Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - 1984 Volvo

mechman600 · 12-02-2011, 05:53 PM

A 1984 Volvo 244. I picked her up a couple of weeks ago for $400. I normally ride my Suzuki DRZ400S year round, but it is supposed to be a nasty winter here in the Lower Mainland (Vancouver area).

The Canadian Volvo's were a mixed bag of parts in 1984, built in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A B21A engine with a zenith CV carburetor and an AW55 3-spd non-lockup auto, both which were Canada only bits. So finding an EPA rating is impossible. EPA rates the fuel injected 4-spd auto car at 17 mpg combined. If I can beat that with the 3-speed, I will consider it a grand success.

This car is only used for short commutes and small errands, so mileage will not be great. I will fill every two weeks or so to keep the fuel above half full, because I have a feeling the in-tank fuel pump does not work, and these cars will not run on the mechanical pump only if the fuel level drops too low. I will be looking into that.

My theory about buying a cheap car is as follows: it is silly to buy a car for between $500 and $2000. If you spend $1000-1500 and it suddenly needs a $500-1000 repair, you basically have to fix it or you have blown a lot of money on a car that no longer works. If you spend $400 and it suddenly requires a $500-$1000 repair, you simply call the wrecker to pick it up, and they will usually give you $100-200 for it, depending on the car. My plan is to tinker on this car over winter so by the time springs comes, I can turn around and sell it for as much as or more than what I paid for it. My only investment will be time, but I love tinkering anyway.

Tank #1 results

Pre-tuneup. 6.5 km commutes in 0-10C weather, so it barely gets hot. One 60 km freeway run at 105 km/h. Lots of idling time while I adjusted dwell, timing and carb just before I filled up.

189.6 km / 27.840 L = 14.7L/100km, 19.2 mpg (imp), 16.0 mpg (us)

Sort of what I expected. The next tank should be better, post-tune up.

12-02-2011, 05:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
mechman600 Master EcoModder Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 1,228 Fusion - '16 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE Thanks: 190 Thanked 275 Times in 168 Posts	1984 Volvo - MPG log for my "new" Winter beater A 1984 Volvo 244. I picked her up a couple of weeks ago for $400. I normally ride my Suzuki DRZ400S year round, but it is supposed to be a nasty winter here in the Lower Mainland (Vancouver area). The Canadian Volvo's were a mixed bag of parts in 1984, built in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A B21A engine with a zenith CV carburetor and an AW55 3-spd non-lockup auto, both which were Canada only bits. So finding an EPA rating is impossible. EPA rates the fuel injected 4-spd auto car at 17 mpg combined. If I can beat that with the 3-speed, I will consider it a grand success. This car is only used for short commutes and small errands, so mileage will not be great. I will fill every two weeks or so to keep the fuel above half full, because I have a feeling the in-tank fuel pump does not work, and these cars will not run on the mechanical pump only if the fuel level drops too low. I will be looking into that. My theory about buying a cheap car is as follows: it is silly to buy a car for between $500 and $2000. If you spend $1000-1500 and it suddenly needs a $500-1000 repair, you basically have to fix it or you have blown a lot of money on a car that no longer works. If you spend $400 and it suddenly requires a $500-$1000 repair, you simply call the wrecker to pick it up, and they will usually give you $100-200 for it, depending on the car. My plan is to tinker on this car over winter so by the time springs comes, I can turn around and sell it for as much as or more than what I paid for it. My only investment will be time, but I love tinkering anyway. Tank #1 results Pre-tuneup. 6.5 km commutes in 0-10C weather, so it barely gets hot. One 60 km freeway run at 105 km/h. Lots of idling time while I adjusted dwell, timing and carb just before I filled up. 189.6 km / 27.840 L = 14.7L/100km, 19.2 mpg (imp), 16.0 mpg (us) Sort of what I expected. The next tank should be better, post-tune up.