Looking to do several things in the next few weeks and have some questions that I'm hoping you guys can help with. If you're in a hurry, thank you in advance, and here is the short version:

1). Would like to take 4spd + OD tranny and swap into my car with hurting automatic. Donor car is a Diesel. Any experience on the flywheel on this car bolting up to the B23F in an '83?

2). Also have a B21ft donor car. Am looking to swap this fine setup into a different car. I know this will be a huge amount of work, but I would enjoy the results. Also better able to spend sweat equity to achieve goal.
One option could be the diesel body, but another option could be a 78 or so 264. I sort of like the '78 option (I like the tail treatment), but I've seen the dash cluster is quite different. Wondering if the later model instrument cluster would just bolt in, and if there might be any other issues of note.

Thanks again in advance. This has to be one of the best examples of owners sharing info I've seen!

If you have time, please indulge me while I tell a story...

1). 4-5 years ago, I managed to crack a transmission cooler line on something in a bad snowstorm. I lost all fluid & managed to burn up 1st gear pretty good.
(Note: The sight of a car sitting on a huge pool of transmission fluid-stained snow is a terrifying sight to others...especially if they don't KNOW it's transmission fluid...). When I got it home, I let it sit for a few months, figuring the tranny was pretty much shot. Imagine my surprise when I went out to move it and found out I could drive it (as long as I avoided quick starts).
I then decided I'd drive it until the transmission finally quit, then get another.
Well, it's been 4-5 years, several thousand miles, and the tranny hasn't quit yet. As neat as I think it would be to see just how far it would go, I'm pretty much ready to make a swap. I've been reading up on the auto->manual swap, and I think it's for me. What a great car!!!

I will try to answer your questions as best as I can:

Answer #1:
-The AT --> M46 tranny swap should be a bolt on swap though you do ask a good question about the flywheel. If the Diesel engine is a 6CYL then I would say NO the flywheel will not work. If it is a 4CYL then I would say 50-50 chance for it to fit to the B23F engine. If in the end the flywheel does not bolt up hit the boneyard and grab one from there. It seems that the boneyards I go to I can always find about 10 240's that have the M46 tranny's.

Answer #2
-I would choose which ever body has less rust. The Diesel should have heavy duty springs and better sound-proofing material but I think that's about all. The 264 would be a better choice (if it has less rust) since the 264's came with the K-Jet systems so you will have a main & in-tank pump already in the car. The 264 also has stiffer springs and usually comes with power windows and a sunroof. As far as swapping out the old style (pre-81) dash with a new style (81+) dash it is a bolt on swap. Of course you will have to find that 81+ dash with no cracks and at a good price. Besides the dash you will need the following:

Pre-81 to 81+ Dash Swap:
-Dash Mounting Brackets (One per side)
-Side & Center Vents
-Newer Style Instrument Cluster
-Glovebox
-Gauge Pod Bracket (Plastic bracket that holds the instrument cluster and gauges (2) / turbo gauge set (+3) to the dash.
-You'll need to do some re-wiring for the new instrument cluster and gauges but it is very little and very simple re-wiring.

Below is a picture of the Dash Mounting Brackers I mention:

Left Side OLD STYLE (Pre-81) BRACKETS / Right Side NEW STYLE (81+) BRACKETS


As you can see in the picture above the old style bracket has a mounting hole that is TOO high for the newer style dash so in order to do this dash swap youi must get the brackets too.

And last but not least here is a look at what the dash swap will look like once your finished:

1979 264GL - Pre-81 to 81+ Style Dash Swap



Hope this info helps. Best Of Luck with your projects!!!

Sincerely,
--
Julio Meza

1979 264GL B27F 124K --> BW55->M46, CLS, IPD Sway, 81+ Dash, Gauges, Next: FLATHOOD

1979 262C B27F 159K --> Restore Project w/Possible B21FT

1984 245DL 212K -->Wifemobile

Very helpful! I had seen on here that some people had put the later model dash in the pre-81 cars..was hoping someone who had done the project would respond.
I had hoped to just be able to swap out instrument clusters & associated wiring into the 78 dash frame. Your info helps me make that pre-purchase decision. Hope mine turns out that nice.

I had considered the diesel car just because it's probably going to be extra cheap to pick up, as it's been sitting in a parking lot for 1.5 years. It also has sun roof, decent looking interior door panels w/power windows (to go in g/f's 87 245), volvosound eq (neato, but not at the expense of gauge space!), heavy diesel springs, etc. However, would need some body and paint work. As always, it's best to buy a car in the best condition that you can find for the money you have.

It seems like in my area in NC Volvos are becoming crush fodder. Yard owners have the mindset "we don't keep Volvos, because the ones on the road don't break very often, and the ones in the salvage yard aren't worth keeping."
I lost access to a really decent 244 turbo parts car that way :o(
Also, one local yard owner is crushing EVERYTHING and going home. He still has two 240 series cars left. Gonna have to get down there and get while the getting is "get"-able.