petrol conversions for Volvo 360GLS

Hi, I've just acquired a volvo 360 GLS 2 litre 1984. I am considering converting to allow to use unleaded petrol (using LRP at the moment but not many garages in Plymouth have it), any ideas on quotes/prices, processes, what is best way of doing it etc. can I get away without modification do I have to explain to insurance company and any advice on good insurers of these cars? expericne and advice gratefully recived

i am driving 1983 360 gls since 1994 using only unleaded fuel. no modifications about that. about 75 000 miles since i bought the car. the car is from UK (Isle of Wight), i had to rebuild the steering, dashboard and other thing to use it...

[foggyjames]

I would consult a specialist. I can't help you in Plymouth, but if you fancy a trip up the A38 I can recommend a couple of independant Volvo specialists in Torbay. Try calling MTM/Cumbers in Brixham, or Croft Road Garage in Torquay, they will be able to advise you. I can supply numbers if required.

Mgarageu suggests it might be ok, but its best to check. Your enemies are lower octane rating (causing pinging) and the lack of lead wearing valve seats. My later 360 (with the B200K engine) had a 'fuel saver' fitted, which fits inline with the fuel line, and that's all it needed (even that was just a safety measure, as this car was designed to run on unleaded from the factory).

You don't need to inform your insurers. Which company - that depends on your age as much as anything. I'm with Endsleigh, but then I'm 20 and a student...

cheers

James

[pettaw]

The early 360s can use unleaded but it must be the high octane Super Unleaded, which is probably just as difficult to obtain as the LRP.

If you want to convert it then you have to put two head gaskets on the cylinder head and get a slightly longer water pump seal as the head will be further away from the pump, but this isn't recommended as in theory it can degrade performance.

Some people take the chance and try on normal unleaded, if it doesn't pink, then you're in luck. Personally I'm not brave enough, although I have put normal unleaded in the tank once when I was desperate for fuel and it didn't seem to make any difference.

Hope that helps

Andy

[foggyjames]

The other trick is to advance the timing by a few degrees. I'd say 98 octane fuel (super unleaded) is pretty easy to find - just use optimax / BP ultimate!

cheers

James

[pettaw]

Except that the timing is non-adjustable AFAIK and controlled by the Renix thing.

Andy

[foggyjames]

If its a GLS, it must have a B19A, which doesn't have Renix. The trick with the renix unit is to move the sensor :)

cheers

James

lower octane rating, less advance needed. so they say in theory
books...
since 85 every 360 has renix ignition system...