SBC + T5 swapped: 1989 Volvo 245 Wagon

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Another day, another rusty Volvo wagon on DT…yawn…oh hey, wake up. This isn’t just your typical redblock 4-cylinder Volvo powered dog, this dog has a Chevy V8 with a giant crazy looking intake that’s gotta be good for at least 10 horsepower. Find this 1989 Volvo 245 Wagon offered for $4000 in South Jersey, NJ via craigslist. Tip from Cory.

From the seller:

1989 volvo 240
fuel: gas
odometer: 245000
title status: clean
transmission: manual
1989 240 – 5.7L SBC swap/T5 trans

Engine – 15,000 miles on motor/trans swap
-’69 block-stock
-performance heads
-edelbrock carb w/ electronic choke
-MSD digital 6AL ignition

Transmission
-crate T5 – would have originally come in late 80’s camaro

Suspension
-Stock springs
-front and rear IPD sways
-IPD torque rods
-IPD adjustable panhard bar
-alleged g80 locker but not confirmed, does spin both wheels

The good
-solid runner driver
-very nice interior
-keyless entry/everything locks
-backup camera
-good rubber
-recent brake work
-blower fan works all speeds
-all gauges work plus oil pressure and voltage added
-exhaust sounds great
-tint

-hood is not bent but raised a bit to clear intake

The Not so good
-battery draw, if going to sit more than a few days I disconnect
-power steering pump chirps when cold, small rack leak
-occasional long crank on hot restart
-some rocker panel rust/hatch base rust
-hood has ugly “vents”/hood paint slightly off compared to rest of car
-FWD rims
-stock roof rack delete with some surface rust

Shift knob not included, also will come with different grill.

Purchased the car from the guy who did the swap in March of 2020, I think he did a nice job. Car starts every time, sounds great, and is a blast to drive. The paint looks ok but could really come back to life with some work. Price is pretty firm.

See a better way to drive something maroon? tips@dailyturismo.com