My first Volvo was a 62 544 that had a stock 69 P1800 B20 engine in it. I had been driving a Hillman Minx and going to the Volvo, it felt like a rocket. I could not believe the difference. It had the original Zenith Stromberg carbs on it and I always had a hot start problem with them. I converted over to SU HS6's
and the problem went away. I believe you would be pretty satisfied with such a conversion. If that isn't enough you could always go with a 2130 big bore kit. A stock B20 head would work fine. A later one out of a 72 140 carbed model would be ideal. If you could still find an "A" grind cam that would give you plenty of low end torque. If not a "C" cam would work fine. I would use SU's with KD needles. I would use the dual downpipe manifold and if possible go with a 2" exhaust system. I believe you would be pretty happy with such a setup and wouldn't feel the need for an overdrive. Just my 2 cents worth.


Cheers, Jim