I am planning on a B16 to a B20 conversion in my 1959 544, I have done a few searches and have found most of the answers to my questions but where I need more information is the transmission area it is pretty obvious that the bell housing needs changing and I would assume one from a B18 544 will work but what about the clutch pressure plate throw out fork and fly wheel. The donor car for the B20 is a 1969 140 automatic so that is of no use. In the future I would like to install trans with overdrive but for now I have plenty of areas that need the money.
--
1968 122S 1990 240 DL

The B16 Radiator in my experience is perfectly capable of running a B20, providing it has a decent core in it. The disadvantage of the B16 front end is the intrusive hinges, I've had them interfere with alternator conversions. The advantage is that you can fit a pusher electric fan in fron to of the rad, no huge spring to stop you.

If you retain the original master cylinder, then a late 940 thin starter motor will avoid any interference, all it needs is one bolt hole drilling out.

I have a 62 544 parts car that probably has everything you would need to make the complete conversion , including the center section and hood which I believe has to go with the center section.
Bell housing, trans. ect. The only other thing you would probly need would be a radiator and clutch kit.
I live in Michigan if you are interested.
WILBUR

B16 cars had a 4.56 rear axle. If you install a B20, you will be much happier with the axle from a later PV with a B18, which is 4.10.

B18 cars also have a larger radiator. If you want to do the swap you will need the center nose section from a B18 car. The small B16 radiator might be marginal with a B20, particularly if it has any performance modifications.

I have my original B-16 rad in front of my B-20, and it runs cool even on the hottest days. I also added a 5 blade plastic fan from a 122. I re-routed my lower hose into a chunk of EMT conduit ( 1 1/2" IIRC)The whole setup works very well.
I also have an M41 in my 544 and I've never regretted the swap. It truly transformed the car!

Rob

Not all B16 engined cars had the 4.56 axle. My '60 had a 4.10. It maybe market dependent. It's possible to cross check the chassis number against the axle types in the parts book. It may also still have a tab on one of the diff bolts with the number on.

My '59 544 is a B20. It uses the complete engine, bellhousing, gearbox from a P130 122S.
My '58 544 is a B18. It also uses a complete engine, bellhousing and gearbox from a P120 122S.

Both have the original clutch pedal and linkage driving the pressure plate. They both work as though they were made that way by the factory.

Of course, to be a purist, I would prefer them to have B16 engines!

My Amazon (pre copyright) is a B16, and amazes all who travel in her with her performance, both speed wise and ride quality wise.

I think the M41 may require major tunnel surgery. The M40 should work fine.
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

Iam still with a B18 (getting ready to rebuild a B20) and have the M41...wich was well worth the energy. It took about a week and a half and wasnt to bad. I did it last summer and have gone on several extended road trips up to Wyoming from kansas. Being 17 when i did the conversion, most people i talk to (those not framiliar with old volvos) are amazed when hearing i pulled the engine, modified, and installed a "5 speed". Its well worth it and not too difficult. its nice being able to cruise along the highway at 75 or 80 and not have the noise unbearable and keep the RPM's down. Now just waiting on a B20 for a little more umph.

Abram