be fine."
so, like i normally do, i turned to brickboard to see if anyone knew any other information about this. Two companies are mentioned in the performance sections frequently: Volvo Competition Service, and of course, iPd. i haven't heard much about VCS though, are they still around? the book says, "Volvo Competition Service offers an assortment of special gears for every type of driving: street, rally, or racing. They also offer a variety of final drive ratios. Ipd also offers special gear ratios too, plus new 'J' type overdrive units, plus special heavy-duty overdrive springs."
Is it possible that i can add a second overdrive to my transmission or is that as silly and foolish as it already sounds? what advantage will the heavy-duty springs give? can i still find volvo final gear ratios, or can i buy them aftermarket? and will i have to start working 80 hours a week to afford one?
also, i have a bit of a chattering/rattling when i coast a bit. the same Clymer manual (all other troubleshooting dont even mention this problem) says in the Differential Troubleshooting area that "Noise during coasting --- may be caused by incorrect backlash between drive gear and drive pinion gear or incorrect adjustment of drive pinion bearing." -- does this sound like the solution, and where can i get more info about differentials.
thanks a lot in advance if anyone can help, greatly appreciated. thank you just for reading, i know its long.
-- chris
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