Washington Volvo Club - Washington, DC Since 1975!

The Washington Volvo Club
Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - January 1999

 

BITS AND PIECES:

Horsepower

There is an article in the December ‘98 issue of Car & Driver about an E320 MB that has been converted into a V12 Road Warrior by REENTech, a Mercedes specialty house based in Florida. The article notes that the V12 developed 480 BHP at the rear wheels on the DYNO, which led them to an estimate of about 620 BHP at the engine. It reminded me of the period back in the 1960s when manufacturers would advertise gross horsepower [like the 620 BHP] rather then the net horsepower [like the 480 BHP]. I’ve heard rumors that car makers would put an engine on a dyno, with no accessories to rob horsepower, run it up and see just what it would show and then advertise that figure! Even if it was a ‘flash’ reading! C&D estimated that there is a 23% loss due to drivetrain requirements, etc.

Obviously, the net BHP rating is more realistic as to the possible potential performance, but the gross BHP rating often yields truly exciting numbers that could inflate expectations. In today’s world, the S80 T6 would have been rated at about 345 BHP under the ‘old’ system, a vast change from the 268 BHP that it is rated at. Thinking it over, the ‘new’, more accurate system works best, although ‘bragging’ potential does make the higher figure more attractive.

An editorial column by Brock Yates in the January 1999 issue of C&D indicates that about 18% of BHP is lost through a manual transmission drivetrain and about 20% with an automatic transmission drive train [from the gross BHP].

And, to show the ‘power’ of horsepower, consider the following. In 1959, a magazine tested a Chrysler 300E with 390 BHP that weighed over 4500 pounds. It hit 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. Volvo claims that the new S40 with the light pressure Turbo will hit 60 mph in about 9.0 seconds and weighs about 2800 pounds. The S80 T6 has 268 BHP, weighs 3700 pounds, and hits 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Interesting results.

It is my sad duty to let you know that long time member, Leon Platky of Edgewater, Maryland, passed away in September 1998 after a brief illness. Our condolences go out to his wife, Zilpha, and to the rest of the Platky family.

Stickley’s Offering

Martin Stickley, our man in London, sent a very funny clipping from the Sunday Times of 13, December. It is a column by Steve Coogan, entitled "Midlife Crisis? The Volvo will make you feel better." The subject of the story is a Volvo V70 R AWD. Two quotes should suffice to give you a sense of the article.

"If Arnold Schwarzenegger was an estate car he’d be this Volvo" and "Also, with the V70 R, you can have your cake and eat it because not only will it do these normal Volvo things, they’ll also show your average teutonic beast a clean pair of heels." Or this: "A Volvo has always been built like a brick lavatory. Fortunately, it no longer looks or drives like one. Crucially, though, it remains unmistakably a Volvo."

Coogan drives [owns] a Ferrari 355, but likes to drive the Volvo, especially when the weather is wet and windy. It has to do with the heated seats.

Thanks, Martin, for a slightly different perspective and analysis of our favorite ‘marque’.

Classifieds

  1. Bad Power Window Switches in your 200 series or 700 series VOLVO? Send us your complete switches and we will rebuild them. $6.00 per switch and $6.50 per package. Contact Dwayne Siever, 618 California Road, Quackertown, PA. 18951 or call 215.538.3886.
  2. VARIOUS ITEMS + 3 CARS: M46 w/OD from ’86 740-----$125/ 245 third seat [brn] with mounting hdware-----$85/ assorted alloy rims from 200’s-900’s-----$25 to $125 each. Also have ‘80 242GT, restorable, as is----$450/’83 240 Turbo, Tudor, restorable, as is----$550/two ‘84 245 wagons; stick or automatic-----$1100each. Have other parts for 200-700 series. Contact Dave Hagemeier in VA at 703.612.2628
  3. 1965 122 coupe four speed, original California car, parked at least two years, some deterioration, but in good condition. PLUS, two 2 door 122s parts cars [one IS restorable], both have good B-18s. Many extra parts. $2300/BO for all three! Contact Al Doktor in Manassas, VA at 703.791.5900
  4. REDSKINS [!] Not the best time to note this, but I have the sports sections from the Washington Post of Jan. 30 and 31, 1983 as well as from Jan. 31, 1988. Also Jan. 24 and 29, 1991. Long time [die-hard] fans will recognize these dates! They are in fair condition and complete. Asking $40 each set or all three sets for $90. 2 ’91 Redskins buttons, $5 each. [At least, by the end of the season, the team had reversed its earlier spiral!] Eighteen [18] small boxes, each contains about 15 to 20 automotive magazines, mostly Car & Driver and AutoWeek but with some Hot Rod, Road & Track, etc. thrown in for good measure, all in good condition $5.00 each box, all 18 for $70. NIMSLO 3D 35MM camera w/flash, NEVER used, original boxes and manuals $60 complete. Two AM/FM stereo receivers: KLH model 52 with 2 AR-7 speakers, $60; HITACHI model SR604 [class G] with 2 speakers, $60. Contact John Switzer in Tilghman, MD at 410.886.2555 or e-mail switzarch@aol.com
  5. 1966 122 fordor B20, new clutch, brakes, paint, interior. Drive anywhere. Need garage space. $3000 OBO Contact John Hamilton at 410.752.0173 [w] or 717.993.6657 [h] or e-mail at hamilton@mail.nfdc.net
  6. 1966 122 Coupe Red, IPD Springs and bars. O/D, Mags. All new chrome, B-20, 30 over + major rebuild [less then 100 miles]. Needs minor body work and paint. Contact John in New York state at 516.732.7607
  7. SEATS for 1986 or later 240 but will work well in early 4-door 240 examples. Beige leather, nice condition. $200 for the pair. Contact Ray Parsons in Herndon, VA at 703.742.8274 or e-mail at RDP10@juno.com
  8. Various Cars: 1983 244 TURBO parts car, auto, alloys, white, 150K $500/ 1980 245 B21F, 5 speed, no rust, 245K, white, $1000/ 1984 244 B21FT 5 speed, alloys, recent head, water pump, timing belt, 225K, silver $2700. All prices negotiable Contact Todd Howes in Fairfax, VA at 703.759.4889 [H], 703.864.5415 [C] or e-mail at thowes@osf1.gmu.edu
  9. Turbo Diesel Automatic from our 1985 740 sedan. Car was wrecked and I’ve stripped the power train. Transmission was rebuilt by ZF about 35K ago. Asking $650 OBO, can deliver [within reason] Contact John Blazer in Fairfax, VA at 703.222.7547 [H] or at 703.591.3440 x222 [W]
  10. 1973 1800ES Green with tan interior. PARTS CAR ONLY. Towed to Falls Church in early October ’98. Told the B20E engine ran when prev. owner let it go. Stored outside and not run for about 6 years. Front seats are gone and dash pads are ruined. Chrome very good; all glass and lenses, grill surround and bumpers are excellent. You remove the parts you want. Tell me your needs and let’s make a deal!! Contact Goeff or Jack Riehl in Falls Church, VA at 703.536.2231 or at Riehlgc@JMU.edu
  11. 1965 P1800S The Saint’s car; The car is suitable for restoration. Asking $300. Contact Don Quayle in Bethesda, MD at 301.229.1216 or at DRQuayle@aol.com.
  12. 1800 PARTS: various 1800 series parts: doors, windshields, glass, chrome, gauges, wheels. Cheap! Tell me what you need, need to pay tuition!! Contact Goeff or Jack Riehl in Falls Church, VA 1t 703.536.2231 or e-mail me at "Riehlgc@JMU.edu"
  13. Snow Tires Pair of brand new Gislaved 165/15 snow tires, Never mounted! Asking $80 for the pair. Contact Jerry Sira in Herndon, VA at 703.689.2191 or e-mail: DNJsira@erols.com
  14. 1971 1800E Restored condition. Has rebuilt engine with new clutch; front and rear suspension bushings and shocks; new brakes and rotors, and new tires [Goodyear 205 GT+], new 200 series turbo wheels, new exhaust and new paint. Immaculate, have to sell, need the garage space! $9000.00 OBO Contact Ernie Dharma in Falls Church, VA at 703.742.0721 or 703.280.5974
  15. 1985 740 sedan Engine is in good condition. Some body damage to front and driver’s side rear. Runs. Needs interior work, i.e. new headliner. Blue with black leather interior. $1200.00. SU carburetors, rebuilt once and in excellent condition. $550 OBO. Contact Purnell Pinkney in Wash. DC at 202.832.3842 [after 6PM] or email: ppinkney@worldnet.att.net
  16. 1991 940T Grey with black leather. Auto. Trans, power sunroof, excellent condition. 148K records, needs nothing. $6800 Contact Craig Hughes in Boston, MA at 617.742.5061
  17. 1984 244GL Great condition, NOV inspected, 227K, sun roof, rear window shades, rear speakers, new brake pads a year ago, auto, everything works! $1200 Contact Donald Maziarz in Roanoke, VA at 540.347.5745 or e-mail to maziarz@usa.net
  18. 1987 760 Turbo Wagon Intercooled, exc. Condition, third seat, Grey w/black leather, New wiring harness, new shocks/springs, all power. 170K $5100 OBO Contact John Holloran in Harrisonburg, VA at either 540.434.9947 [w] or 540.833.4887 [h] or e-mail to holloran@aol.com
  19. Snow Tires/Wheel/Covers Used on the 850 wagon. GISLAVED 185/65R 15 with plenty of tread left. Price when purchased new was $765. Will sell for $300 OBO Contact James Byers in Alexandria, VA at 703.768.9361
  20. MISCELLANEOUS PARTS Wanted: 1973 FI gas tank with electric fuel pump attached on the pass. side. Pump may be included. Clutch pedal return spring. Accelerator pedal linkage, from firewall to intake or info on how to hook up. Contact Sam Suddeth in Independence, VA at 540.773.2125 [even.]
  21. WANTED: Tech. Articles! If you have performed some work on your trusty Volvo that you think others might find of interest and benefit from, please take the time to write it up and send it along to Switzer. Inc. part numbers and so on, the tricky parts of the job, etc. Share your experiences. It’s a good investment. Look at the masthead and you’ll find Switzer’s address.
  22. 1977 242 179K; as is condition! $700 Contact Allen Dame in Germantown, MD at 301.515.9980

WVC Schedule

WVC Business Meeting

January 26, 1999

Martens Service Center

 

 

BTCC Champs—1998

The latest issue of VOLVO DRIVER, the Magazine of the Volvo Club [UK], carried the story of the TWR-prepared S40 winning the 1998 BTCC Auto Trader RAC championship. Driven by Rickard Rydell, the S40 was second on September 20 at Silverstone Racepark, enough to clinch the championship based on points earned over the 25 race series.

This was a fitting end to Volvo’s five-year involvement in this very grueling race series. There is little chance that you will see this achievement touted much in Volvo advertising here in America. The S40/V40 aren’t here yet and Volvo’s image here doesn’t revolve around track exploits. But, the whole operation and the dedication of the team to winning certainly do reflect well on Volvo’s history of being competitive in MotorSport. Volvo might be pleased at the reaction if it brought the race S40 to a major car show or two here in America [HINT!!!] They might not use the old MG slogan "Safety Fast". But Volvo has certainly demonstrated that they know what it means!

So, our congratulations to all concerned. We look forward to reading about the adventures of Mr. Rydell, et al, for years to come. Can you say ‘repeat?’

November ’98 DIY by Kevin Capinpin

On Saturday, November 21, 1998, fifteen members converged on the Martens Service facility in Bethesda, MD for the last DIY session of 1998. Many thanks to the courteous and Knowledgeable staff at Martens for assisting us in another successful event. Rick Dietz shared his technical expertise with everyone, while Richard Moak and Rick Briefs quickly supplied genuine Volvo parts at a WVC discount. All drew praise for their helpfulness and patience.

Cars present included the following: Alan Marsh’s dependable blue 244; TOM Conti’s maroon 245; Jim Pope’s beige 245; Bob Noe’s shiny green 245; Constantine Seremetis’ silver 245T; Chris Reddish’s 245; Roger Baker’s blue 744; Ruth Butler’s maroon 764; and, Frank Mackison’s gold 164. Members were quick to utilize the lifts and actually finished their projects on time. Projects included: engine oil changes, changing intake manifold gaskets, changing coolant and hoses, brake work, installing rear overload springs, and replacing timing belts and engine seals.

Some of the lessons learned: How to bleed brakes; How care is required when installing front oil seals—DON’T push in too far. Jim Pope learned, "If the engine is idling, spray carb cleaner around the intake manifold. If idle goes up, there’s a vacuum leak."

Tom Conti summed up the success of the DIY program: "Let’s all get out and repair our Volvos! I see no way to improve these---let’s get some more scheduled." Ruth Butler agreed: "Continue to hold the DIY sessions….encourage others to participate."

THANKS AGAIN to Martens Volvo for their hospitality and for enabling us the end the 1998 DIY program on a good note. A special ‘thanks’ goes also to Alan Marsh, who has been DIY Coordinator for several years. This year’s program included 5 sessions, at Herb Gordon Volvo, Don Beyer Volvo, and at Martens Volvo. A common comment on how to improve the DIY program is to get more people involved. If you'd like to help with the DIY program please let any officer know. With YOUR help, the 1999 edition of the DIY Program will continue to be a Club highlight.

January 1999 |  November 1998 | October 1998 | September 1998

This page updated 03/17/07 02:34:41 PM

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