Volvo 240 Turbo: A Swedish Icon

The Volvo 240 Turbo, a vehicle that redefined the concept of a comfortable yet potent sedan, first graced the automotive world in September 1980. This marked a significant milestone for Volvo as it introduced their very first turbocharged petrol engine. While other manufacturers had dabbled in turbocharging, primarily for sporty models, Volvo's approach was unique. They aimed to integrate this performance-enhancing technology into a comfortable sedan, a concept that was revolutionary for its time. The 240 Turbo wasn't just a car; it was a statement, showcasing Volvo's commitment to innovation and practicality. Even the station wagon variant, the 245 Turbo, earned the distinction of being the world's first turbocharged station wagon, further cementing its place in automotive history.

The Genesis of the Turbocharged 240

The Volvo 200 series itself had a solid foundation, with production commencing as early as August 1974. The initial models, the 242, 244, and 245, indicated the number of doors and cylinders respectively. Alternatives with six-cylinder engines, the 262, 264, and 265, were also available, offering a broader choice to consumers. However, it was the introduction of the 240 Turbo that truly set the model range apart. Volvo's prior experience with exhaust gas turbochargers, dating back to 1954 with the L395 Titan's diesel engine, provided a strong technical base for this new venture. This experience, while primarily with commercial vehicles, allowed Volvo to understand and harness the potential of turbocharging.

Performance and Innovation

The heart of the 240 Turbo was its legendary, robust B21ET four-cylinder engine. With a displacement of 2.1 litres, it produced a healthy 114 kW (155 hp), nearly matching the performance of Volvo's top-of-the-line 264 GLE. What made the 240 Turbo particularly impressive were its significantly lower fuel consumption figures, especially in urban driving conditions. The turbocharger, a relatively small unit, was designed to respond early, providing boost pressure as low as 1,400 rpm, just above idle. This characteristic ensured a responsive and flexible driving experience. The station wagon variant could sprint from 0 to 62 mph in approximately nine seconds, briefly holding the title of the fastest station wagon globally. In the United States, the 240 Turbo's appeal was amplified by advertising that highlighted the joy of driving on interstates, even with the prevailing 55 mph speed limit.

A Tough Introduction: The Swedish Police Test

Before its official release, the new turbocharged engine underwent a rigorous stress test by the Swedish police, who were supplied with prototype patrol cars. The results were overwhelmingly positive, leading several other police forces worldwide to adopt the 240 Turbo for their fleets. This endorsement from law enforcement agencies was a testament to the engine's durability and performance under demanding conditions. The final approval for mass production came from the then Volvo CEO, Pehr Gyllenhammer, after he received his pre-series company car, painted in a striking red, in 1979.

Global Variations and Enhancements

For specific markets like Italy and Finland, where tax regulations differed, Volvo developed independent 1.9-litre versions of the 240 Turbo. In North America, from 1983 onwards, an upgraded intercooler became available for the 2.1-litre engine, further enhancing its performance capabilities.

Motorsport Dominance: The 'Flying Brick'

While the four-door sedan and station wagon found favour with European families, the two-door sedan quickly became a darling of motorsport enthusiasts. Volvo actively supported its racing ambitions. In 1982, the company organised the in-house Turbo Cup in Sweden, allowing 240s equipped with Volvo R-Sport turbokits to participate. Critically, in the same year, the two-door 240 Turbo received FIA homologation for the new Group A touring car racing regulations. To meet these requirements, Volvo produced the 240 Turbo Evolution, a limited series of 500 units featuring a larger turbocharger, water injection, new engine software, and wider wheels.

The racing journey of the 240 Turbo, affectionately nicknamed the 'flying brick' by fans, was remarkable. The first racing cars, built by the Swedish private team TL-Racing-AB for the 1983 season, competed in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) and achieved a respectable seventh place at Donington Park. The following year, in 1984, the 240 Turbo secured a debut victory in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM). Its success continued into 1985, where it clinched titles in both the DTM and the ETCC. However, the 1986 ETCC season proved to be a challenging one for Volvo, marred by scandals and disqualifications, which led to the cessation of factory involvement in motorsport for many years. Despite this, privateer teams and drivers continued to campaign the 240 Turbo successfully in various touring car and hillclimb events, including the iconic Pikes Peak Hillclimb.

From Novelty to Commonplace Technology

The Volvo 240 series, in its entirety, was a monumental success, with approximately 2.7 million units rolling off the production line. The model reinforced Volvo's reputation for building exceptionally safe vehicles. Beyond its distinctive angular safety bumpers, the 240 excelled in occupant safety, a fact acknowledged by the US safety authority, NHTSA. In 1976, the NHTSA designated the 240 as a reference vehicle in safety research. Furthermore, Volvo embraced environmental responsibility early on. From the same year, the model series pioneered environmental protection by being offered with a controlled three-way catalytic converter and lambda sensor, initially available only in California.

The turbo technology pioneered in the 240 Turbo was subsequently integrated into other Volvo models, including the 760 turbo diesel, the front-wheel-drive 480 Turbo, and the four-wheel-drive 850 R. Today, the principles of turbocharging and engine downsizing, first explored by Volvo in models like the 240 Turbo, are fundamental to the strategies of virtually all global automotive manufacturers.

Tuning Your Volvo 240: Unleashing Potential

The Volvo 240, with its rear-wheel-drive layout and robust engineering, presents an excellent platform for tuning and modification. The availability of affordable 240s, coupled with their reliable engines and solid bodies, provides ample scope for creating a fun track day car or a potent street machine. The key to successful tuning lies in understanding the car's strengths and planning modifications strategically.

Key Tuning Principles for the 240

• Handling First: For many owners, suspension upgrades are the initial port of call. Fitting uprated suspension components and lowering the car by 30-35mm can dramatically improve handling. Be mindful that larger drops may require arch modifications, especially on models already equipped with sports suspension.
• Engine Swaps and Turbo Power: While larger engine sizes generally yield the best power gains, engine swaps can be a cost-effective route. For those seeking significant power increases, consider a 2.2 Turbo engine conversion, potentially mated to the rear axle of a larger Volvo. Turbocharged engines are relatively easy to modify for substantial power gains.
• Focus on Top-End Power and Torque: Aim for a strong top-end power output with a broad, healthy peak torque band to transform the 240 into a genuinely sporty vehicle.
• The Sleeper Factor: The 240 is a perfect candidate for a 'sleeper' build, where its unassuming appearance belies its potent performance capabilities.

Stages of Tuning

Tuning can be approached in stages, each building upon the last:

Stage 1 Mods:

• Exhaust system upgrades
• Panel air filter
• Engine remapping or tuning
• Lighter flywheel (use with caution, as it can affect drivability on some engines)

Stage 2 Mods:

• Fast road camshafts
• Ported and polished cylinder head
• Upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pump

Stage 3 Mods:

• Engine balancing
• Forced induction (turbocharger or supercharger)
• Internal engine upgrades (pistons, cylinder head, valves)
• Competition camshafts

Intake and Exhaust Considerations

Breathing modifications are crucial for performance. While induction kits are popular, a high-quality panel air filter often provides a better balance of mid to high-range flexibility, especially on smaller engines where induction kits can sometimes reduce low-end power. A good sports exhaust system is essential to complement a freer-flowing air intake; fitting an air filter alone will yield minimal gains.

Head Work and Fuelling

Porting and polishing the cylinder head can significantly increase airflow into the engine. For turbocharged engines, or those with extensive modifications, ensuring adequate fuel supply is paramount. This may involve upgrading fuel injectors and the fuel pump to meet increased demand. Using higher octane petrol can also help prevent detonation or premature ignition after significant performance upgrades.

Handling and Suspension Upgrades

Adjusting the 240's handling is often the first step for enthusiasts. Coilovers are a popular choice, allowing for adjustable ride height to fine-tune the car's handling characteristics. When selecting suspension components, consider the trade-off between sporty handling and ride comfort, especially if the car is used as a daily driver. Polyurethane bushes, as direct replacements for original rubber mounts, can significantly improve handling precision and longevity, although they may result in a slightly firmer ride.

When modifying suspension, aim for a drop of around 26-40mm. Lowering the car excessively can compromise handling dynamics. Upgraded bushes are a worthwhile investment, as original rubber bushings tend to degrade over time.

Wheel Modifications

Alloy wheels can aid brake cooling and are often lighter than steel wheels. However, larger alloy wheels can negatively impact performance. If opting for larger wheels, it's important to maintain a similar overall rolling diameter to the factory specifications to avoid altering the final drive ratio. For most models, it is advisable to avoid going above 16 inches unless you are prepared for significant suspension adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When did the Volvo 240 Turbo come out?
The Volvo 240 Turbo was added to the model range in September 1980.

Q2: What made the Volvo 240 Turbo significant?
It was Volvo's first turbocharged petrol engine and the 245 Turbo variant was the world's first turbocharged station wagon.

Q3: What engine did the Volvo 240 Turbo use?
It was powered by the 2.1-litre B21ET four-cylinder engine.

Q4: Was the Volvo 240 Turbo successful in motorsport?
Yes, it achieved significant success in touring car racing, winning titles in the DTM and ETCC.

Q5: What are good tuning modifications for a Volvo 240?
Popular modifications include suspension upgrades, engine swaps, exhaust and intake improvements, and remapping.

Q6: What is the recommended wheel size for a Volvo 240?
It's generally advised to stick to 16 inches or smaller to avoid impacting performance and handling negatively, unless significant suspension modifications are undertaken.