help modding or replacing engine

Apr 8th, 2006, 14:23

Hi this is my first post and would really like some help with my L reg 1.8 440.

I have had this car for 4 years and really love it, I and in the process of getting a price for body work and a res-pray and would like some advise about the engine.

The engine runs quite good it’s a non turbo and I have had 125mph out of it but would like to know my options on how to get more out of it. I have about £1500 to spend on the engine and would like to know you thoughts on what I should do and if there is and where near Southampton that could do the work.

Am a right in assuming that the engine in an L reg 440 1.8l is a Renault engine so should I take it to a good Renault garage and get them to soup it up?

volvo_pete · Apr 9th, 2006, 03:49

I havent a clue about engines...but if anyone could help.... I have a 460...1.8 BHU in Manchester...but now I have a V40 1.8GDI....none the less....is it possible to swap out the 1.8 engine for a 1.7Turbo? I have all the time in the world but no experience...if its doable...then it would be cool....because my 400 series deserve a lot more than a new owner and a scrappie! (you al agree right?) Anyway....would also be greatful for any info. The way I see it is all I need is a new engine, gearbox and ECU+Ancilliaries off the 1.7 turbo and then its a straight over swap out? Would be greatful for any advice though...
Thanks
Regards
Pete.

doomvolvo · Apr 10th, 2006, 18:16

Engine swapping is always a possibility but its an arse to organise unless you have the money and time. With my old 1.8 I just stuck a performance filter in as well as a couple of other mods. I believe you can get an FSE power boost valve for the engine which increases power but hugely sacrifices MPG.
Perhaps getting the engine blue printed would be an option and really for any serious tuner is always the first stop. This is where an experienced engineer rebuilds the engine making sure all parts work exactly as they should. Its quite complicated and I have no idea how much it costs but would make your engine rev much more freely and give more torque (torque is really what your after)
Hope this sheds some light even if it doesnt help

Apr 10th, 2006, 19:59

thanks doomvolvo that sound good i will tacke your advice.

Apr 14th, 2006, 22:34

awrite manicbarry, am new myself, av got a 440 ive had for 3 yrs, its not had much engine work however its been rebuilt back to new, if you wana mod your engine, an induction kit and a decat pipe to a powerflow backbox will unlock a few noticable ponies for you. im puting a S40 T4 turbo into mine just now, hoping it will be done within a couple of weeks. if you need more info, drop me some words

Apr 16th, 2006, 07:23

what engine have you got jubjub. i think the engine will have to wait until i get the body work sorted i just get so excited about all i need to do.
I have decided that the first thing I am going to get done is a re-spray and get it all colour coded and some alloys, I am thinking about thesehttp://www.rochfordtyres.co.uk/produ...&strSize=18%22 they said they will fit with no modifications to the wheel arches. Would I still be able to lower the car with these wheels and what can be done about the soft ride.

Daniel M · Apr 19th, 2006, 21:23

If they are 7.5" wide you will need to do some work to get them on. You'll scrub badly on full lock (if you can still get full lock) at the front. The rears will constantly scrub over any hole in the road and passenger's will be a no-no, especially if it's going to be lowered and possibly a boot full of stereo too?

The main prob you'll encounter with the rears will be the fuel pipe. It runs down the inside of the rear drivers arch, and with the wheels being 7.5 as opposed to 7", i'd put my money on them rubbing a hole in that pipe, causing you to loose petrol badly.

Lowering it will be a nightmare on 18's. Maybe a 20mm drop, but then it will still look high because the wheels will be huge. If you want a good setup on 18's, you'll need alot of custom archwork done, and to get a decent handling suspesion setup to go with them, you'll need some Coilovers so that they can be setup specifically for your car.

Plus 18's will kill your wallet when tyres need replacing!

Suspenson wise, it depends what you're after. I had AVO springs and standard shocks, but the springs sagged quite a bit and it went a bit spongey.

On my 480, i've had new standard KYB gas shocks all round, lowered 40mm on KYB springs and replaced all the bushes in my wishbones, and the handling is fantastic. I'm still on my standard 15's too. A good hard ride with 'rail' handling would be the Koni yellow setup, but be prepared to pay the upside of about £500 before fitting... But something like that won't accomodate 18" wheels.

I'm not trying to sound negative, and by all means, prove me wrong! I wanted 18's, but after i found out what it would entail and all the work involved, i just went for 17's and springs. Looked and handled ok for me...

Good compromise between practicality and looks. I have seen a 440 on 18's, but the arches were flared out quite a bit...lots of bodywork done. I think it's in the gallery. 440 on 18's. Looks cool with wide arches but i bet that cost him alot of money...

With regards to engines, i've seen a 480 with a Williams Clio lump in, Matt (terrastudios) dropped a Renault 19 16v lump in his...PM him and see what he says.

Like i say, not trying to be negative. It can be done, just depends how much time/money you have.

Good luck anyway!

Apr 21st, 2006, 01:39

avin a read at the threads and noticed your comments about 18" wheels, i was thinking bout this for my car, but it would seem from your comments that it would be a pain so i wont bother, just wanted to say thanx for your comments, you may av just saved me ££££s

Apr 8th, 2006, 14:23	#1
manickbarry Guest Location:	help modding or replacing engine Hi this is my first post and would really like some help with my L reg 1.8 440. I have had this car for 4 years and really love it, I and in the process of getting a price for body work and a res-pray and would like some advise about the engine. The engine runs quite good it’s a non turbo and I have had 125mph out of it but would like to know my options on how to get more out of it. I have about £1500 to spend on the engine and would like to know you thoughts on what I should do and if there is and where near Southampton that could do the work. Am a right in assuming that the engine in an L reg 440 1.8l is a Renault engine so should I take it to a good Renault garage and get them to soup it up? Last edited by manickbarry; Apr 8th, 2006 at 16:53.

Apr 9th, 2006, 03:49	#2
volvo_pete New Member Last Online: Jun 22nd, 2020 13:27 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Manchester	Engine Replacement.... I havent a clue about engines...but if anyone could help.... I have a 460...1.8 BHU in Manchester...but now I have a V40 1.8GDI....none the less....is it possible to swap out the 1.8 engine for a 1.7Turbo? I have all the time in the world but no experience...if its doable...then it would be cool....because my 400 series deserve a lot more than a new owner and a scrappie! (you al agree right?) Anyway....would also be greatful for any info. The way I see it is all I need is a new engine, gearbox and ECU+Ancilliaries off the 1.7 turbo and then its a straight over swap out? Would be greatful for any advice though... Thanks Regards Pete.

Apr 10th, 2006, 18:16	#3
doomvolvo Volvo 440 2.0 Last Online: Mar 2nd, 2010 17:26 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Derbyshire	Engine swapping is always a possibility but its an arse to organise unless you have the money and time. With my old 1.8 I just stuck a performance filter in as well as a couple of other mods. I believe you can get an FSE power boost valve for the engine which increases power but hugely sacrifices MPG. Perhaps getting the engine blue printed would be an option and really for any serious tuner is always the first stop. This is where an experienced engineer rebuilds the engine making sure all parts work exactly as they should. Its quite complicated and I have no idea how much it costs but would make your engine rev much more freely and give more torque (torque is really what your after) Hope this sheds some light even if it doesnt help __________________ If your not living on the edge your taking up too much room

Apr 14th, 2006, 22:34	#5
jubjub Guest Location:	reply bout mods awrite manicbarry, am new myself, av got a 440 ive had for 3 yrs, its not had much engine work however its been rebuilt back to new, if you wana mod your engine, an induction kit and a decat pipe to a powerflow backbox will unlock a few noticable ponies for you. im puting a S40 T4 turbo into mine just now, hoping it will be done within a couple of weeks. if you need more info, drop me some words

Apr 16th, 2006, 07:23	#6
manickbarry Guest Location:	what engine have you got jubjub. i think the engine will have to wait until i get the body work sorted i just get so excited about all i need to do. I have decided that the first thing I am going to get done is a re-spray and get it all colour coded and some alloys, I am thinking about thesehttp://www.rochfordtyres.co.uk/produ...&strSize=18%22 they said they will fit with no modifications to the wheel arches. Would I still be able to lower the car with these wheels and what can be done about the soft ride. Last edited by manickbarry; Apr 16th, 2006 at 08:44.

Apr 10th, 2006, 19:59	#4
manickbarry Guest Location:	thanks doomvolvo that sound good i will tacke your advice.

Apr 19th, 2006, 21:23	#7
Daniel M Inbetween Volvo's... Last Online: Apr 11th, 2024 23:13 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lowestoft View Photos By: Daniel M	If they are 7.5" wide you will need to do some work to get them on. You'll scrub badly on full lock (if you can still get full lock) at the front. The rears will constantly scrub over any hole in the road and passenger's will be a no-no, especially if it's going to be lowered and possibly a boot full of stereo too? The main prob you'll encounter with the rears will be the fuel pipe. It runs down the inside of the rear drivers arch, and with the wheels being 7.5 as opposed to 7", i'd put my money on them rubbing a hole in that pipe, causing you to loose petrol badly. Lowering it will be a nightmare on 18's. Maybe a 20mm drop, but then it will still look high because the wheels will be huge. If you want a good setup on 18's, you'll need alot of custom archwork done, and to get a decent handling suspesion setup to go with them, you'll need some Coilovers so that they can be setup specifically for your car. Plus 18's will kill your wallet when tyres need replacing! Suspenson wise, it depends what you're after. I had AVO springs and standard shocks, but the springs sagged quite a bit and it went a bit spongey. On my 480, i've had new standard KYB gas shocks all round, lowered 40mm on KYB springs and replaced all the bushes in my wishbones, and the handling is fantastic. I'm still on my standard 15's too. A good hard ride with 'rail' handling would be the Koni yellow setup, but be prepared to pay the upside of about £500 before fitting... But something like that won't accomodate 18" wheels. I'm not trying to sound negative, and by all means, prove me wrong! I wanted 18's, but after i found out what it would entail and all the work involved, i just went for 17's and springs. Looked and handled ok for me... Good compromise between practicality and looks. I have seen a 440 on 18's, but the arches were flared out quite a bit...lots of bodywork done. I think it's in the gallery. 440 on 18's. Looks cool with wide arches but i bet that cost him alot of money... With regards to engines, i've seen a 480 with a Williams Clio lump in, Matt (terrastudios) dropped a Renault 19 16v lump in his...PM him and see what he says. Like i say, not trying to be negative. It can be done, just depends how much time/money you have. Good luck anyway! __________________ Current: 2014 Ford S-Max Titanium X Sport -- Previous Volvo’s -- :: 480 Turbo, 1993, 234 Polar White (with 'Richmod') :: Sold :: 440 2.0i SE, 1994, 306 Smoke Silver Metallic :: Sold :: 440 1.7 GLEi, 1991, 219 Ocean Blue Metallic Metallic :: Sold

Apr 21st, 2006, 01:39	#8
jubjub Guest Location:	avin a read avin a read at the threads and noticed your comments about 18" wheels, i was thinking bout this for my car, but it would seem from your comments that it would be a pain so i wont bother, just wanted to say thanx for your comments, you may av just saved me ££££s

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