the B23A used dual SU carburetors, and AFAIK, never sold in the US.

the B23 is the early 2.3L version of the redblock slant 4, it was preceded by the B21 (2.1L) and succeed by the 'low friction' B230, which in the US was in B230F form, with electronic "LH" fuel injection.

not sure how you tell a B21 from a B23 or B230 block, all my volvos are mid 80s and newer with the B230F and LH2.2 or 2.4 fuel injection.

around these parts, the favorite Vanagon engine conversion is a subaru flat 4.

 

The engine size should be stamped on the driver's side somewhere on the block under the manifold...
Other than that, it's hard to offer advice on such a highly modified motor, even though it is a Volvo.
Doubt you'll get much help from anyone here. I'd try more "gear head" type Volvo forums.

 

Thanks Pierce and Lev,

I'll check for a number stamped on the block when I get a chance. I found a PDF version of an engine manual for Volvo 240, 1975 to 1985, B17, B19, B21 and B23 and the engine seems to match up with the carbureted non-electronic ignition model described there. I'll see what I can learn from that manual. Funny, I never thought I would own a vehicle with points or a carburetor again.

Yes, round here Subaru flat 4s and flat 6 cylinders (the SVX engine) are popular swaps into Vanagons. The Ford Zetecs (using a conversion kit made by bostig.com) are not as common but are pretty nice. Volvos in Vanagons are mighty rare but this one was imported from Sweden so it sort of makes sense.

Re more 'gear head' type Volvo forums: any suggestions?

Thanks again!

Ed

 

this guy in Maine rebuilds SU carbs, and does a really good job.

SU Carburetor Rebuild (HS-4) | Tom Bryant, Wiscasset, Maine

 

Here are a couple of photos:

 

From what I gather from your post, you appear to be complaining about the vehicle’s speed, not necessarily about the power being developed by the engine. Although I have never had experience with this vehicle, I think this type of 4x4 utility truck is designed for Low speed operations and is geared for such which means its top end speed is compromised.

I suggest you devise another means of measuring the actual engine power output such as a mathematical analysis or a dyno test. You could also do some research on what kind of performance other owners are getting.

I hope this helps and best of luck!

 

5 year old thread. original poster hasn't been back on this forum since he posted.

 

Hi pierce and Iyoy,

Iyoy, the original poster sold this vehicle to me in late 2013. Actually this one has the standard diff gearing for this sort of vehicle which is 4.86 to 1, I have another one with the same transaxle/differential gearing, although it is a westfalia pop-top van. The van can easily cruise at 70 MPH on the highway (although it has a Ford Zetec 2 litre DOHC engine, as opposed to the original waterboxer, but it could cruise easily at 70 MPH with the original engine too). It could go faster but fuel economy suffers. Unfortunately I got sidetracked with other projects and haven't worked on this vanagon pickup much since I bought it so it is still in the same situation: I think a carb change should fix it up.

pierce - thanks for your previous comments on this thread (a long time ago). I found the info helpful.

Ed
BC, Canada



2 vanagons: pick-up has a Volvo engine, van has a Ford engine.

 

Sure looks nice. I hope you work it out!