Hi to all - I just bought a 70 1800E project, pretty rough, but not beyond saving. Rust in all the usual places, and its been sitting for years. It is never going to be a 100 point resto, but I'd like to make it a nice driver to enjoy. The fuel system is trashed from sitting - pump is shot,and I'm sure all the injectors will need rebuilt. A couple of questions for the experts:

1) Should I convert to carburation (weber or Older model 1800 SU's)

2) If I keep the FI are there alternate fuel pumps that will work (since I can't find a replacement - Something common would be nice)

Thanks, I can't wait to get started on the rust repair (HA!), but I'd like to hear it run before I disassemble it.

Thanks, Greg

Looks like you've already got lots to do to get this on the road. Why give yourself MORE at this point. Converting to carbs will be greater effort and cost in the long run.

The fuel injection is simple and works well. Replacement pumps are still available - original Bosch or after market, so go to a better supplier.

Hello gheiser,

I'm a new P1800E 1972 owner and am curious about your progress (well, I'm supposed to go pick up the vehicle tomorrow afternoon). Your vehicle sounds like it was a lot like the future donor of mine is now.

My true reason aside from knowing more about yours, is that on my 72', the previous owner switched TO carburator, and got rid of fuel injection.

I didn't know why, nor did the current owner, know why the original owner switched but it may have something to do with this information I found in this link:

VOLVO Parts and Accessoires. VOLVO Parts for VOLVO repair and VOLVO Performance upgrade! www.VLVworld.com sells New and Used VOLVO parts for 240, 850, 740, 760, 940, S70, V70, S40, V40, S80, 140, 122, 164 and More

If you scroll down to the 1800D 1970's section specifically:

"...New B20F engine is all the same as the B20E engine, but stricter pollution regulation forced compression ratio reduction to 8.7 to 1 on the B20F. The power went down to 107HP. All cars sold in North America have the B20F low compression engine..."

...

So, I'm guessing they tried to improve the hp by putting carb's? Not exactly sure.

I also read somewhere that you can change the gasket thickness to increase the compression ration, therefore giving you that HP back. I could be wrong.

I'm sure this is common knowledge to all you P1800 enthusiasts, but I'm just a couple weeks into it.


Let me know what the masses think... and what they've done to get serious HP gains.


Thanks & oh... I'm a new member here. Sorry to jump on this post for my 1st but, I like to have something to input rather than "Hi... I'm from Tallahassee and..." haha...


nasd90

1988 Toyota Cargo Van
1995 Land Rover Defender 90 SW
2006 Acura MDX (wifey's)

Raising the compression of the FI engine will bring the power back to 1971 levels. It will mean milling the head. Ignition advance curve will also be different for North America, so if you really wanted to get more power you would need to change springs and weights in the ignition.

The injection is reliable. All parts are still available. If you really want power, you'd be smarted swapping engines. Some people have put the B230 Turbo in an 1800, others go the V8 route. All depends on your imagination and budget.

Good info Bhart.

I have a lot of ways I can go with this car. It only has just over 42k miles on it, I'm getting it for a few hundred. Car is together, just has RUST. The frame is ok though.

I would like to make it as stock as I can but I'm thinking catching any motor problems early, like the lack of HP may be a good thing.

As far as the V8 goes, I'm good on those. Don't want that much power, and gas consumption. Have a V8 in the Defender 90 and it DRINKS gas... I'm not familiar with the other engine you mention but it's getting my juices flowing. Turbo? This is going to be a LONG, cool project... and expensive. I'm not looking to make my money back on this thing, just a hobby, toy.

What model Volvo's was the B230 Turbo in kind Sir for helping? Is it a direct drop in fit? Or are there many hoops to jump through to get this engine to work properly in the P1800?


Another thing is, as far as the rust goes, I have a paint & body guy who may be able to help. I'm not sure about his metal fabrication skills so I'm sure I'll get hit somewhere with more costs. Other than that, we shall see.


Thanks again.

There are a number of Canadians who put the later Volvo turbos into older cars.



You'll have to try and contact someone at Canadian Volvo Club: Club Contacts and Membership Information and they should be able to put you in touch with someone who's done the job.