Converse Engineering
  Home of the "Volv8"

 

 


 
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converseengineering.com /inhouse 



 

Examples of cars built in-house

Click here for future and current conversions

 

   


This is a 1989 Volvo 740 wagon.  The car came to us with a burned engine bay.  It now sports a new 5.0 crate engine with a Cobra intake, rebuilt automatic trans, and dual exhaust.  It also received some suspension upgrades.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a 1989 760 sedan with independent rear suspension.  The car had high mileage and was purchased for about $3500.  The still good running turbocharged motor and automatic transmission were replaced with a new 5.0 crate engine and a new World Class T-5 transmission with a Centerforce clutch.  Engine modifications included aluminum heads, Edelbrock intake, and a Powerdyne supercharger which produced about 375 hp.  The car also received adjustable Koni dampers, IPD sway bars, and 16 X 7 wheels shod with Michelin Pilots.

 

This is a 1995 960 wagon with independent rear suspension.  The car came to us brand new.  After removing the spotless twin cam inline six cylinder and automatic transmission, the engine bay was fitted with a balanced and blue-printed 5.0 and new World Class T-5.  Engine modifications included aluminum heads and a Kenne Bell supercharger. 

 

This is a sample pictures of a converted 242 Turbo.  This represents a typical entry level package.  The car received a good used mustang 5.0 engine with an AOD behind it.  In the interest of cost savings, the V8 dumped its exhaust gasses out of the existing Volvo turbo exhaust system.  Even with this restrictive exhaust system the engine puts out an estimated 210 h.p.  With a curb weight of approximately 3200 lbs. (converted), this is a weight to power ratio that will surely surprise any stock Mustang 5.0.  This package could be duplicated by a conversion kit builder, including buying the body, for as little as $4500. 

 

This is a 1989 Mercedes 300 TE wagon that was recently completed.  The original Mercedes straight 6 was replaced by a 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII 4.6L 32 valve engine and transmission.  This is essentially the same motor found in the later Mustang Cobras.  The engine is a perfect match for the Mercedes as it is incredibly smooth and free-revving. 

 

The first picture is of a 1997 960 sedan that is nearly complete.  The engine is a 393 cu. in. stroker with AFR heads.  This package should produce about 500 h.p. and 500 lb-ft of torque.  It's mated to a built up AOD from Lentech.  This car has a fully stainless dual exhaust system utilizing high flow cats and six stainless mufflers!   Charles Yost, a 75 year old car nut from Michigan, should have fun with this torque monster.

 

The next picture is a project we just started.  Mark Andrews of N.C. always wanted more from his 1990 Toyota Supra Turbo and we're glad we can help.  Mark requested that we look into the feasibility of using the GM LS1 aluminum V8 with six speed from the Camaro/Firebird/Corvette.  After careful measuring we gave him the good news.  Mark found a complete package from a 2000 Trans-am with 350 miles on it.

 

This is a 245 that we built for Greg Wong.  Greg had the motor built by Racer Walsh who gave it such goodies as TFS Twisted Wedge aluminum heads and TFS intake.  The car came to us as an automatic but left as a five speed with a short throw shifter.  Greg is involved in and has organized Volvo events at New England Dragway in Epping N.H.  You can learn more about this car and these events by visiting his website.  Greg Wong

 

Future Volvo Conversions

Andrew Ryder from the state of Washington shipped me his 1975 240 Wagon that has already been converted to a 2-door. This will be a monster!

427 Windsor with Dart block and AFR 225 heads.

Twin turbo chargers with an intercooler and methanol injection.

McLeod twin disc clutch and a Viper 6-speed gear box.

Built-up Ford 9 inch rear with aluminum center and big brakes.

6 point rollcage, 4 New Beetle bucket seats, Diablo door hinges, 17x9 and 17x11 torque thrust wheels with 255 front and 315 rear tires, big front brakes and upgraded suspension.

We're shooting for a 1,000 HP, street legal, road race/drag car.

Pictures coming in the spring!

 

Custom Conversions Now Underway

2002 G.M. LS-1 V-8 with AFR heads and a 6 speed into a 2002 Mercedes E 320

 

We're also doing a BMW 6 cyl. turbo diesel engine into a BMW 318i with a conversion kit to run the engine on used vegetable oil.

 

 

 

 

 

Converse Engineering
12 Glidden St.
Waterville, Maine 04901

To contact Converse Engineering call (207) 239-4779 or 313-9194 

Monday through Wednesday 7am to 5pm

Saturday 7am to 5pm

 
(eastern standard time)

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