Does anyone out there have a 4 speed on a B14A motor? A friend is restoring his 1957 PV444 and wants to replace the existing H6 three speed transmission. I have a spare M4 that was used on the B16B and have confirmed it will install on a B4B; essentially the same as his B14A. I am uncertain about how this would mate to the PV cross member and whether the speedometer cable would mate with the transmission and instrument cluster. The other problem is my spare M4 is missing the top cover, gear shift and the back extension where the speedometer gear rests. If anyone has these parts, along with an Amazon rear cross member and rubber mount, my friend will be at Carlisle in 3 weeks time. Any experiences or suggestions I can pass on? Many thanks.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

Thanks Richard, Peter and Eric for sharing your experiences and parts offers. I have summarized the replies and sent them to my friend for his decision. It appears he'll likely need the 544 crossmember and the M4 transmission mount, along with the transmission top cover, gearshift, B16 driveshaft, speedometer gear and the gearshift retaining nut. I can supply him with my spare M4 since he's on the east coast and I'll be seeing him at Carlisle. I examined my M4 and it does in fact have the upper tailend with the hole for the speedometer gear. He has also replaced the ENV differential with the newer 544 style so most likely there may need to be some measurements of the driveshaft to see what he'll need. I think he knows about the different emergency brake cable and the speedometer issue as well.

Thanks again..... Cam
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

I've done this conversion on 2 '57 PV444, K models. It really transforms the car!!
In '58 they went to the 4 speed anyway, so it's not a departure from the "pure".
You will absolutely need the correct rear transmission mount, though. If memory serves me, the mounting tabs for the rear bushing points UP on the M-3, while they point to the rear on the later M-4 trans. I don't remember if I also had to use the drive shaft for the '58 B-16. In any case, the difference it made in the drivability of the car was a quantum leap for the better. Plus, I avoided jammming the reverse gear on the 3 speed, thinking I was finding first!!

If they are needed, I'm sure I have most of those parts, including some spare driveshafts, and several M-4 trannies. One day they are going to end up being ground into Hyundais, if they don't get to where they're appreciated!! Hate to see that happen!

Its a bad idea to use the Amazon crossmember. Its far better to use one from a PV 544. The reason is that the engine mounts on an Amazon are angled such that under load they stop the engine/transmisson from coming forward, the PV engine mounts are in shear and rely on the gearbox mount for forward restraint.

The bracket fitted to an M40 gearbox in a 544 wil fit the M4 gearbox you're proposing to use. Then all you need is the 544 crossmember. An Amzon speedo cable will work fine, but be aware of the small and large fiting sizes used on early Amazons, from memory you need a late Amazon cable with big fittings at both ends

Regards

Peter

Hello Cam,

I believe I have a NOS rear bearing retainer for an M4 and I am pretty sure I have a good condition shift cover with the small locating pin holes.

I probably have a used shifter with a round mounting nut, if that is what you want.

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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90501