How much different is the B230 from a B21? Can an 85 B230 be used in a 1978 240 by installing the B230 long block and using the intake and accessories from the B21? How about transmission compatibality? Thanks.

Yes. As a matter of fact, the B-230 is the only replacement engine available from volvo for cars with B-21 as original equipment. There are some conversions required, but it bolts right up, and trans mounting is identical. There is a TSB detailing required parts to retrofit.

I have just purchased an 85 with the B23 engine. It looks like who ever had it before me didn't take care of the motor and had someone else replace it with the first thing they found. Seems to run fine, have a few oil leaks to take care of, but the lady I bought it from ran it for 3 years on the "new" motor. I'm sure it will work the other way for you. Good Luck

It should be all compatable except the distributor. You will have to relocate from the rear of the valve cover to the side of the engine. Have to pop off the cover on the side of the engine so you can mount the distributor. Also, not certain if the midshaft on the B 230 has a drive gear built in to drive the distributor, so may need to swap out the midshaft.

Should be a 'can do' conversion, but sometimes you find a few unusual things.

dick

Even if you don't have to replace the intermediate shaft, if that engine was running a rear distributor, you should check and make sure it's in time with the crank. A lot (if not most) people who replace timing belts on an engine with a cam-driven distributor disregard the intermediate shaft timing. Your "new" engine may have been one of those.