While auto makers push 5000+ pound SUVs as modern family haulers, this ’90s Volvo reminds us that station wagons can be practical and fun, especially with a 420 horsepower transplanted V8! This 1990 Volvo 740GL in Palm Desert, California swallowed a potent General Motors LS3, a 6.2L version of the swap-ular V8 LS series. The “reliable, fun” modern classic comes for sale on Facebook Marketplace where $17,000 makes it yours. Thanks to Mitchell G. for spotting this brick-shaped V8 Volvo.
Yep, that’s a 6.2L LS3 mill, like you’d find in 2007 to 2017 GM performance vehicles, and it’s still available new as a crate motor. Short of delivering pizza to a swim suit model dorm, it’s hard to beat the LS V8 for cheap thrills. The LS3 weighs about 25 lb more than the stock motor, a differential you could offset with a trunk-mounted battery. I used to autocross against a V8-swapped Volvo wagon, but its carbureted Ford 302 wouldn’t stand a chance against this sweet LS3.
At 2932 pounds, this 740 weighs a ton less than full-sized V8 SUVs, and about a half-ton less than many modern V8 performance cars, a benefit you’ll notice every time you fill the tank or hit the Go pedal. Applied physics dictates that accelerating twice as fast requires halving your weight or quadrupling your power, so dollar for dollar, this lightweight wagon will shame many bloated modern monsters.
This Volvo one-ups most modern sporty cars by having a proper gearbox with three pedals. Transplanted sport seats don’t match the tan interior, but they match the upper dashboard, so call that close enough. Note how the Volvo’s brick-like styling continues to the interior with a mostly rectangular motif across the board, typical ’80s styling bleeding into the next decade.
Please secure or disconnect that subwoofer before your test drive. That thing would be smashing windows left and right before I got a mile down the road. Unidentified flying objects aside, look at the room back there! I doubt $17,000 buys much of an SUV today, and my crystal ball shows you replacing $870 fuel pump controllers and $1400 headlights in seven years. Meanwhile, think of the memories you’d make with this LS-infused Volvo, smoking poseurs who think turning off traction control makes them the next Ken Block, making friends with your local constabulary, and proving that bricks can fly. Would you put your family in this V8-swapped super-Volvo?
That’s a beauty and I bet lots of fun.
I love it, except for that stereo “installation” That would be the first modification.
Would love to own this what a great build and have always liked this model. Volvo also built a great sport wagon with the V70 R wagon turbo charged 300 HP. If i had the money right now i would be on the way from Florida and driving it back cross country.
Newman and Letterman had “puffers” on their bricks-still might have been slower than this one!
I’m in love! The stories I could tell as I have owned 6 Volvos. One 240 a 780 Bertone and the rest were 740-760 wagons and sedans of every factory engine combination. Oh how I wish I could have this and how many times did I dream of an engine swap…Alas.
Mine! Mine! Mine!
I’ve had an ’89 745T for 30 years…It’s been 5.0HO Ford powered for 20 years…350,000 miles, still strong, a magnificent footlocker with wheels :)
i can think of a better place for an LS motor than in this car.
Interesting fact, Paul Newman did the exact same thing engine swapping out a V8 into a Volvo wagon. Badass sleeper!
https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/pn23/lots/r0001-1998-volvo-v90-volvette/
“Would you put your family in this V8-swapped super-Volvo?”
I did! I had a 260 wagon that I installed a pretty much stock 5.0 Ford with a beefed up AOD. (Wife’s car) It had all IPD suspension goodies. It was a blast to drive. Especially when running down BMWs with a dresser on the top! They wore out the rear view .mirror until I got a, chance to pass. I passed a,turbo 740 going up the mountain side and I was dragging a trailer with a ton of hay on it. A friend (a total Volvo freak) had to have the car. So I eventually sold it to him. I wish I had kept it.
Love the dresser and hay trailer stories, Wayne! This LS3 wagon has your name all over it. The closest thing I’ve driven was a buddy’s 1998 BMW 3 series with a Z28 SS motor. He called it the “357i.” I did, however reel in a Ford Focus doing his best to dust me off on a super-twisty road in my Jeep Wrangler towing an (empty) trailer. I doubt any of *his* friends ever heard that story. Good times. Thanks and keep the comments coming! -Todd
The little emblems on the fenders that used to say Volvo 260. I changed them to read 285.
Very cool car for sure, I saw Newman in his black wagon at Limerock park years back, this one would certainly be a blast and yes I would put the family in it. Question , is this really worth 17 large?