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B230FT is the turbocharged B230 engine that was used only in the 700 and 900 series cars. First appeared around '85 in the 700 and was last seem somewhere around '95 in the 900 (more or less, not sure of the year). But within those years, some of the sub-variations of the 230 engine were weaker and some were decidedly stronger (strength-wise), so it pays to search out the best of the best. The last of the B230FT engines were very good (as were the B21 and B23 engines).
(Note ---- The B21FT was the turbocharged B21 engine used only in the 240 from '81 to '85 and had K-jet. The B23FT was used only in the '83/'84 740, pre-B230FT, and used LH-jet. The B23FT is a rare but desirable engine.)
The B234F was Volvo's first experiment with a twin-cam head on a B230 block. I have no doubt that Volvo's education from that experiment led to the 5-cylinder engine first seen in the 850. The B234 engine was used in 740GLEs from approximately '88 to about '91 (more or less --- I know someone smarter will have the precise dates).
The engine is, on one hand, powerful and fast. With opposing intake and exhaust and 4 valves per cylinder, it breaths far better than the standard B230.
On the other hand, the engine is known for its many problems. It's an interference design, so if the timing belt isn't changed religeously at the proper intervals (35k ???), you can expect to pay handsomely for an engine rebuild.
Think I got most of it without too many glaring errors.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)
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