While searching for an older Volvo on Ebay, I ended up buying a 1958 Vauxhall instead. I should get the car as soon as the weather breaks. We just got another 8 inches of snow last night.
The car has no motor or trans. My 81 245 which I started parting out due to extreme rust-out, has a good B21F motor and auto trans. It was rebuilt about 10 years ago and has a new head.
My father-in-law says this would be a great V-8 swap, but I would rather use my 240 motor. Espcially since it runs and it's free. Once I get the car, I'll have to either weld up some motor mounts or have someone else (like my brother) make me a pair. My welding skills are not as great as his.
Here's the dilemma:
1. I will use the original Vauxhall gas tank. I will need a primer pump to replace the small one inside the 240's tank. How many pounds of pressure? Will a universal electric carberator fuel pump work as a primer. I will use the 240's extrenal high pressure fuel pump since it's only a few years old, I know it works and I paid a lot of $$$ for it anyway.
2. Could I convert to a webber carb setup and avoid the wiring, high pressure fuel system and computers? Will webber's work on a CFI head? Should I aviod this route? Should I just sell everything and buy an older carbed four banger or V-6 from the junkyard instead. Ford 2.3, 2.8 V-6, GM iron duke or V-6?
I would rather use the Volvo engine.
3. Should I use the 2 piece drive shaft and have the end mated to the Vauxhall's driveshaft, Or go the single driveshaft route. The 240 has a cool extendable rear shaft which the length can be changed by a few inches. This would allow for any measurment errors. I would have the driveline shop downtown splice and mate the shafts for me. I could never get this to work right or be balanced If I did it. This may cost me a few Benjamins to do this so I only get one chance to get this right.
4. Swapping disk brakes? Sure I'd like to do this, but is it even feasable.
I could use the 81 240's rearend since it is a limited slip one. They are hard to come by and it's got disks with newer calipers. My 87 240 is only a one legger and a pain in the snow. This would require more welding of pearches onto the axle so I could use the leaf springs. I don't even know abouth the front. It's kind of backwards having drums in front and disks in back. Would this inprove anything?
I will eventually post some photos.