Hello gang !

I'm new to this forum having been only recently come back to my old calling. Learned to drive on the folks' 144s. Talking to a friend the other month about what cars are best for reliability and self-maintainability and Volvo 140 quickly became our prime choice. Looked into a 145 for sale a while ago, but passed on it. Then the guy calls and says I can have it if I get it towed out of ex-roomates yard. An offer I couldn't refuse. It did cost me $300 to get it towed across northern CA in a rainstorm. Sure wish I'd insisted on a flat-bed tow! Wheel went flat and bashed fender up pretty good. Also, bumper is bent from tow straps :-(.

Otherwise I got me a very fine '70 145S almost rust-free, damage-free CA car w/ 230k miles. It was garaged on stands for some years so it's gonna need some restoring, fuel system overhaul etc. Yesterday I got it out of the nasty weather into my garage where I cranked up the heater and turned a fan on it to dry it out. Also, I got a 71 Factory Service Manual coming my way for $25, found on E-bay (fingers are crossed).

Questions:
1. It's got a Weber DGV carb with IPD manifold. Although I've seen in the archives that some are happy with this setup, it sure doesn't look like it will feed equal mixture to the four cylinders. Rather it appears that the primary's will feed the two inner 2-3 cyls, and the sec's will feed the two outers 1-4 (or visa-versa, I forget). While I don't have a problem with DGV's which is what I'm currently running on my 260Z, I don't like the looks of the manifold.

2. Any of you guys sticking with the Strombergs or SUs? I don't remember these to be too troublesome, except for needing an occasional cleaning. My folk's old 144s one had SUs and the other had Strombergs, and neither were much of a problem except for mysteriously consuming oil from the dashpot. SUs are big amongst the folks with early Z's and there's a great firm "Ztherapy.com" which rebuilds 'em complete with throttle shaft roller bearings and lip seals. I think he also does Volvo SUs. Any preference between the SUs and the Strombergs? (Stromberg is a BIG name in aircraft carberators and I know those folks know what's up with carburetion!) Anyone upgrade to the SU HIF type? Are Weber DCOE's at all common on B20's?

3. My old Chilton's which covers early Volvos has a note that says if the head is warped it should be discarded. REALLY? Is it unacceptable to mill a Volvo B20A or B20B head if it's warped?

That'll do for now gang. Count on seeing me around regularly at this 140-160 forum!

Later!
Al