Volvo 440 T5

[jlgrosvenor]

Just an idea, but does anyone know how easy it would be to plonk a T5 engine/gearbox/wheels etc/wiring/ecu/running gear in to the 440 front end?
When I say 'easy' I mean would it fit without extensive modification/rewelding etc?

There is a lot of room up there, and if it physically fits, this would be a superb mod. I am sure a T5 engine can be had from a rear-ended 850 or similar (buy the whole damaged car, not just the bits) for only a few hundred pounds - after all, the T5's are now selling in drivable condition for sub£1000 and are made around the same time as the 440's so it is not impossible that they may share similar layouts?

Obviously brakes would come from the T5, but might need some uprated aftermarket suspension.
This would be a superb circa 300bhp sleeper car. Frighten a few GTI and type-R drivers on the road. They would need to pull over for a cry.

[Clan]

I think you will find it too long and tall ! the standard engine only just fits between the chassis rails . And with even a standard 90 bhp B18 U engine scrabbling for traction it would be a dangerous or ineffective modification ...

[jlgrosvenor]

True!

Even the weedy B18U fails to launch the 440, delivering anything but impressive start times. In the wet, you can be very surprised on busy roundabouts when you drop the clutch and find you are barely moving forwards even though you RPM appears to be quickly approaching 5000. Shift in to 2nd, and the situation doesn't improve, desipte the 35mph reading on the dash. This is swiftly followed by the impatient and angry beeping from whoever you have 'pulled out in front of'.

Been there, done that.


I don't think it necessarily is any more dangerous, because at a potential 110+ mph with the standard engine I would not fancy an accident. I don't think you chances of surviving are deminished by much by being ABLE to travel at 155mph. I can't remember the last time I took the volvo any where near an indicated 80-90mph. As much as I love getting to speed quickly, I have little desire to drive at rediculous (read: illegal) speeds.

[jlgrosvenor]

What about the 1.9 T4 engine?
200bhp as standard.


Any similarities in size to the 440 fitments?

[Dickymint]

What sort of nutcase wants that much power in a 440? I had a turbo and that went well, get the tyres correct and it will go, you also need to make sure they are big enough, but the rest of the chassis is not really up to that much power, not even a T4. I think it would rip it to bits!
Its not impossible, but you would need to modify the lower front arms by changing to rose joints, then fit much heavier rubbers to everything else, lower it and fit 18" alloys at least 7" wide. Bilstein or such dampers and stiffer springs, then it might try harder.

RF

[jlgrosvenor]

I have to wonder if the 'main' problem with the 440 power transfer is the fact that the suspension has obviously been replaced with marshmallows as a cost saving exercise at the design stage.

I have an Alfa 145 also, and this is significantly stiffer on body roll. The Volvo lurches all over the place on standard set up (both back to front and side to side). I can't help but think that on a better damping/spring set up that the car would set off immeasurable better - lets face it, it can't get much worse

I am not struck on the idea of massive alloys either, as the whole idea of this mod is too keep the car looking sh!t but to have it moving like a rocket. Having lurvly big alloys on would give the game away some what, but if modifying T4 running gear (including hubs etc) you could just use some scuffed 16's or 17's from a S or V40. I think the easiest thing to do will be to learn to weld properly on a night course, and just cut the engine mountings etc from a T4 and replace the stuff on the 440.




I am obviously just dreaming BTW. This is never going to happen unless I win the lottery (6 matching numbers and no bonus ball I might add)

[Volvo Dave]

I can't help but think that on a better damping/spring set up that the car would set off immeasurable better - lets face it, it can't get much worse

When I bought my 460 it had a tow bar fitted. Consquently the rear suspension was all over the place and getting the power down at rounderbouts was a bit of a nightmare! Last year before it's MOT I took the plunge and fitted it with a billstin suspension kit. The transformation was unreal. I now had a car that went round corners like it was on rails and getting the power down when pulling away was a lot better. I got my kit from parts for volvo on line for not a lot of cash.

[niloc]

Volvo Dave - these ones?

Clicky piccy...

[Volvo Dave]

Yes except my shocks are black and the springs are red! Well worth the money though.

[doomvolvo]

The T4 mod has been done and worked well with suspension upgrades apparently. But the problem is not power or cornering with the engine swaps in the 440 cars but cooling. The guys who did the T4 conversion had so much trouble keeping the temp down.
At the end of the day no engine conversion is impossible with lots of money, skill and time (I recently saw a LS1 v8 in an escort van converted to RWD) But most engine swaps are going to require just that, Money, Skill and time. If I win alot of money or my buisness actually starts going somewhere I'd give it a go. I suppose it could be my own little everest. Whats the point in a T5 engine in a 440. There wouldnt be one but I'd be pretty happy. Hell if it wont fit in the front you could always try squeezing it in the boot. Then you'll have handling issues
If its a street sleeper your after try this combo; Volvo 360, 740 turbo engine, LSD from the wentworth. Crank up the boost and away you go. Again its not such an easy swap but the engine mounts at least fairly mount up. Theres a few 360's in sweden running the 16v turbo engines from certain 700's or 900's running huge power for dragging, racing and drifting.
Just a thought of course