Hey - I have the chance of a Volvo 66 GL

[penski]

Before I go for it, just a quick query:

What are the 'laccy band' 'boxes good for with regards to torque before they encounter issues?

Does the 340 'box differ from the 66 'box? If so, is it more tolerable of higher torque and power levels? And if it is...Are they easily swappable?

If the answers to the above are 'not much' and 'not at all', would a swap to a 2.0 turbo lump from a Volvo 440 Turbo and the transaxle from a 360 be a better idea? 200bhp in something as small and light as a 66 is a very, very tempting proposition.

If I go for it, it will end up quite a bit lower, on wider wheels, original paint job (lovely patina to it...Nice, dark blue, a bit sun-bleached and a caravan club sticker in the window...

Thanks for any advice you can give. It's very much appreciated.

*n

PS: Forgive the 'laccy band' comment; I know the Variomatic isn't two bobbins and a postman's elastic band.

[martin66]

Hi Penski,

While not technically minded I have had a couple of 66's and I am pretty sure that the transmission cannot cope with a more powerful engine and that you cannot swap 340 bits with 66 bits, except for fluffy dice maybe. I think if such a car was possible, Volvo would have made one and not killed off the CVT. But you may get more information from the guys who are more expert.

Best wishes,

Martin.

[penski]

Thanks for the info...Maybe I'll try a bit of forced induction on the stock lump before going for a transplant...



*n

[toonman]

I rallied a 66 Marathon in the late '70s, early '80s, which kicked out 100/110bhp and caused the standard belts and transmission no problems at all.

Cheers

[Richard DAF Webmeister]

Hey Toonman - good to see you back here again!

Re the belts, yes, the transmission and belts are on the whole very durable. If anything, they were over-engined to ensure max reliability etc. It's a shame that the Press and masses often tried to make jokes of the concept.

Don't forget as well that DAF did a lot of rallying and also had teh Formula 3 racing cars - pics are on the site on the Racing DAFs pages.

[penski]

I was aware of the rallying/F3 history but not of the power levels experienced...Couldn't locate the issue of Retro Cars with the Marathon in it either.

100bhp seems like a reasonable target...

The 1300 engine in the 66GL - what design is it? does it have siamesed inlets?

Bike throttle bodies and an Eaton M45 would be fun

*n