In looking at the gear ratios for, e.g., the 1800E (source: C&D 5/70), it would appear that "vintage" Volvos are geared quite a bit lower than their OHC counterparts. Our '86 240 w/M46, for example, can cruise comfortably on the highway at 75mph, the tach registering a leisurely 2800rpm. Using C&D's figures, a '70 1800E would turn over 3500rpm at the same road speed in its top gear. I am aware that the 1800E has a smaller engine, but the B230F has only a mere 0.3L advantage over the B20.

C&D's specifications page for the '70 1800E cites 130 lb-ft @ 3500rpm; my owner's manual for the '86 has 136 lb-ft @ 2750rpm. I guess the OHV engines have to rev a little higher before the power comes on and so they are geared accordingly. So what are they like to drive? Is 3K rev's at 65mph, in overdrive, really as annoying as I can imagine it might be?

Just curious. :-)

The cars evolved from tractors. The process continues.

Actually, OHV engines tend to shine at low RPM. The extra mass (lifters, rocker arms, etc...) tends to make OHV engines less efficient at controlling the valves as revs rise. Of course, this is strictly a generalization - camshaft, piston and crank design have a lot more to do with where the engine makes it's power.

I suspect that most small-engined imports were equipped with lower gearing to provide more sprightly performance in town and at less-than-interstate speeds. Remember, Sweden didn't have a whole lot of high-speed motorways back then, and much of Europe was criss-crossed by twisty two-lanes. The US didn't become Volvo's #1 market until sometime in the mid 70's, I believe.
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Speed Racer, '83 240 R, '74 164 E, '93 940 OL1 (Manchester, CT)