Hello all. I'm new to the forum and to Volvos as well. I am hoping someone can school me on B18 engine compatibility between models.

I have a '62 PV544 sport with a B18 that needs a new engine. I believe I have found a replacement in the form of a B18 from a crunched up '67 1800s.

Does anyone know of any issues either with the engine mounts/compartment, radiator, or especially transmission that I might run into? Is this a straightforward swap? Should I be looking for a B18 & transmission to replace what's currently in my 544, or does it really matter?

a performance increase would be awesome, but I'm more looking just to get this beast back on the road.

Thanks in advance. You're awesome.
~Matthew

 

All B18's and the later, more robust B20, are interchangeable. The only difference is the later B20's were fuel injected and have ports on the head for the injectors. They can easily be sealed with freeze plugs. If your car hasn't been converted to 12V and an alternator, now would be the time as well. In the following pic, you can see the injector ports plugged with freeze plugs...right along the valve cover.

 

Thanks swiftjustice! I went out and picked up the engine this morning. It looks to be in good shape. Much better than the donor it came out of. Sadly, it was indeed munched.

Thanks for including the pic as well. I believe my car is 12v, but I appear to have a generator rather than an alternator. Is there a reason I should switch over to an alternator setup? Thanks again!

 

An alternator is more efficient, charges better when idling or running at low rpm. The B20 was used through the entire 140 series, so you should be able to fit one no problem - NAPA offers a lifetime warranty on their best ones.