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V8 P1800 or 122[850/1995] posted by john hansen on
Thursday, 12 March 1998, at 2:08 p.m.
Anyone ever shoehorn a Buick or Rover 3.5 aluminum V8 into either a P1800 or 122 Amazon series Volvos?
I'd be interested in hearing your experiences.
I've got a 1973 P1800 ES and a couple of 1963 Buick 215 V8's. One of the engines is going into the 1800.
thanks,
john
Re: V8 P1800 or 122[850/1995] posted by Earl Huff on
Thursday, 12 March 1998, at 3:36 p.m.
I too planned to put a Buick 215 V8 into my 1964 P1800S. However, after removing the B18 engine and lowering the Buick block almost all the way into the engine compartment, it seemed one hell of a lot simpler and probably more humane to simply put a B20 engine in instead. Looks like a lot more cutting than
I am prepared (able?) to do the the P1800. Still, it would really be a sweet machine if you're successful. The V8 engine really looks like it BELONGS in the car.
Re: V8 P1800 or 122[850/1995] posted by Mark on
Thursday, 12 March 1998, at 4:55 p.m.
I'm not sure I understand the facination with a V8 in an 1800. What does it get you that you can't get with a B20. More horsepower, obviously, but at what price? Can you get the car to handle properly with that much weight up front, considering the modifications to frame and fender? If it doesn't work as hoped (as in the previous post), can you restore the car back to a B20, or is it scarred for life? Here's three options (since it's your money). Sell the V8 and apply the money to the B20 turbo kit that's allegedly available from GIK Turbotecknic in Sweden. Bolt that on and then tell us if you would rather have Volvo/Buick Frankenstein. Second, put the V8 in some other small car that nobody cares if the "operation" fails. Ford Escort, MGB (sorry, MGers), etc. Third, sell the V8 and the ES and buy a Sunbeam Tiger. All the chopping and stuffing has been done for you by the factory. Only problem is, a lot of folks will know enough not to traffic light drag with a Tiger (although many won't know). That's the only reason for a V8 in an 1800. The guy next to you probably doesn't have a clue. Unless, of course, the V8 stuffed into the 1800 looks like a Big Daddy Roth comic car, which it probably will.
Re: V8 P1800 or 122[850/1995] posted by Kent Campbell on
Friday, 13 March 1998, at 3:49 p.m.
I've tried both; swapped an injected Buick 231 V6 into a '70 P-1800 and turbocharged a '66 122S. In both cases IPD suspension pieces, including springs, were utilized. Both cars were my 'drivers' (at different times). Both were very, very fast. Both handled like on rails, the V6 with aluminum trans weighed almost the same as the Volvo engine/trans, maybe a little lighter. Both could get you in trouble real fast. The P-1800 had GM 5 speed, posi rear end with 3.27 gears and on long trips got exactly 30 mpg (I should not have geared it quite so high though). The '70 had sport steering wheel and all new instrument cluster with VDO guages. Nice car, but---- I would not attempt it again. It's one thing to lower a block into a cavity, make any structural changes, add mounts front and rear, and bolt the critter up. It's entirely another matter to make the seemingly little things work together. Exhaust manifold system layout and clutch geometry can be problematic. You'll probably have to cut up and box your front crossmember, firewall, and tunnel. Personally I would veto this option. Cost and Murphey's Law will kill you.
Turbocharging: Not a bad option, especially if knowledgable people produce a kit. Both my cars were scratch built, no kits for anything. I know Murphey. Much thought will have to be given to controlling detonation, cooling requiements, and drivetrain life. My recommendation is, for what's its worth, is - -
do neither. Build a strong, dependable, B20, with emphasis on torquey cam, solid valvetrain, and maximize breathing through the head. Add some compression and perhaps a header and low restriction exhaust system like the MAC muffler. With solid suspension pieces and a strong motor you will save yourself much grief and money. Make sure you have your priorities straight, if you want a one-off item, go for it but be ready up front for the unknown consequences.
Kent