What is a 340 like?

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360beast
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Joined: 27 Dec 2013 08:40 pm

What is a 340 like?

Post by 360beast » 10 Jul 2014 10:42 am

Hey everyone

I'm thinking of getting a 340 in the next few months preferbaly a 1.7 so if I want to do an F7 conversion at a later date it's easier. So how do they compare to the 360? I expect the handling to be pretty much the same and the brakes similar (rear drums are smaller correct?) But how does the clutch compare and being a carb does it need to be driven differently when cold? Anything to look out for when buying one?

Thanks for any advice.

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Chris_C
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Re: What is a 340 like?

Post by Chris_C » 10 Jul 2014 01:08 pm

The feel different. Subtle, but different. The main thing you'd notice in a 1.7 is how much less flywheel there is and a general feeling if you have a late GLT that it feels like an older car. Even late 340's feel like they are from the 70's in standard guise, where as the 60 at least feels like it's been dragged into the 80's.

Brakes, unlikely to notice. The pixie valve stops the rears doing anything much scary lest you might actually get some braking force from them. The fronts are the same, so you still get that slightly over servo'd but can still feel everything feel.

Try one. I prefer the feel of the '40, it's why I've spent so long making life hard for myself rather than building a 16V redblock.

Only if you really love the feel build an F7. They are hassle. Constantly. 16V redblocks, if you like the handling, are clearly the way forward.
'89(G) 340 GLE B172k
'03 S60 D5 SE, '91 (J) MX5, 1954 Cyclemaster
Ex:
'89(F) 340 GL F7R (ex B172k) - Fake -> SBKV 300 Runner Up 08, 12; '91(H) 340 GL B14.4E - Kar; '88(F) 360 GLT B200E - Jet -> BKV 300 Runner Up 09; '89(G) 360 GLT B200E - Beast

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bogbasic
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Re: What is a 340 like?

Post by bogbasic » 10 Jul 2014 02:25 pm

Not driven a GLT but driven a 1.4 and a 360 GLE. The 360 with PAS feels as though it wants to gracefully woosh off pretty fast, but its not fast at all compared to modern cars, even a Honda Jazz beats it something very, very wicked. The 1.4 was quite good at being hurtled about - the lack of power-steering means that you subconsciously plan ahead going around corners and you can really flog it round bends, etc, although again its not as fast as the 360 and all the moderns will leave it standing still..... or more probably it was my driving because the next owner (CBA) seemed to get some wicked performance out of it :twisted:
1988 340 1.4 GL, 218k, 5 door (Grey Bess). Gone to CBA.
1991 340 1.7 GL, 64k, 5 door, petrol blue (Deep Blue).
1988 360 2.0 GLE, 140k, 5 door, ocean blue metallic (Blue Bess).
1989 340 1.7 GL, 108k, 3 door (Red Ness).
More info here!

Ride_on
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Re: What is a 340 like?

Post by Ride_on » 10 Jul 2014 02:47 pm

I've had a few 340s and they are fine, generally feel a bit lighter and the engines do not last like the red block. The 1.7s are more refined but terribly unreliable, I would go for a 1.4 if I was having one again to enjoy the diesel-like mpg. They have tappets and timing chain, so a little extra regular servicing and no belt changes to worry about. There are more 340's left than 360s so you might be able to get a good one.

Carb cars are harder to start and idle when cold, but if everything is working as it should they should start reliably, Volvo's are specially good at low temps. A good tip is to pump the accelerator 3 times before turning the engine over, this dumps a little extra fuel in the manifold. You will have to learn what choke your engine likes and to keep your hand on the choke when its cold.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

360beast
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Joined: 27 Dec 2013 08:40 pm

Re: What is a 340 like?

Post by 360beast » 10 Jul 2014 04:55 pm

Thanks for the input guys really appreciate it.

So I think I might like one then judging from your opinions, the reason I'be decided now to get one is because last month I bought a 1985 MK2 golf CL lowered circa 2" on coilovers and it's horrible for driving more than 20 mins ie cramp in my feet, bone shaking ride, pierburg carb is a POS at cold you could floor it and nothing will happen so I'm constantly stalling when cold.

macplaxton
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Re: What is a 340 like?

Post by macplaxton » 10 Jul 2014 05:25 pm

Ride_on wrote:I would go for a 1.4 if I was having one again to enjoy the diesel-like mpg.
Pah, if you want diesel-like mpg, then it has to be a real-deal daysel motor. 1.6D FTW!
72 DAF 44 Estate 78 Volvo 343DL Black BeautyImageImage
82 Volvo 343DL CVTImageImage 88 Volvo 340DL Diesel

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