Hi, can any one tell me the main differences between the 41 and 46 I.e which is stronger, also is it possable to fit the 46 into a 1965 122? if so what will have to be done?
Kind regards, luke

I have used a M46 in my 1968 Amazon using a B20/B23 bellhousing made by Huke Basart and used a remote gearlever, photos and details on my web site:
http://volvoadventures.com/amazon2.html

So... does the M46 have five gears, without an overdrive unit attached?

- V

M45 is 4-speed (cast iron)
M46 is 4-speed + seperate overdrive (cast iron)
M47 is 5-speed (where 5th is ratio 0.81 : 1 , so it is an 'overdrive')(aluminium)
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P131, '65, B20B+M47. P131, '69, B20E+AW71L+LSD. (www.tinustechniek.tk)

As Phil mentioned, the M46 is stronger. I belief it capable of taking up to 300 hp or so. If it's realy the strenght your after take a M46 from a 264, aparently they've got some extra strenght build into them.

You can fit a M46 using the B21/23 bellhousing. This does mean the tranny will be sitting on a slant, which means adapting the shifter a bit. I have done this before, works like a charm. Have a look at my site www.tinustechniek.tk klick on 'volvo amazon' then on 'EV-35-29' and then 'Aandrijving'. It's in dutch but I have quite some pics on it.

You could however also find the rare B20/M45 bellhousing (early 240's), or get one from the Netherlands for $ 100,- or so. Check www.hukebasart.nl klick on 'koppelings-huizen'. Also in dutch, but you'll get the idea.

In both cases you need to cut the tranny tunnel, since the M46 is a bit higher and the shifter pops up in a different spot. (however, there are ways to work aroudn that to, also see my site)

Cheers, ben
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P131, '65, B20B+M47. P131, '69, B20E+AW71L+LSD. (www.tinustechniek.tk)

Ben,

I have no Dutch (unfortunately), but your site looks absolutely fascinating. Please get someone to translate it for us all!!!

Regards

JohnH

Gee, well thanks! I started on translating the Volvo part of the site, but did not get very far up till now; just too darn busy I guess. But I'll look into it. Let's say summer 2005?

Thanks and cheers, Ben Flierman
--
P131, '65, B20B+M47. P131, '69, B20E+AW71L+LSD. (www.tinustechniek.tk)

M46 is newer, bigger, heavier, and somewhat stronger. You would need to find a *very* rare B20/M46 bellhousing, or fabricate one by joining a B20 bellhousing with a B21/23 bellhousing.

M41s are very robust and will handle considerably more than stock power levels. The main problem with them is that some parts are becoming impossible to find.

Volvo did make a M46 with a P-type overdrive. It's stronger than the J-type od. P-types were used in the 740 turbos.

Thanks, what about the phisical size of the box, will the tunnel be wide enough? will the shifter be in the right pplace?
Manny thanks, luke

Yes the tunnel wide enough, but not high enough. Shifter is in different position.
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P131, '65, B20B+M47. P131, '69, B20E+AW71L+LSD. (www.tinustechniek.tk)

i see, do you get lots of different shift lengths like the m1, because im worryed that it will be too far back, like the m1 out of a 1800e.

I'm not sure what you mean.

I guess you mean M41 with m1?
But is it different driveshaft lenghts you're worried about?

Or is it the position of the shifter you're worried about?

The M46 shifter from a 264 is somewhat further back compared to a M46 from a 240 or so. If you take a M46 or a M47 from a 240 you'll be allright with the shifter position. Right now I have a M47 in my amazon. Using the original shifter (from a 240) the shifter is right where it should be, in a comfortable position. Although, if I push my seat all the way forward there is some interferance with the shifter and the seat when putting it in reverse. If you do find this a problem you can always alter the position, see my site.

Cheers, Ben
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P131, '65, B20B+M47. P131, '69, B20E+AW71L+LSD. (www.tinustechniek.tk)

The guys with 240/740 turbos running approx. 300 HP have very poor reliability with the M46, thus their swaps to BW T5s.

The shifter location of an m46 from a 240 is in approx. the same location as an m41 in an 1800E or ES. The earlier 1800s have the shifter farther back, as does the 740.

John
V-Performance.com

Sorry for the 'off-topic-ness' but, John, how can I reach you. I still have no reply on an email I send you, inquiring about 'turbo-stuff'. Is the mail adres here on the BB correct?

Cheers Ben
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P131, '65, B20B+M47. P131, '69, B20E+AW71L+LSD. (www.tinustechniek.tk)

cheers, guys, i have a choice of three boxes, all rebuilt, a 4speed plus o drive out of a 240, a true 5speed out of a late 240est, and a true 5speed out of a 360 gls, the gls is a 2l would this box fit strait on?

The two 240 tranny's will fit, but only slanted, unless you find that one rare or modified bellhousing. Not sure about the 5sp from the 360 though, might also just be a (slanted) bolt on.

However, you have to make sure the tranny has the mechanical speedo drive. In europe there are some M47's (5sp) around with the speedo (that's what I've got) and the early M46 (4sp+od) do aswell. But I think the 360 tranny has an electronic speedo, not sure though. Also, is 5th gear on that tranny an 'overdrive'?

If I where you I'd go for the M46. Lots stronger then the M47. If you do proceed wit this swap, you will have to fabricate/alter:
-drive shaft
-cross member
-tranny tunnel
-friction plate
-clutch mechanisme (if your amazon has a cable (not hydraulic) it's a bolt on though)

Good luck, cheers ben.
--
P131, '65, B20B+M47. P131, '69, B20E+AW71L+LSD. (www.tinustechniek.tk)

cheers, guys, i have a choice of three boxes, all rebuilt, a 4speed plus o drive out of a 240, a true 5speed out of a late 240est, and a true 5speed out of a 360 gls, the gls is a 2l would this box fit strait on?

Thanks guys, two last things, the engine im building will not be meant to be a speed mechine, just a feasonably fars gourgous car, so i am aiming for around 150hp, the 5speeds should cope with this and still last ages?
Its more than likly i will put the 5sp from the 360gls, as this is my other car. the 2L engine that is in it is the same as a 2L amazon yes?
Thanks again, luke

Any of those transmissions should have no trouble with 150 HP.

The 2L B19 OHC slant motor in the 360 is a completely different motor than the 2L B20 OHV vertical motor in the Amazon. You're still faced with installing the tranny at an angle or wedding two bellhousing halves.