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I haven't seen any posts about this lately but over the last few weeks, we've managed to install one of the supercharger kits offered by Vintage Performance Developments [www.v-performance.com] into a '68 122. This is the first installation in a 120 series Volvo; I'm not sure whether or not it's the first 'customer installed' unit. Most of the time was spent swapping engines, rebuilding the transmission, changing clutches (4 times), etc.
If anyone's wondering about the difficulty of installation or quality of parts, let me just say that it takes about the same level of attention as swapping from FI to carbs, or SUs to Webers - a few more steps, but none more technically challenging. Most of the problems we had had to do with the engine swap, clutch fitment issues, etc - the actual installation of the s/c went very well and the instructions are WAY above par. Quality of the components is excellent. Technical support is also excellent and John has been not only very patient but also very willing to explain even the smallest detail.
The powerplant that came out was a healthy but leaky 10 year old and 110K mile 2130cc B20 with ipd Street Performance cam, dual DCOE Webers and 2 1/4" exhaust. Now there's a very carefully assembled B20+.030" with 8.4CR, exhaust ports worked to provide >25% flow more than stock, a 4 into 2 into 1 ceramic coated header and 2 1/2" exhaust.
If anyone's wondering if the thing works - so far, there are only about 100 miles on it, so we haven't pushed it too hard. Yet. We're using the mildest pulley (lowest boost) of the bunch. We're also trying (this is very difficult) to use only about half throttle and still, it's undeniably quicker than the prior engine. Cruising at 80 is effortless and punching the throttle immediately provides ~4lbs boost (this is limited by the current pulley size) and smooth, very strong acceleration. So far, it works beautfully. We expected to have a fair amount of tuning and troubleshooting but again - about the same as you'd expect from a 'regular' carb swap.
Hope to have more miles on it pretty soon and switch over to a smaller (higher boost) pulley.
This thing is MUCH more fun than expected! Tremendous!
Thanks for the bandwidth.
Best,
Cameron
Rose City
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