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Regarding the RWD swap: Been there, done that. Besides, I got rid of my last 745t and picked up a nice V70 AWD to replace it.
I'm not sure exactly why any portion of the drivetrain would have to move very far or be re-engineered. What makes you think that? Maybe I'm thinking right past something big...perhaps I wasn't clear in stating that I would plan on reusing the stock Volvo trans/torque converter and adapt them to the back of the V8.
To me, the big concerns are length, width, and height restrictions on the engine. A custom oil pan to clear a CV axle or mount an axle support bearing is not a big deal. Would probably do this anyway to move the oil pump pickup to a point where it wouldn't starve on hard acceleration. Would probably go LT1 for cost reasons, rather than LS1 (although the alloy block is appealing, it's too much for what I'm considering.) The stock LT1 manifolds from an F or B body already hug the block VERY tight but Hedman also makes a really tight, almost flat collector, on a "block hugger" header that could be used if clearance was an issue there.
Has anyone else REALLY thought this through or will I have to be a pioneer? I prefer imitation over innovation whenever possible! :) Some Swede or Fin must have done this at some point...those guys are crazy about this stuff!
My reasoning for the swap:
A decent LT1 can be had for much less than a good running Volvo L5. The LPT 2.4 is not a good foundation for excessive tuning. Fuel economy for the L5, even in stock tune, is not much better than a stock LT1 in a similar weight vehicle. I already have stand-alone EFI and many other parts to complete a swap like this. The stock drivetrain can handle the power. Finally: It would be bad-ass.
I'm sure this will be followed up with "go ahead and do it...be the first!" As nice as that sounds, I'd really like to at least know if someone else has attempted it and shared even a minutiae of details. Thanks!
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