Current Projects » Allison Customs

Volvo 240 Build underway!

Project:

1980 Volvo 240 DL 2 door

230,000 miles

2.1L with K-Jet - mechanical fuel injection

4 speed manual with electric overdrive

4 wheel disc brakes

14″ wheels

$200 Cash

Phase 1: June 2012

Get stock engine running and if possible drivable. The car had been sitting for approximately 10 years when I picked it up.

So, after getting the car home I got the power washer out and started cleaning things up.

There was decades of grease and oil from a leaky engine and the car looked like the previous owner hauled hay for a farm in it.

I found that the engine wiring harness had dozens of wires that the insulation was crumbling away from (common problem for Volvo). So my next step was to start sorting out all of the wiring.

Once the wiring was repaired ( I made a new harness to replace the factory one), I was able to figure out that the fuel pumps were not working.

As it turned out, the in tank pump was bad and need to be replaced ($30.00).

The Main (high pressure) pump was just gummed up from years of sitting with fuel in it. I was able to clean it up and get it running again.

Drain and cleaned fuel tank.

New Fuel filter. ($15.00)

New Spark plugs ($4.50)

Used battery installed

After all that – the engine would crank and if I sprayed some starter fluid in the intake, it would run for a few seconds.

Checked the fuel pressure – Still Nothing.

This required removing the intake manifold to get to the fuel distribution block. So, I pulled the injectors and soaked them in Sea Foam while I attempted to clean and rebuild the distribution block.

A new intake manifold gasket ($12.00) and about 12 hours of soaking parts.

The engine will start and if you keep it floored, it kind of runs. Smokes like hell though. After driving it around the driveway and having to restart it a half dozen times I decided I wanted a better injection system.

Phase 2: September 2012

I have been throwing around the idea of changing out the injection system for a electronic fuel injection system, 5.3L GM engine swap, turbos or a Volvo 5 cylinder engine swap. I finally decided to go with a Volvo 6 cylinder engine with twin turbos. The engine I picked is known as a White Block inline T6 (B6284T) which is a 2.8 liter twin turbo from a 1999 Volvo S60.

Follow this project at: Volvo Build

Update: The ACO Forum is now up and running, you will find a section called “Swap Meet” and can list all of your items there.

Thanks

I am adding a new page to AllisonCustomsOnline.com, it is a page listing your vehicles and parts for sale.

You can list any vehicle or part that you have for sale, no buisnesses will be allowed and all listings will be reviewed before being included.

Here are the rules:

Classifieds Submission Requirements

1. The ACO Classifieds section is intended for ACO subscribers.

2. All classifieds submissions are offered by ACO, free of charge on a first-come space-available basis.

3. All classified submissions are limited to 300 characters (including spaces).

4. Only 1 image (photo, graphic, drawing, etc.) will be accepted.

5. Website addresses are permitted so long as they directly pertain to the items offered; no political websites, adult-only websites or other website, not pertaining to the submission.

6. Submissions will be added in the order they are received.

7. ACO retains the right to limit the contents of a classified listings or alter the printing of classified listings as it deems appropriate.

8. The ACO’s decision regarding submissions is final.

9. Individuals who use this service act entirely on their own, and ACO makes no warranties or promises regarding such actions.

10. ACO is not and will not be party to any transactions between members. ACO assumes neither responsibility nor liability for individuals who choose to sell, purchase, use or engage in any commerce with classified advertisers. Those who trade through the use of the classifieds are solely responsible for any and all of their individual actions.

11. Classified ads must be submitted by email to: Classifieds@AllisonCustomsOnline.com

12. Ad submissions must include name, email, and telephone contact information.

13. Anonymous ads will not be published.

If you have questions or want more information please contact me: Questions@AllisonCustomsOnline.com

Rendering by Jason Rushforth

As far as project updates go, the 1970 Firebird is now mostly complete and back on the road for some testing and tuning. We still need to change out the door glass and the regulators, install a new hood (which hasn’t arrived yet) and of course paint the hood. In case you don’t remember, the firebird chucked the harmonic balancer into about 10 pieces (that we could find) and needed some upgrades. So, the engine was torn down to inspect and a new timing cover and balancer were installed. Then the upgrades started with new wiring, led sequential tail lights, xenon headlights, electric fans on the engine, Edelbrock intake and a GM type throttle body injection system from Affordable Fuel Injection. The car runs great, starts easy and with just a few tune up issues to go, will be a great daily driver.

The 1968 GMC pickup has similar tune up issues to work out and still is waiting for the cruise control to be installed, otherwise it is ready to be detailed and shipped back to Albuquerque to the owner. So, hopefully that one will be done and on its way home this month.

Robert’s 1964 Chevelle is still deep into recovery. As of Monday the 1^st of August it is being soda blasted to get to some solid metal to weld back to. The rear tail panel area is nearly a complete loss and the firewall is rusted in some areas so badly that a new firewall may be in order. The new trunk floor is being prepped and readied to go into the trunk as soon as I get the tail panel fixed up and since we are mini tubbing the trunk pan will get modified before being installed. On the up side, the frame is done and back from powder coat and ready to be assembled with its new suspension. Also Robert’s rear tires are now in the shop (BFG KDW 295-35 -18). What a nice tire and huge! This one is a time consuming project , but aren’t all the worthwhile ones?

Finally, I bought an early 80’s Volvo 240 2 door as a project for myself. I had a 4 door model in high school and part of college and I miss having a great highway car. So, I plan to clean it up and put a new powerplant and running gear in it and use it as a commuter car for my trip to work each week. Any thoughts on “motorvation” ?

I think that about covers the update. As always, if you are interested in what is going on at Allison Customs, you can reach me at 505-330-2174 or Jeffery@AllisonCustomsOnline.com, I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for your time.