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Starting a very retro V8 conversion

posted by  ATX76 on  Wed Mar 30 06:41 CST 2005
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Hello everybody!
I'm starting a new Volvo-V8 project, and I'd like to touch base with everybody, as I'm sure I'm going to need advice once this swap gets underway! I've got an 85 Thunderbird, and a 76 Volvo diesel wagon that I want to put together into a very old school budget swap. The motor is carb'd, and the tranny is an automatic, so the swap shouldn't be too bad. That's what I'm hoping anyway, as this will be my first major mechanic project. I'll be using the converse kit, as they seem to have everything pretty well sorted for me.

I've been having some difficulty, however, in finding info about this particular combination. According to converse, all I need from the T-bird is the motor, tranny, and an ignition module, but is that all I really need? I know that I will need to modify the Volvo's driveshaft, but should I keep the T-bird's as well to scavenge the ford coupling for the tranny? Converse's website also says that I will need several parts from a gas Volvo in order to complete the fuel system. Do I still need to worry about this since the new motor will be carburated, and need only a low pressure fuel system? If I need a new pump setup, does it have to be from a super early wagon like mine, or can it be from a more common later model?

Thanks in advance! I'm really excited about this project! I'm hoping to get the thing running for under $1300. So far the donor and recipient have been obtained for $500, and I hope to recoup part of that money by selling the Thunderbird carcas, and the Volvo drivetrain. The Volvo's motor is blown, but is in otherwise very good shape. Definately very old, but not yet dilapidated. The Thunderbird has alot of superficial damage on the front, but the motor is incredibly strong for its age! At 152K, it has good compression, runs smoothly, fires easily both hot and cold, and still gets 13mpg! I'm hoping that I can get a good year or two out of it before it needs a rebuild so that I can save up some cash for a cam and maybe some heads by the time it gets torn apart. I guess we'll see...

-Aaron






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