Volvos are already excellent contenders for drifting straight out of the factory, boasting solid aftermarket part support and nearly unbreakable components, from my personal experience. They can be further enhanced, and this is evident with this
LS-swapped ’89 Volvo 240 DL up for grabs on Portland Craigslist.
The original Volvo 240 DL came with a 115 HP 2.3-liter inline-four, adequate for its 2,800-pound weight, though a bit lacking for full-throttle drifting American-style. But fret not, as that 2.3-liter has been replaced with the GM powerhouse: the reliable LS 5.3-liter V8. And there’s more—paired with the GM V8 is an Aisin AR5 manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels through a Ford 8.8 rear differential. Furthermore, numerous enhancements to the chassis improve handling to better manage all the sideways power.
Swapping in LS powerplants is a common practice in the drifting world due to their reliability, torque, and affordability. Yet what’s less typical is such a swap in a seemingly stock vehicle. The pristine blue interior with iconic headrests and only a Holley Sniper EFI display beside the gauges hint at the potent engine beneath the hood. The exterior continues the discreet theme; save for the modest hood mirrors and 17×9 wheels, one might mistake this for Grandma’s classic 240 DL.
The Drive conversed with the seller, Philip Leusca, who acquired the vehicle earlier this year as an unfinished project and saw it through to completion. He emphasized that the unassuming appearance is central to the project. “Who doesn’t appreciate a good sleeper?” he remarked. Regarding performance, he stated, “It’s challenging to gauge the speed due to the noises,” attributing the loud cabin to solid engine mounts and an aftermarket exhaust. “Speed isn’t the core focus; it’s about maintaining control and not meeting an untimely end.” He recounted unsettling a 392 Challenger owner with the car’s speed, a testament to its capabilities.
Leusca opts to sell the Volvo simply because his project lineup is overflowing, a scenario many can relate to. If you desire a meticulously crafted drift machine for your collection, it’s currently priced at $9,900 in Portland, and the parts list validates the investment.
