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Volvo introduced the K block early in the 1988 production year as a running change. All blocks made from that point on are K blocks, even if they don't have the K cast on them. K block engines have the larger main bearings and thrust bearing on number 5 main bearing. The latest production B230s are still K blocks.
Early in the 1989 production year Volvo introduced the 13 mm connecting rods as a running change. All B230s made from then on have the large connecting rods. The connecting rods on these engines are about the same cross section as those in the B21 and B23 engines with a slightly narrower bearing insert.
All B230 engines have cast crankshafts, and forged connecting rods. The B23 and earlier red engines have a forged crankshaft although I have read that cast crankshafts were used on the last production of the B23 engines.
In about 1994 Volvo introduced piston oil cooling on the B230FT engines (I don't know if the 1994+ B230 has piston oil cooling or not, but I think it does). The advantage besides the obvious piston cooling is improved piston lubrication and the elemination of piston slap noises. Volvo dealers did a lot of hand piston fitting to B230 bores to eliminate piston slap noises while the cars were under warranty. This warrantee work virually stopped when the piston oil cooling was introduced. The pistons were not bore fitted any better, it was the improved piston lubrication that eliminated the piston slap sounds.
While the 1995 and on blocks are supposed to be more ridgid with greater cylinder wall thickness, any engine from early in the 1989 model year will have the large connecting rods and the improved crankshaft (K block).
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