1967 Volvo p1800s engine swap

[AlexTatar]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on changing the engine in my 1967 volvo p1800s; I love this car but its so uneconomical and powerless! (And not the most reliable engine or the cheapest for parts!)
I don't want an engine that is going to cause major changes to the car; I don't mind moving things around in the engine bay but I don't want to cut into the chassis/body work, also the engine needs to be slim enough not to hit against the steering column!
With this in mind I've been looking at modern 4 cylinder 1.8L engines, with around 160 - 220 hp. I can't put a monster amount of power into it with out having to make major changes to the drive shafts, rear axle and brakes. From what I've researched, other owners have managed unto 250hp on the original axle, but i think 200hp is an ample amount of power in such a light weight car.

I've looked into using a Vw/Audi 1.8t engine, which ticks all the boxes however the a3/golf engine is set transverse, and the a4 is set longitudinal but with a FWD gearbox. They do a AWD gearbox, but it would be much easier to fit a RWD gearbox which I don't think there are any for the 1.8t.

SO... do any of you have suggestions for what engines could be used?

Thanks in advance - Alex

[AlexTatar]

Yes exactly, I'm looking at other rear wheel drive cars so then the setup will be a lot easier.

I like the idea of the honda s2000 powering the volvo, been looking around on ebay and can't really find any engines or gearboxes available and I haven't got the room to break an s2000 down at home, the neighbours wouldn't be happy! Honda Civic 2L vtec engines are quite available, maybe it would couple up to an s2000 gear box?

However I did find a Mercedes CLK engine, a 2.3L supercharged and rear wheel drive gearbox for not too much money, not too bothered about it being N/a, if its supercharged that leaves room for extra tuning!

[AlexTatar]

The Merc has manual or auto options, I think its 193hp standard, and with a pulley upgrade about 230hp. But there are probably a lot more sensors on that engine than others which I don't want to have to deal with!

I agree, if i can buy engine, gearbox, loom + ecu all from the same car, it will make things a lot easier!

I like the idea of the Volvo engine, the 2.3 turbo T5 has the power, its affordable, and in keeping with the car - good choice!
However I found one from the c70, with 240 hp standard, one of these

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

I can't find a 2.3 turbo c70 with a manual gearbox though, unfortunately.

A 6 cylinder would be fun, I reckon one would squeeze in, but might make things more difficult. I think the turbo 4 cylinder engines are a good option.
And that Volvo engine doesn't seem to mainstream like you said, quite a cheap engine to get hold of!

just found out that those C70 volvos are front wheel drive, but you said the volvo 940s have a similar engine?

Edited by AlexTatar on Monday 13th July 15:36

[AlexTatar]

I found which one you mean, apparently they have an m90 gearbox and a different manual gearbox depending on the year. The m90 looks pretty wide and my volvos tunnel isn't very wide, however the m90 is meant to bolt straight up to the T5 and 240hp in a car that weight about a tonne would be fun!Maybe not so fun with the 60's brakes.

Thanks for the link, i'll see what info I can get!
I think i would start with the factory loom and eventually upgrade these things, for me its just about getting the right engine that will do for now but has the options to be tuned in the future