A V8 into a Volvo has been done before. Many times before, in fact. But that doesn’t stop us from appreciating any fresh one that comes along. Take, for example, this Swedish delight that arrives in the form of a Volvo 242. It houses a Chevrolet small block 409 cubic inch V8. Not only that, but this one breathes through a set of velocity stacks and is backed up by a manual gearbox.
How does it sound? What’s the Swedish equivalent of Scrumtrulescent?
Traction is clearly an issue. The driver is Scandinavian, however, so they’re used to working the steering wheel properly to fight weather-induced oversteer. Here, that oversteer is courtesy of horsepower and a need for more rear tire, but the principles and skills are similar.
While it’s the Volvo wagons and sedans that seem to get most of the love, it’s nice to see a built up coupe. And this one appears to have been built up rather well… even if the video description says the engine is already blown. The car will be rebuilt sometime this year, if it hasn’t been already. We’re not sure, the channel only has the one video posted to it and it was posted over a year ago.
Hopefully the orange hot rod rides again, not in Valhalla, but prowling Swedish back roads, race tracks, and drift circuits.
[Source: YouTube via Road&Track]
I love the look and the sounds, but this is the automotive equivalent of a hop-bomb imperial IPA. Just like too much hops can completely overwhelm an otherwise good ale, this car is spoiled by its engine. It’d be fun to say you’ve tried it, but it wouldn’t leave you with a taste you’d want to experience regularly.
Am I glad it exists? Oh yes. Would I want it? No thanks. I’m more comfortable around 300 hp and 65 IBUs.
Come to think of it, “Ruination” would make a pretty cool name for a project car, too…
and now I want some Russian River or some Stone…
Unfortunately I swore off of beer for at least three months as part of my 2019 fitness goals. I’m down 24 lbs so far, but damn, I could go for a Bell’s Two-Hearted…
“Fitness goals”? Carefully slides bar of chocolate under the sofa.
Anyway, an orange 242 was my first car and I can relate a little. Especially the standstill sound, reminiscient more of a train or ZIL snowplow, is awesome. Otherwise, I agree on the excess power. Very clean build though.
I’d be happy to make an orange 242 my next car. I have a soft spot for old Volvos.
The Stone brewery in Escondido has a great pub. Worth the drive down from LA.
Stone has always struck me as more about bragging rights than good beer. I prefer my IPA aromatic rather than overpowered. So I’m enjoying the case of Worthy Hopstar 2 I picked up Saturday. The same with V8olvos, A slightly milder tune preserves the noise and feel but keeps you out of the ditches.
Personally I’d want mine coupe utility style like this one
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4e41fcf8a9fb387647ffd307b020e59704b470e4512cbbd67cff7265c5b64856.jpg
My local Volvo indy shop has one of these. I need to bother them about buying it.
Sweet car but that is a big block chevy.