Need your help sorting out drivetrain jargon. I have my eye on what's supposed to be a VG condition '66 122S. Only problem is this one has the BW35 automatic. Really prefer a manual. But now that I'm a senior citizen I appreciate Volvo quality over Volvo performance, which this transmission really kills. Once had a '68 144S with the aauto. so I know what lackluster performance is. Maybe I can live with it. But here's my question: The BW35 is a 3 spd. with 3rd being 1:1. Comparing this auto. with a man. 4 spd, 4th is also 1:1, assuming no O/D. So wouldn't the engine speed per car speed be the same in both cars, assuming the same rear end & wheel size, allowing for slippage in the auto.? Further, if the rear end ratio is lower with the automatic, like the owners manual shows in my '80 242DL (3.91 man. vs. 3.73 auto.) wouldn't engine speed be LOWER in the auto. vs. manual, again allowing for auto. slippage? This may all be academic if 122s don't have different rear ends for automatics. Your opinions, as usual, very much appreciated.

The advice I got here and elsewhere when I was shopping was to find the most complete, drivable, rust-free car I could regardless of drivetrain configuration, and that is what I did. I ended up with a '67 automatic. I mainly use the car to take the girlfriend out to dinner, or go grab coffee on the weekends, so it gets the job done with perfect adequacy.

I've got an manual transmission with overdrive I plan to install with a perked up B20 at some point in the future. Main reason for the switch is not dissatisfaction with the BW35 in the car, but because I worry about future parts and service availability/cost on the automatic.

could not agree with red 92 more. It's all about the rust. If the car looks and runs well and is not worn on all edges etc....buy it. The auto is a drag....but not too hard to switch out. a 140 will turn up for scrap with everything you need to transplant a manual. I would drive it as is and store a tranny and bits for the day you have time/trouble.
--
Patrick ('68 220, '83 245).

Yep. The M41 I'm hiding in the garage isn't something I view as a necessary upgrade, more of an insurance policy for when the BW35 starts to act up.

I've personally never driven an 1800, 122, or 140 other than my own, so I have no real basis for comparison for how much the automatic drags the car down. Probably should keep it that way as long as possible.

Remember that the 66 model had the B18 engine, somewhat lower torque than the later models.
This together with the BW35 makes it kind of a dog on the road.
My view is that unless EVERYTHING else about it is truly exceptional, you should
keep looking, or consider changing trannies
BTW I'm a proto-senior at age 72.
I've also had 4 122s, none with automatic.

Guess I should go look at it before going any farther. BTW, we have something in common besides Volvos - our age! Thanks.

Cal

Automatic and 4-speed 122s both have 4.10 gears and 1:1 top gear ratios, so RPMs at cruise are pretty much the same (accounting for some slippage in the torque converter).

122s with 4-speed + overdrive have 4.56 gears.

I'd suggest reading some of the reviews from when the cars were new. I remember one in Road and Track where they loved the car but hated the automatic.

How do you plan to use her?

Recently read the same article in R&T, which leads to the quandry 'cause it's supposed to be a real good one. Have to look/drive it before going any farther. Thanks.

You have to remember that R&T were used to driving the "sporty" PV's and Amazons so not surprising that they had rather negative views on the BW35 versions. To some degree it's the same on the forums where lots of posts are requests on how to make the cars faster, lower, bigger wheels etc. etc. It depends on your driving style, a good original car, in a good state of tune with minimal wear in the bushes, ball joints, dampers etc will scoot along very nicely at all the legal limits, and beyond, and that includes the autobox cars. Gearing is the same as a manual without OD.
If this one is a really nice car all round, it would be good, IMO, to respect it and keep it as it is.

There is the possibly of installing an AW70/71 which would give OD and possibility a easier source of parts.
More than you need to know:

http://v1800reg.org/pages/AW70%20CONV.PDF