Was lurking, now registered...
 

Hello there,
What a fascinating site. I find myself lurking around these parts every now and then, and just decided to up and register.

A little about myself and my car:
I work as a state government drone and have a 45-48 mile round-trip commute daily. That wouldn't be a problem for most people, but I drive a 1980 Volvo 245. I am a big believer in keeping older cars on the road and finding/developing ways to make them last longer and become more efficient.

The 245 has terrible gas mileage, which, in large part, is likely caused by the archaic three-speed automatic. I usually drive a car with a manual trans, but my wife can't drive a stick. (Believe me, I've tried to teach her...)

I've looked through your pages for ideas on how to make my car more fuel-efficient. I will get around to making the mods as soon as I can find some materials.

I have been following the instrumentation thread with much interest. A ScanGauge won't work with my car because it is pre-OBD. I've looked up and down the internet and then pretty much given up until I found the thread about OS instrumentation, so I'm following that one.

Efficiently yours,

Bryant

Welcome to ecomodder! What kinda mileage are you getting thus far?

Thank you.

My average mileage is about 18mpg. I can't seem to break 300 miles on a tank.

I plan to look into a grill block, taller air dam, rear wheel spats, lowering springs and some type of underbelly tray. I also plan to upgrade the three speed auto to a four speed overdrive auto, and then swap in a lower rear drive.

I also just read the C/D Pinto article. Great ideas for a first time ecomodder.

Regards,
Bryant

I'll think that the swap to the 4 speed with a lower rear gear will reap the most benefits. 3 speeds are a killer.

Welcome to EM!

Wow just going with the 4speed OD should make huge differences :-) If funds are not "as" much an issue the possibility of a Diesel engine swap might be doable (I thought Volvo's had Diesels?? ie was your model ever available as diesel?)

Just looked up some pictures. Thats a neat looking car. Are they all wagons? you shoulld benefit from the Civic guys Kammaback article too!

Hello, Nerys: Yes Volvos did come with diesel motors. (My 245 has a 2.1 liter 4 cylinder gas motor). The diesel motors are 6 cylinder VW IDI motors (Same type as the 1.6 4-cylinders in old Rabbits and Jettas and the 2.0 5-cylinders in Audis).

Funny you should mention that as I have a 1980 Diesel wagon in my driveway. It doesn't run and needs a lot of work to be brought back to life. The PO caused the engine to lose coolant and it will cost a lot to rebuild it. (I bought it from the previous owner for a song.) I am contemplating keeping it or getting rid of it. Haven't decided yet.

Regards,
Bryant