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Potential engine swaps?

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 02:04 am
by F4kus
I have an old volvo 340 1.4 lying around with a dead engine and today me and my mechanic friend were wondering what sort of 4/6/8 cylinder engine we could chuck in it (relativly easily and cheaply) for some cheap laughs? I was wondering if anyone had any experience, info or suggestions?
Also on a side note was every 340 produced with a rear mounted gearbox?

Re: Potential engine swaps?

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 09:35 am
by SteveP
Have a search around, lots of options - probably best for some sort of Renault 16v using parts from a 1.7 340 - lots of info dotted about the forum on this. Yep, they all have rear mounted gearboxes.

Re: Potential engine swaps?

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 01:29 pm
by F4kus
Ye i have put a bit of thought into the valver but they seem to be quite pricey can pick up rv8s and essex motors for under 100 , the thought of a nice lumpy 6 or 8 cylinder motor makes me happy haha, but then i guess you gotta start swaping axels and gearboxes and such...

Re: Potential engine swaps?

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 04:35 pm
by 340GLT
The rear gearbox was done for weight distribution and handling. Anything is possible but putting something like an essex up front is like using a boat anchor.
The renault F series engines will bolt in on 1.7 340 parts meaning they make more sense to use. so a volvo 440 2.0 8v on carbs is an easy swap and cheap engine to get hold of.
Adam

Re: Potential engine swaps?

Posted: 22 Aug 2013 11:57 pm
by Ride_on
The 340 drive shaft is a bit special, so any mods need to keep the clutch housing preferably, or at least the clutch shaft section (cone shaped bit attached to the bell housing). Mainly you are stuck with Renault engines, which are light and powerful, but not so reliable. Make sure the 8 gearbox+diff + Engine mounting bushes are in top condition, otherwise you will just tear the driveshaft out.

You'd have to widen the bulkhead to fit a front gearbox engine and traditional prop shaft. This give the highest power options as you can fit a high power driveshaft, but is a big job.

If you can get a 360 torque tube+other 360 donor parts you can fit a 940 turbo engine and boost it up and max out the drive shaft to 250 or 300BHP.

Re: Potential engine swaps?

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 08:35 pm
by thododd
Other than nevs recent build with the toyota v8 have there been any/many other 300s with longitudinal gearbox conversions??

Re: Potential engine swaps?

Posted: 26 Aug 2013 10:19 pm
by miniswift
Hi,

I made a bell housing adaptor to take Suzuki Swift Gti G13B 1300cc 16v engine. I know people thinks what 1.3!? But it has over 100bhp as std and you can 8psi turbo it to kick out 180bhp. It will be with a chipped std ECU for £60. So, I can do this conversion for less than £200 as I have all of what I need... But this will be in Midas kitcar.

I think fuel economy will be good for daily driver!

Cheers
Atchi