98 c70 Engine Swap

[phils94850]

Well.. i decided to tackle this myself. I pulled the engine and left the trans in the car. It was TIGHT fit getting it out and im sure the same going in. Has anyone swapped motors this way ? The problem I see is getting the torque converter lined up with the flywheel when putting the motor back in because you have no room to move the engine. Im planning on picking up a low mileage used engine, any suggestions on things I should do before re-install ? There is a oil tube that comes off the turbo and goes straight into the back of the engine block and i think there is a o-ring that's suppose to go on the tube and ive lost it, is there anyplace that sells this o-ring ?

[erikv11]

... any suggestions on things I should do before re-install ? ...

Rear main seal for sure, don't even think about not doing it.
All timing parts.
All vacuum lines.
Front and rear cam seals if the engine has been sitting a long time.
All coolant hoses on the turbo.
Turbo oil return line o-ring (you mentioned this in your post).
Drop the oil pan and change all the pickup tube o-rings, totally worth it.
I like to do the lower radiator hose on the swap, it is much easier with the engine bay apart.

[phils94850]

thanks erik... where can i find the turbo return o-ring ?

One more question... this C70 had/has the lower pressure turbo engine. When I go looking for a replacement motor can i put a regular 850 turbo engine in it or do I have to find the exact same low pressure turbo motor ?

[erikv11]

Volvo part number on the o-ring is 30637866. I'd get the Volvo one. eEuro has it, FCP, etc. The other end of that pipe has a paper gasket part # 3514546.

Any turbo engine will do just fine, 95-98 will be the easiest. I would just match up the turbo and ECU with whatever engine you put in:

- HPT engine and turbo (i.e. a 16t or a 15g, either is fine) then you will want to also get an HPT ECU.
- LPT engine and 13g then you can use the same ECU, or bolt on a bigger turbo and get an HPT ECU.

[phils94850]

thanks Erik....My engine is a B5234T3 by the stamping on the block...

[erikv11]

That's a 2.3 with variable valve timing, I thought those were HPT ... are you sure it has the small (13g or 13t) turbo? Look at the little metal plate on the turbo, what does it say on it? Plus I think I see white injectors up there in your pic, those were on HPTs (LPTs have red ones).

Honestly your best bet is probably a 2.4 and put on your larger turbo (confirm that turbo size!) but if this car is a late 98 HPT then it likley also has ME7, you would have to swap ECUs to go with a 2.4.

[phils94850]

variable valve timing means it would have the plunger assy in the top of the head ? mine didn't have that, it was a typical 2.3 turbo head. the turbo plate shows - TD04HL 16T. and yes it has white injectors.

[j-dawg]

i think only the later B5234T3s got VVT, after the very early '99 cars. a '98 shouldn't have it.

[erikv11]

OK thanks j-dawg.

You should be all set: get either another 2.3 HPT like the one you pulled, or get a 2.4 LPT, then put it all back together with your turbo, injectors and ECU. Pull from an 850 or a 98 S/V/C70.

[phils94850]

cool.. ive been trying to find one around here... its tough.