Hello Volvolites!

I am looking into purchasing a 72-73 164E and have it restored to a near-new condition. I need lots of advice!! I am in a dilemma as to the choice of years. 69, 70, 71 - I am not considering since they had no fuel injection. (it first became available in 72). So those years are out. Now, the reason I am interested in the pre-72 model is mainly due to its bumper design. We all know how “royal” the front end of a 164 looks but I feel that the original bumper that was “part of the design thought” fits well with the classic lines of the car. Come 73, Volvo went with the straight bumper which was still okay as it was a thin bumper. But my greatest disappointment was with the bumpers in the 74-75 year models. It’s as if the oversized bumpers take away the beauty of the classic lines of the 164. (they most likely did this to satisfy the American consumer/safety agency?). Not to mention the fact that the bumpers partly cover the lower portion of the grille!! (if you look at it from an eyeline straight to the grille). It looks as if it was an afterthought rather than part of the design. So I’ll most likely consider 72-73 models. I may consider other model years if you can help me sort through this Volvo 164 passion! Please advice me on the following questions. Some questions are going to be hard to answer. (but remember, this is not an easy test, you will be graded! :O) ):

1. If I purchase a 73-75 model (for their better features such as front power windows (in 75), reinforced bars in doors, better dash etc) would I be able to change the bumpers back to the 72 design by installing pre-72(year inclusive) style bumpers?. Would this look out of place or would it then make the car look like a pre 72 model (front and rear looks)? One concern would be that with the change in bumpers starting with 73 year model, the grille was also made shorter. That’s my main concern. i.e. If I put a 72 (or pre-) style bumper on a 73-75, would there be obvious improportionate gap between the bottom edge of the grille and the top edge of the curved bumper?

2. The 74-75 model years also look like they sit higher off the ground esp. in the front. Is this only an illusion, looks like it due to the bumper design change or is it really so? Checking the Volvo 164 Club of Sweden reveals that ALL of the 164 have 180 - 210mm ground clearence...

3. Until now I have a not-so-favorable impression of “carburettors”. I think of them as always needing tinkering, adjustment etc. I also think that they are less reliable than the fuel injection systems. Am I right? Give me some basics here. Why do some (esp. performance loving guys) express pride in having a this or that particular carburettor?. What’s so great about carburettors? Isn’t a fuel injection system more efficient on gas, less maintenance etc. etc.? Educate me.........

4. Know anyone who’s willing to sell me a decent 72-73 164E?

5. What’s the average gas mileage on the 164? (fuel injected, automatic)

6. Is it possible to change a standard M400/M410 transmission to an automatic (BW35?) without much ado?! (I have seen some nice 164s online except that they have manual transmission).

Thanks!
Kenneth