What are my options for changing gearboxes?

[jimbolya]

Although its not something that I personally can undertake, I plan to be doing quite alot of up and down on the M5 this year.
I'm currently running on a B21A with the bog standard 4 speed non-overdrive gearbox. Just wondering what my options are for changing the gearbox, obviously, would be great to keep it as period as possible, so is the overdrive version the best choice? or can i match up a later 5 spd? how will the change affect my MPG? and what is entailed in a change-over? flywheels etc etc...

any help much appreciated, and anybody know of a good place i can get the work done? how much i should be looking at for the work inc. price of gearbox?

phew, what a lot of questions....thanks guys.

James

[Mike_Brace]

Either 5 speed or o/d box will fit - there is an issue over speedos - later cars were electronic run off rear axle. This is another issue - the GLTs have ahigher ratio rear axle which can also be used to raise gearing. The easiest swop would be early o/d box (with speedo take-off) and prop. Sensible to fit a new clutch,spigot bearing and rear oil seal at the same time. Box is likely to cost about £100 - you might get prop thrown in on deal. Fitting is half day if box comes off with engine left in - they often will not split in situ as top bolts at rear of engine will not undo in which case you are looking at about a day's labour. We normally go down this route, and tend to do front oil seals and cam belt at the same time. If the replacement box is a fine spline and yours is an early 240 it will have coarse spline so have to be changed anyway. Obviously it will improve mpg a little. Biggest improvement comes from fitting lpg - I'm looking at 7-8p per mile with my GLT.
If you want any more info just ask!
Mike

[jimbolya]

Hey Mike, thats great, thanks for the reply, Overdrive box sounds like the way to go, LPG conversions although worth it, probably wouldn't suit my pocket right now. How much would you say it will cost all in, say if the work came your way? PM me if you would rather it not be quoted on here.

Its one of those things that I would love to learn how to do, but as my daily driver I can't very well use it as a guinea pig, plus, I just don't have the room to work on it.

Just as a matter of interest, do you have to have an injection engine for LPG conversions?

James

[Mike_Brace]

Basically if it will run on petrol it will run on lpg! Early cars like our 240s are cheap and easy to do - we do a basic saloon from £700 (all in) on mixer ring open loop system . Costs go up depending on engine management systems and tanks. The simple ones can be done in just over a day. We also supply diy kits. Have sent pm regarding gearbox.
Mike

[jimbolya]

thanks Mike, you have been really helpful and have given me alot to think about, didn't think LPG conversions were that cheap to be honest, thought they were about £1200 minimum.

thanks.
jimbo

[classicswede]

Old cars without cat etc are cheap to do. You do need to be wary about very cheap kits as they are often not upto standard. Mike realy know his volvo's and can offer a very high quality install at a very low price. It is the best way to make your old volvo ecenomical.