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[guitarman]

Hi all,
I recently bought a '73 model twin carb 164. Bodywork wise it's very good, just a few rust scabs need sorting out plus the spare wheel wells are currently being welded (this will allow the new rear mudflaps i've purchased to go on, ps. what are the rubber grommets at the bottom of the wells for?)
Otherwise i've replaced the windscreen and will be sourcing a new rear bumper as the current one is distorted and heavily scored. Another little job is to source and replace the missing boot trim.
First of all I guess, i'm going to get the car as reliable and tidy as possible, but having read up on the B30 engine I realise I have the makings of a bit of a 'Q' car. I want the 164 to remain looking as standard as possible but I think there's still alot I can do!
I'm going to get new tyres in the spring i'm hoping 185s will go on the original steel rims and i'm going to uprate the shocks for a slightly firmer ride (how about the springs? polybushes needed?) Another area is the engines breathing, the normal set up seems very restricted. I'd also like to fit a freer breathing and better sounding exhaust. I've seen several 164s fitted with triple webbers, is this a sensible option? Electronic ignition is another job i'd like to do myself. I'm new to classic cars so this is a steep learning curve!
Cheers, JJ.

[arcturus]

Hi and welcome. The gromets are probably covering drain holes for when the water gets in?

[Brock05]

Welcome. If you are considering new wheels/tyres, i have steels from a 940 on mine, sits nicely on them and easily avaliable without looking obviously modified. Hoping to eventually go the 3 carb route myself.

[john h]

Hi, welcome!

Please post up some photos of your car!

Have a look through my thread, you might see some mods which may interest you. (Get a cuppa first, it will take a while!)
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=60815

Triple Webers is nice:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEQlunOqKx4

I hope to see you and the car at some Volvo club meets.

Plenty of enthusiasm and advice on here, so ask away.

185s OK if you have the 5.5 inch rims. I don't recommend any wider than that tho, on standard wheels, too much flex between the rim and the tyre contact patch if the wheel is too narrow for the tyre.

Elec ignition - yes.

Good shocks make a massive difference. An even more amazing improvement is a 25mm front anti-roll bar.


Cheers

John

[guitarman]

Thanks John, very useful, wish I had your expertise at doing the work! Another possibility that comes to mind is replacing the BW35 gearbox with a four speed autobox, i've been told there is a company in Brum which specialises in doing this to uneconomical 3 speed autos. Another possibility would be to change the rear axle ratio, I know there were a variety fitted to 164s, quite why I don't know.
Will post some pics when the b**&%$ers finish the work on it at the garage! I was hoping to get a couple of weeks driving in before the arctic conditions start.....

[john h]

Originally Posted by guitarman

Thanks John, very useful, wish I had your expertise at doing the work! Another possibility that comes to mind is replacing the BW35 gearbox with a four speed autobox, i've been told there is a company in Brum which specialises in doing this to uneconomical 3 speed autos. Another possibility would be to change the rear axle ratio, I know there were a variety fitted to 164s, quite why I don't know.
Will post some pics when the b**&%$ers finish the work on it at the garage! I was hoping to get a couple of weeks driving in before the arctic conditions start.....

Go manual. I converted a 164E from the 3-speed auto to manual and with no other mods it felt like it gained 40% more power.

I look forward to the pictures!

John

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by arcturus

Hi and welcome. The gromets are probably covering drain holes for when the water gets in?

Yep they are drain holes ,
and welcome
Regards
Mike B

[arcturus]

BTW, don't forget to inform insurance about any mods otherwise you will be in deep doo-da If you need any sort of claim.