1985 244 needs transmission
 

I have a 85 244dl wagon that is going to need a transmission soon. The old m46 is clearly getting very tired. 293k and running strong. I have been looking around for options and was wondering if someone can tell me about the t-5 option? How straight forward is this conversion?

I could just get a donor car from craigslist with an old m46 or aw70-71 and do the switch but I am interested in a longer term solution. Would I need to change ratios in the rear end if I go this route. Is there fabrication work needed to go along with the switch? I assume at the very least an adapter plate? Which t-5's work best?

I doubt a T5 would bolt up to the volvo engine OR its clutch fit the volvo spline, so yeah, LOTS of fabrication work, along with transmission mounts, shortening or lengthing the front half of the driveshaft as needed, etc.

only folks I've heard of putting T5's in Volvos also put in the small block ford V8 to go with it, and had to do a lot of fab to get the engine mounts, tranny mounts in place and secure, along with the apprporiate length driveshaft, then completely re-wire the engine compartment.

I think someone has an adapter for it because some of the turbo motors are making enough power to start to strain the M-46 from what I have read. There is a BMW transmission that will also work.

If it were me though, I go to the junk yards and Volvo salvage guys and get either another M-46 or a M-47 transmission. It is plenty strong, it shifts well and the engineering is already done. If you think about it, you can buy the Volvo transmission, get it rebuilt and still cost far less than the swapping options.

or just get your M46 rebuilt by a reliable local INDEPENDENT tranny shop. never go to chains.

I've looked around a little bit more and there is an adapter plate for the t5 that goes between the bell housing and the transmission. not sure if you still need to make other changes such as splines and driveshaft length etc.

If I replace it with a junker, how complex is the rebuild. What should a good indie be charging for a rebuild?