The early B230F and B230FT engines have a 9mm connecting rod. These early turbo B230FT engines suffered a higher than acceptable failure rate on the connecting rods, and Volvo updated the connecting rods to 13mm as a running change in the 1989 model year. Used 1990 and later turbo engines can be purchased for less than $1000, and are a direct replacement. All you have to do to use the later engine is change the throttle body, distributor and Idle Air Controller.

The car in the picture below is a 1988 760T which suffered the same failure.


The block looked like this:


I installed a replacement 1991 model year B230FT engine with 123,xxx miles which I purchased very inexpensively without turbo. I installed the engine with a new turbo cartridge in the old turbo housing from the 1988 engine. The car runs great. B230FT engines weigh about 350 pounds.

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--
john