Coming into the conversation at the end, I'll try to help you, Jim.

First, a little history. Ross Converse has been my friend for over thirty years, but that doesn't mean I think he can do no wrong, only that I have followed him through all the changes.

Ross has always been a car guy. One of his first attempts to "make it better than the factory" was the custom intake manifold for the 57 Chevy. Of course, being 14 years old, Ross used the easiest-to-hand material. Wood. The attempt was not an unqualified success, and the fire department was involved very soon...

Through the years, Ross has owned, tortured, and modified many cars. The first successful conversion involved installing an Oldsmobile 215 V8 in a Datsun 510. Wah-Hoo!!! Lots of BMWs, Vettes, and other "I'm Faster Than You" cars ate dust.

Next was the concept of the nice car with the motor that was so quirky and expensive that most non-dentists couldn't afford to operate one. 5 series BMWs, Jags, and the like. For a time Mrs. Converse drove a BMW with a Ford V6.

Bringing us to the current itteration. A Volvo with the power to climb hills, tow a trailer, and blow off the big bux fancy guys. The first 240 conversions were done to diesels. Who else would want more power? What Volvo motor was so misunderstood that it blew up? Behold. A source of decent donor bodies, an outstanding need, and an opportunity to pursue Ross's slightly twisted concept of what that American art form, the hot rod, can be.

If you don't want one, don't do it. If we don't all want the same stuff, the stuff we want will be available in good quantities at a reasonable price.