Replacing an old Volvo 4 cly. with a GM 3.0L?

[CIVPAC6]

I am considering whether to rebuild an older Volvo 4 cylinder, or replace it with a (hopefully cheaper to maintain) GM 3.0L, or other engine. The existing is a 1978 AQ140A with a 280 drive. The power and weight is about right for the application, and the old boat is probably worth the work and money (at least to me). Does this swap seem reasonable? Other ideas?

 

[Don S]

Re: Replacing an old Volvo 4 cly. with a GM 3.0L?

The 3.0L engine was never used with that style Volvo outdrive. Therefore, there are no exhaust pipes that hook to the transom shield, or flywheel covers, flexplates etc to adapt them. It may be possible to use a flywheel cover from a V8 or V6, but that still leaves a lot of things to fit up.

 

[CIVPAC6]

Re: Replacing an old Volvo 4 cly. with a GM 3.0L?

Thanks. So the GM is not such a good match. Can you point me at where to find the model number for the Volvo drives that used to GM 4 cylinder? Changing the motor and drive is more that I was wanting to do, but I assume its possible.
Or, should I just deal with the AQ140?

 

[captmello]

Re: Replacing an old Volvo 4 cly. with a GM 3.0L?

Volvo didn't start using the 3.0 until the mid 90's, so it would have been matched with an SX drive. The SX drives have a smaller cutout in the transom than your older model so you would have to rebuild your transom as well.

The most practical thing to do is use what you have.

 

[CIVPAC6]

Re: Replacing an old Volvo 4 cly. with a GM 3.0L?

Thanks to both of you for sharing your knowledge. The titanic size of the project is clear to me now!