Whoops, I realized a few things could be taken the wrong way.

With the electric fan, I specifically meant low speed, high ambient temperature. With the mechanical fan being tied to your engine speed, if you're cruising around on a hot day at a slow speed.. an electric fan which can rotate faster would afford better cooling.

My shot clutch was the fan clutch, and not the one coupling the enginet to the transmission.

After a post to turbobricks, I just though I'd add one more thing about handling. Volvo put a whole bunch of thought into the chassis tuning of the 200s and 700s. This is not to say they ignored the later FWD cars, but you can really tweak a 240 if you want to.. Mike Justeen wrote a fantastic bit about the research Volvo did (and other makers like MBZ were too lazy to do) on accident avoidance (I'll dig this up later tonight).

The general theory of Blisteins + IPD bars probably holds quite true. However, there's lots you can do as well. The front end alignment is pretty well adjustable. You've got any number of bushings that can be replaced with polyurethane units. Chassis braces. And don't forget that the Blisteins can be revalved (about $60/shock IIRC). Different ball joints to induce more twitchy handling.

IMO, that whole "if you want power, go for a V8" is a bit of a cop out.. but.. oh.. this should probably go in the OPINIONS forum.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo
'84 245 Turbo