When Worlds Collide...Volvo Guy, going back to his "Roots"
#1
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Been around Miata's for a while....
They were my first car to every "Tweek"
Well, 2.5 years is long enough, without a Miata...
I've since been plagued with an affinity for 4-cylinder Swedish Iron...
Oh what to do???
Found a rolling chassis to start with....
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59854-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-10-25%25252015.52.09.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59855-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-10-25%25252016.45.51.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
With the current offerings of V8roadsters, a Mustang T5 transmission would nearly bolt right in...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59856-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-v8rspecmk-2.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
It's a simple steel framerail reinforcement and transmission x-member, for use with a 'Stang T5...
Is it so unreasonable to think I can't reverse build the car into running a Volvo Redblock?
Well, we shall soon find out...
John suggested I take a measuring tape to the old Miata motor, to see just how much bigger the B230F will be, but it can't be much bigger than a Ford 2.3...
Looks like I'm not the first, with a brilliant idea...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59857-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dsc02528.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
Someone was crazy to strap a Ford 2.3L Turbo in his Miata...
And another with a Volvo 16v head...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59858-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-img_2568.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
I think my new Miata would SCREAM with a high compression B230, 16v head, PZ Boat cams and IRTB's, in front of a 5.0L Mustang T5 tranny and 4.10 gears...
For now though, I've got this lovely, High Compression B23F, to get me started.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59859-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-img_2964.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
Wish me luck!
Myles
They were my first car to every "Tweek"
Well, 2.5 years is long enough, without a Miata...
I've since been plagued with an affinity for 4-cylinder Swedish Iron...
Oh what to do???
Found a rolling chassis to start with....
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59854-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-10-25%25252015.52.09.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59855-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-10-25%25252016.45.51.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
With the current offerings of V8roadsters, a Mustang T5 transmission would nearly bolt right in...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59856-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-v8rspecmk-2.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
It's a simple steel framerail reinforcement and transmission x-member, for use with a 'Stang T5...
Is it so unreasonable to think I can't reverse build the car into running a Volvo Redblock?
Well, we shall soon find out...
John suggested I take a measuring tape to the old Miata motor, to see just how much bigger the B230F will be, but it can't be much bigger than a Ford 2.3...
Looks like I'm not the first, with a brilliant idea...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59857-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dsc02528.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
Someone was crazy to strap a Ford 2.3L Turbo in his Miata...
And another with a Volvo 16v head...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59858-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-img_2568.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
I think my new Miata would SCREAM with a high compression B230, 16v head, PZ Boat cams and IRTB's, in front of a 5.0L Mustang T5 tranny and 4.10 gears...
For now though, I've got this lovely, High Compression B23F, to get me started.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59859-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-img_2964.jpg?dateline=1352924051)
Wish me luck!
Myles
#4
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Two Rivals Compete for Garage Space...
A known good 1.6L Miata motor, awaits a new owner,
The new '84 B23F Volvo motor, awaits it's prep for mock-up!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59862-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-10%25252013.46.11.jpg?dateline=1352932938)
Stripped down the old accessory pumps, mounts and studs...
This motor came with my favorite type IAC mount, Block Mount is cleanest!
Mounted up my Yoshifab Vintage Motor Mount Adapters & 140 Aluminum Mounts...
Still need some 164 Isolators...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59863-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-10%25252013.47.06.jpg?dateline=1352932938)
Installed my compact, Denso 100a alternator...
Would you believe it, the Miata Oil Pressure Sender fits the Volvo Block...
I used my VDO 5-Bar though, to make better use of an Oil Pressure Gauge...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59864-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-10%25252013.47.33.jpg?dateline=1352932938)
I don't think I just want to stuff an oily motor in my Miata, so it's due for some careful scrubbing.
Also have to pick up a new B20 oil pump & oil pan gasket, to swap in, along with my B20 oil pan, to make the vertical mount transformation complete!
Now, if I could just find a garage to start working in...
It's gotta go here...
A known good 1.6L Miata motor, awaits a new owner,
The new '84 B23F Volvo motor, awaits it's prep for mock-up!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59862-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-10%25252013.46.11.jpg?dateline=1352932938)
Stripped down the old accessory pumps, mounts and studs...
This motor came with my favorite type IAC mount, Block Mount is cleanest!
Mounted up my Yoshifab Vintage Motor Mount Adapters & 140 Aluminum Mounts...
Still need some 164 Isolators...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59863-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-10%25252013.47.06.jpg?dateline=1352932938)
Installed my compact, Denso 100a alternator...
Would you believe it, the Miata Oil Pressure Sender fits the Volvo Block...
I used my VDO 5-Bar though, to make better use of an Oil Pressure Gauge...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59864-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-10%25252013.47.33.jpg?dateline=1352932938)
I don't think I just want to stuff an oily motor in my Miata, so it's due for some careful scrubbing.
Also have to pick up a new B20 oil pump & oil pan gasket, to swap in, along with my B20 oil pan, to make the vertical mount transformation complete!
Now, if I could just find a garage to start working in...
It's gotta go here...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59865-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-10-30%25252011.59.30.jpg?dateline=1352932938)
#7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Bah, the B230 etc have been put in any chassis available on the local tracks and in the local racing series over the last 30 years.
I'd hope the Miata engine bay was too small in some way to be spared.![Party Kitty](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/birthday[1].gif)
Here I could get a 2.5L B230 with 240hp+ complete with everything for the price I got the VVT engine I started from... Different markets to say the least![big grin](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Just another place to place a 2.2L B230 + Webers (I hope to not loose ground to him on the straights next year)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59866-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-1road120527-379.jpg?dateline=1352934198)
IIRC the Volvo M90 is a smaller/lighter trans than the T5, but the ratio options are a lot better on the T5
I'd hope the Miata engine bay was too small in some way to be spared.
![Party Kitty](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/birthday[1].gif)
Here I could get a 2.5L B230 with 240hp+ complete with everything for the price I got the VVT engine I started from... Different markets to say the least
![big grin](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Just another place to place a 2.2L B230 + Webers (I hope to not loose ground to him on the straights next year)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59866-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-1road120527-379.jpg?dateline=1352934198)
IIRC the Volvo M90 is a smaller/lighter trans than the T5, but the ratio options are a lot better on the T5
Last edited by NiklasFalk; 11-14-2012 at 06:12 PM.
#8
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There are T5's in all sortsa cars here, in the US...
Mustang's with 5.0L V8's are ideal...especially for their ratios.
M90's aren't here, at all, and import taxes and overall costs, make it not worth it.
With two Volvo Turbo cars, with T5 transmissions in the stable already, it's hard for me to consider otherwise.
I love the 3.35 1st and 0.68 5th....and that's with my 3.91 gears at the diff...
4.1's are the plan for the Miata.
Mustang's with 5.0L V8's are ideal...especially for their ratios.
M90's aren't here, at all, and import taxes and overall costs, make it not worth it.
With two Volvo Turbo cars, with T5 transmissions in the stable already, it's hard for me to consider otherwise.
I love the 3.35 1st and 0.68 5th....and that's with my 3.91 gears at the diff...
4.1's are the plan for the Miata.
#11
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
One Piece at a Time...
Well, that's the pace I'm keeping.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59871-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7680.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Harvested some parts from my garage, a parts car & a little bro-dealin'
A roller is what it is, and I am happy to have gotten such a great deal on one man's trash.
It was in need of a few essential pieces, some of which I pulled from my parts car...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59872-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7686.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
The parts car was a '93 LE, so it's unique red leather seats & carpet had my interest,
Though the P.O. had his go at the dash board, door cards and rear shelf carpet.
I've filled the gaps with parts from a 1.6L black interior...looks sharp!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59873-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7682.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
This aggressive looking strut tower brace was left in the parts car as well....I found it a great addition.
Notice all the wiring and accessories that have been deleted from my engine bay...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59874-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7681.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
All of the original Mazda Engine Management stuff has been deleted,
ABS has been deleted, and all components have been replaced with Non-ABS parts.
When it came down to it, there were only 4-wires left to my Under-Hood Fuse/Power Panel, all getting direct 12v from the battery,
So I traced the wires down, and re-routed them, driver side, using a compact Power Distribution Block from a Volvo 240...tucks neatly with the relays..
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59875-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7685.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Original Fan relay and it's wiring has disappeared,
I'm using a 2-Speed Fan Relay from a Volvo 850...
Low speed is wired to a temp sensor, set for my lower radiator hose,
High speed goes to my A/C switch on the dash panel...
It'll look right at home on a bracket, on the driver headlight assembly
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59876-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7684.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Harvested what was left of the passenger headlight assembly & got the overflow tank
Put a light back together for my ride...
Just needs a Red Cover & a driver side mate.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59877-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-13%25252016.06.41.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Interior goes back together, with out A/C
That dash is just for mock up...mine should be here this weekend.
1.6L dashboard looks cleanest, IMHO
Setup with Revlimiter F1 Gauge Faces
VDO 52mm gauges (Volts & Oil Temperature)
That's a MOMO steering wheel from a SAAB 9000 Turbo...to top it all off!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59878-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-13%25252016.11.20.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Looks like the position of the heater hoses will work with either the Miata or Volvo 240 Hoses...nice to have options...
I reused the hole in the firewall, from the Cruise Control, to route my 7-leads to the Engine Harness...
I'll reuse a Volvo 240 Firewall Connector, to house coil power, tach signal, oil pressure, oil temperature, volts, water temperature & starter trigger.
Miata throttle cable stays put, for future modification
Well, that's the pace I'm keeping.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59871-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7680.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Harvested some parts from my garage, a parts car & a little bro-dealin'
A roller is what it is, and I am happy to have gotten such a great deal on one man's trash.
It was in need of a few essential pieces, some of which I pulled from my parts car...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59872-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7686.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
The parts car was a '93 LE, so it's unique red leather seats & carpet had my interest,
Though the P.O. had his go at the dash board, door cards and rear shelf carpet.
I've filled the gaps with parts from a 1.6L black interior...looks sharp!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59873-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7682.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
This aggressive looking strut tower brace was left in the parts car as well....I found it a great addition.
Notice all the wiring and accessories that have been deleted from my engine bay...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59874-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7681.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
All of the original Mazda Engine Management stuff has been deleted,
ABS has been deleted, and all components have been replaced with Non-ABS parts.
When it came down to it, there were only 4-wires left to my Under-Hood Fuse/Power Panel, all getting direct 12v from the battery,
So I traced the wires down, and re-routed them, driver side, using a compact Power Distribution Block from a Volvo 240...tucks neatly with the relays..
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59875-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7685.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Original Fan relay and it's wiring has disappeared,
I'm using a 2-Speed Fan Relay from a Volvo 850...
Low speed is wired to a temp sensor, set for my lower radiator hose,
High speed goes to my A/C switch on the dash panel...
It'll look right at home on a bracket, on the driver headlight assembly
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59876-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7684.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Harvested what was left of the passenger headlight assembly & got the overflow tank
Put a light back together for my ride...
Just needs a Red Cover & a driver side mate.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59877-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-13%25252016.06.41.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Interior goes back together, with out A/C
That dash is just for mock up...mine should be here this weekend.
1.6L dashboard looks cleanest, IMHO
Setup with Revlimiter F1 Gauge Faces
VDO 52mm gauges (Volts & Oil Temperature)
That's a MOMO steering wheel from a SAAB 9000 Turbo...to top it all off!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59878-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-13%25252016.11.20.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
Looks like the position of the heater hoses will work with either the Miata or Volvo 240 Hoses...nice to have options...
I reused the hole in the firewall, from the Cruise Control, to route my 7-leads to the Engine Harness...
I'll reuse a Volvo 240 Firewall Connector, to house coil power, tach signal, oil pressure, oil temperature, volts, water temperature & starter trigger.
Miata throttle cable stays put, for future modification
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59879-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-2012-11-13%25252016.07.18.jpg?dateline=1352939040)
#12
Elite Member
iTrader: (13)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Taos, New mexico
Posts: 6,763
Total Cats: 631
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Nice, not much heavier than a BP then. Some quick googling gave me this.
"Intake manifold, fuel injection or carb, distributor, alternator, water pump, oil pan, valve covers, A/C compressor, plugs and wires, exhaust manifold, belts and starter. Engine doesn't have a power steering pump. Flywheels off, fluids are drained, engine mounts are off.
Miata 1.8L = 289 lbs."
"Intake manifold, fuel injection or carb, distributor, alternator, water pump, oil pan, valve covers, A/C compressor, plugs and wires, exhaust manifold, belts and starter. Engine doesn't have a power steering pump. Flywheels off, fluids are drained, engine mounts are off.
Miata 1.8L = 289 lbs."
#14
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
So many riddling puzzle pieces, to keep track of...
Glad I kept this one by my keyboard, for such time.
It's the pivot ball for a Volvo M46 Bell Housing, for use with a Hydraulic clutch fork.
740's have them, and this one was passed along to me.
My 240's use a cable clutch, but I'm hoping to reuse a Volvo 740 clutch slave & fork, to work with the Miata master cylinder & pedal.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59893-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7715.jpg?dateline=1352944801)
And here's the beast...
The illusive Volvo B23F, Vertical Mount Motor.
9.5:1 compression — 111 horsepower
I've got a "B" Cam upstairs, to help wake her up, too...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59894-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7709.jpg?dateline=1352944801)
Now sports a B20 Oil Pump & Delivery Tube,
Sealed it up with fresh "O" Rings, pan gasket and a B20 Oil Pan, for the Vertical Conversion.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59895-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7708.jpg?dateline=1352944801)
I found a throttle spool to install
Checked part numbers, to confirm the early LH2.0/2.1 distributor will work with my LH2.2 setup...It appears to be the same.
The flywheel was already installed, on the B23F, from the P.O. so I put on my 9-Month Old SACHS Turbo Pressure Plate and a spare M46 bell housing, to finish her off.
Still need a few pieces to bolt on that T5 and go, go go!
Glad I kept this one by my keyboard, for such time.
It's the pivot ball for a Volvo M46 Bell Housing, for use with a Hydraulic clutch fork.
740's have them, and this one was passed along to me.
My 240's use a cable clutch, but I'm hoping to reuse a Volvo 740 clutch slave & fork, to work with the Miata master cylinder & pedal.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59893-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7715.jpg?dateline=1352944801)
And here's the beast...
The illusive Volvo B23F, Vertical Mount Motor.
9.5:1 compression — 111 horsepower
I've got a "B" Cam upstairs, to help wake her up, too...
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59894-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7709.jpg?dateline=1352944801)
Now sports a B20 Oil Pump & Delivery Tube,
Sealed it up with fresh "O" Rings, pan gasket and a B20 Oil Pan, for the Vertical Conversion.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/meet-greet-40/59895-when-worlds-collide-volvo-guy-going-back-his-roots-dscf7708.jpg?dateline=1352944801)
I found a throttle spool to install
Checked part numbers, to confirm the early LH2.0/2.1 distributor will work with my LH2.2 setup...It appears to be the same.
The flywheel was already installed, on the B23F, from the P.O. so I put on my 9-Month Old SACHS Turbo Pressure Plate and a spare M46 bell housing, to finish her off.
Still need a few pieces to bolt on that T5 and go, go go!
#16
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
guys see past 250 HP, with some REAL Compression....maybe I'll get there, but maybe I'll fall a bit short...
Plan, in this order is,
Lightweight Flywheel
MS1v3
16v Head Swap
IRTB's
Header
Then, I'll build a B230F with B234F pistons, for slightly higher compression, and lighter internals...and run it in the last motor's place
Plan, in this order is,
Lightweight Flywheel
MS1v3
16v Head Swap
IRTB's
Header
Then, I'll build a B230F with B234F pistons, for slightly higher compression, and lighter internals...and run it in the last motor's place