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It all started
in autumn of 1966, when my grandfather bought a 4-door 122S here in Lima-Peru. It ever since stayed in the family. It ran until the late 80's when my dad bought a new 240 and it sat in the garage for 15 years (with the
occasional ignition turn so the battery wouldn't die). It was summer 1999, time for my prom and my dad lent me the car to take my date. I have ever since loved it...
It became officially mine in 2001 when I entered medical school. My dad
gave me the keys and all the rights. I've been modifying it ever since. The first thing done was the paint job. It was originally yellowish-green, and we painted it dark blue (it
highlights the chrome!!). Then came bigger tyres 205/60R15 and american racing rims. Then came the engine mods
as per below.
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The outside was maintained as original as possible adding only Hella foglights, tinted windows, Angle-eye headlights, rear light
LED's. One thing to remark is that ALL mods have been done by my self by
trail and error.. (with some help in the engine department...)
There's still much to be done, but due to money issues and time (studying medicine is not easy) it takes a while (6 years so far...).
I've started an Volvo club here in Peru which already counts 22 members and it grows every week. It amazing how many volvos
scattered around there are...
Update April 2006
Two weeks ago came in the new carter electric fuel pump for the
Solexes. I was having trouble on the freeway at 140kph, the air/fuel monitor was marking lean (great investment that gauge!!).
Seems the old mechanical couldn't keep up with the new carbs thirst...
Once I installed it I found out I forgot to order a safety oil pressure switch as well, so the pump wouldn't work with the engine off. I looked for the switch but could find any so what I did was place a VW beetle brake switch!! It works just fine, turns off at around 20PSI, and since I have both pumps working, on idle the mechanical can manage enough.
I went on and also changed the fuel line. Since it goes close to the engine and header, I was having boiling problems. The hose got really hot!! I made the new line out of copper tubes, then covered them with plastic and then again with aluminium. This way I hope I insulate the heat a little better.
Last week I tried it and got all the way to 160kph at 4500rpm (OD on) and the car was perfect. I went all the way to 180 on some
stretches, but it gets REALLY LOUD and scary!!
Today was a small rally (about 33s per lap) of vintage sport cars. It consisted of 15min each at any pace you liked and for each sec more or less a point was taken. It was my first time and had lots of fun. At the end I came in 10 of 20 cars... not bad for the first time though. I have some laps on video
below:
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