Volvo RWD 120-130 Forum

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sweet rebuilt engine - poorer mileage than B18 120-130

After 9/11 I figured it was a good time to get out of NYC, at least part of the time, so I imposed on a friend in NJ and so I finally got the B20 back together and swapped it for the B18D. Since then, the motor has run great. I had to play with the float levels and adjust the carbs, but my mileage has been disappointing. Unfortunately I can't give you an exact mileage, as my speedo/odometer is disconnected due to leaky seal allowing oil to migrate up the cable, causing the speedo to race, so I disconnected it. But until then, it was terrible, and since I disconnected it I know that I'm filling it up more oftern than I used to.

In any event here's what the motor is. Input about further adjustments/mods, needle changes etc. are welcome, in fact sought after.

B20, new .15 over pistons/D cam and stock lifters (I can hear George wincing), E head with plugged injectors and rebuilt SUs with KD needles(I love SUs). I found a new non-vacuum distribtor, so am using that until I can get the 75 240 electronic ignition setup installed. Not that it matters but I also have an OD(jtype). That's the "given".

It starts right up even when it's been cold here in NYC, idles nice when warmed up. I can keep a quarter on the valve cover sometimes. Accelerates smoothly and has plenty of power around town and on the road. Seemed to be lagging some until I richened both carbs up 2 flats - helped a lot.

So (Rhys, I'm counting on you here) what're my needle options? I'm not a racer, rarely stomp on it even on the road, just looking for moderate power, and good mileage. I cruise around 70-75. Is asking for 30mpg on the highway too much?
thanks all






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New sweet rebuilt engine - poorer mileage than B18 [120-130]
posted by  Danny  on Thu Feb 28 12:25 CST 2002 >


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