Project: Converting 1.8 into a 1.9D

[gatos]

Also, if it helps anyone else, I am more than happy to offer the same to other regular members here. I can get get bits from Halfords with a discount and send them to you. Nothing added on top of the cost of the parts and the postage

[GaryS40]

Originally Posted by Matt86

Yeah I'm going to give that a go. That grille on the diesel is completely wrecked as well. Although you can't see quite tell from the picture. The bonnet is actually wedged against the release catch so you need someone to pull the bonnet release and lift the bonnet to release it. Then to pull the grill forward to get to the bonnet release switch as it's stuck in the bottom of the grill.

Oh and yes the seat is heated and electric. Nice change to the cold manual one I have now lol

Is that why there is one slat missing on the 1.8, or is that just accidental damage?

My powered seat will be going in very soon. :-)

Gary

[Matt86]

Originally Posted by GaryS40

Is that why there is one slat missing on the 1.8, or is that just accidental damage?

My powered seat will be going in very soon. :-)

Gary

No idea why it was missing, was unfortunately like that when I got it. But I think lucky enough considering how bad some of them are. I think someone used it as a method to lift up the bonnet and it snapped.

[GaryS40]

Originally Posted by gatos

Also, if it helps anyone else, I am more than happy to offer the same to other regular members here. I can get get bits from Halfords with a discount and send them to you. Nothing added on top of the cost of the parts and the postage

Top man, Alex.

I'll keep that in mind, for future tool purchases, thanks.

Gary

[v40alex]

Looks like fun, would love to have the space to do something like this. Good luck with it.

And yes, top man Alex gatos.

[gatos]

Quick question Matt. What is the score with the DVLA? Have you contacted them to see if it is ok to convert it and if yes, what sort of paperwork/tests are needed?

[shaunv40]

im guessing it would need tests at VOSA and they can inform DVLA of the changes?

there is a thread on piston heads but its all a bit wishy washy

[skyship007]

I wonder if the two engines weigh the same, because if the difference is out of the DVLA limits, then getting the vehicle insured and licensed might require a full engineering survey by Volvo.
That could easily cost more than the car is worth, IF it has not already been done in an EU country. If it has been done as a Volvo approved Mod, then the only issue will be any required changes to instrumentation, suspension, brakes, steering and ECU alarms etc.
It might be easy to register it for track use on weekends only, in both insurance and registration terms.

[shaunv40]

i would have thought the ECU would have to be changed anyway.

[Matt86]

Haven't spoken with DVLA yet on it as get fed up queuing on the phone with them all the time!

From what I've worked out though from reading through everything it should just require a VIC test to confirm it's safe and legal for road use which will only cost me about £41.00. The car will be MOT and insured before it goes for it's VIC test anyway as it has to be and once it passes I can get it taxed and will be able to use it on the roads.

There's still a lot of paperwork questions I need to find out about though. The main one being around the VIN and registration details.

Skyship - I'm going to be swapping over all the brakes, Suspension and ECUs etc anyway as part of the work as it makes more sense to keep the electrical parts the same unless they're compatible both ways. The alarm and the central locking systems will remain because I want the keys to stay the same as I can't be bothered to change the locks and the ignition around lol and if it doesn't need doing I won't be doing it! I can't imagine it will need an engineering survey by Volvo by any means...