Recent Developments
Closed for the 4th of July Weekend 2010-06-30
We will be closed Thursday thru Monday for the 4th of July weekend - wife's orders. Back on Tuesday. Have a great Holliday!
go to topMikuni Discount Offer 2010-06-28
We have a standing offer of 10% off the purchase price or free installation of any of our Mikuni Kits where we do not already have a documented installation of the kit on a particular car model.
This offer includes extra technical assistance ( including extra jets, fabrication of brackets, thorttle linkage, and air filter adapters if necessary, etc. ) where we do not already have installation and tuning documentation of the installation for that kit on that model. This offer is in exchange for photos and feedback from the purchaser that can be used on our website. Where the car is near us, we will do the installation free in our shop. Installations that we would like to do this year include: 4 carb kits on the TR3/4. 3 and 6 carb kits on the TR6. Installation of any of the kits on Datsun roadsters and Z cars, Jags, Austin Healeys and MGC, TVR, etc.
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New Programable 123 Distributor 2010-06-10
Our newest product is an innovation - a programable distributor for vintage cars - $445 as an introductory offer.
123ignition did it again ! If you want to tune your engine, or you have an engine for which there is no standard distributor available.....the new 123\TUNE is the answer ! By connecting it to a computer, the end-user can easily adapt the 123\TUNE to fulfill even the most demanding requirements. The unit offers two sets of curves that can be selected by placing 12 Volt on a wire from the 123\TUNE.
Here are all the features offered :
- rotation CW and CCW ( autodetect )
- for 6 Volt and/or 12 Volt cars ( autodetect )
- for positive and negative earthed cars
( 123\TUNE-8 is for neg.earth ONLY )
- two centrifugal advance curves
( 500 to 8000 rpm )
- two vacuum-advance and boost-retard curves
( 0 to 200 kPa or -30 inHg to +15 psi )
- two MAP-start fields
- two rev.limiters ( advanced random spark stealing )
- real-time tuning under keyboard-control ( ideal for working on a rolling road )
- rpm-stopwatch ( ideal for tuning using the road itself as a rolling road )
- luxurious import-from-file and export-to-file ( curves can easily be exchanged over the internet )
- electronic "dashboard" with :
temperature gauge ( selectable in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit )
manifold pressure ( selectable in Bar or inches Hg / Psi )
rev. counter ( 0 to 8000 rpm crankshaft )
spark-energy gauge ( primary coil current )
total-advance gauge ( in degrees crankshaft )
- available in 4- , 6- and 8- cylinder models with various sizes and shapes.
Computer Issues Resolved - We Hope 2010-05-14
Got the email program going again, on another computer. What started as a corrupted email program ended up with having to switch to a new computer system - new enough that none of the old programs worked with it - 32 bit vs 64 bit etc. So after a week of recovering data, transferring it over, downloading new drivers and programs, ( and trying to stay off the phone so I could get it done ) it looks like we have everything up and running again ( though the wordprocesses program shut down shut down this morning losing data again ) and are in the process of catching up on emails, orders, and shipping. Let me know next week - 5/17 if I missed getting back in touch with you.
go to topOur email program has crashed again 2010-04-30
Cannot currently recieve emails at our normal email address. We should have this corrected by Monday.
go to topFinally Back from Cal. 4/15 2010-04-16
Got back late Thursday night from the California trip. Well over 6,000 miles and no problems with the racecar, trailer or the tow car. Photos and story will be posted soon. Now working on catching up. The plan to relay email to me on the road and get some work done while I was away failed when the computer here went down after a thunder storm. Luckily not anything major, but we didn't get it back up until I got back.
The above photo was taken by Terry Smith, more photos taken by him and others will be posted in the Gallery section and as part of an aritcle on the trip. I will be doing both in sections as they are completed and the photos from various photographers become available, so you may have to check back several times over the next few weeks to see all of the photos and the full trip story.
go to topRace Trip Update - Volvo Challenge 2010-04-12
My son Brad and I left NY very early Thursday morning and did a very quick straight through tow arriving at Infineon Raceway( Sears Point, CA ) late on Friday. Gary Jebsen and I were the only East Coast drivers who made it ( at least with their racecars). There was no representation from the Midwest. The CSRG vintage race weekend had two featured Marques with their own race groups - Alpha and Volvo.
After arriving we got some sleep and had a good day of practice and qualifying on Saturday. The weather turned wet ( very, very wet ) on Sunday. After warmups ( an inappropriate term considering the cold rain ) the regular schedule was changed and compressed into two races. The Volvos and Alphas were combined into one group and all of the other cars into another. It was difficult racing with large standing puddles, water and dirt running down the hills and across the track, and very little visability. Volvos took the first 3 places against a much larger Alpha contingent. Cars with soft suspensions were generally faster than those with full race suspensions. Visability was a key element, and some cars went off the track just because they could not see where it was. After several accidents and off course excersions, the race was ended unber full course yellow. I was lucky to get third place - first 1800 and first of the cars with a full race setup - thanks to using borrowed windshield wipers from a spectators car and an old set of and rain tires from Gary Jebsen.
More on the race, including photos, when I get back next week.
JP
go to topGone for a Few Days 2010-04-08
We will be closed for a few days - 4/8 through 4/14 in order to make a race commitment - the all Volvo race at Sears Point - Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Cal. Assuming that we make it in time we will be joining a group of approx. 25 old Volvo racers for a fun time. It should be an interesting report when we get back. If you have a project or shipment pending, please be patient, we will get it out as soon as we get back.
go to topAnother Old Racecar Returns to the Track 2010-04-03
Steve Syson has not raced his 122 since the early 70s. For most of that time he did not even own it. He recently located it, bought it, and rescued it from a field in Arkansas. He reports as follows:
My car is rapidly approaching completion...
After a couple of decades under a tree in Arkansas, the bodywork was trashed and the whole suspension needed new Heim joins and bushings...
As well as slightly nicer wheels and tires....
Since it hadn't raced since 1975, not much worked....
The wiring and aeroquip lines were shot and the rear end had no gears....
The hydraulic clutch, brake calipers and brake lines were all corroded....
See attached photo for its as-received condition....
Absolute Engineering in Goleta has restored it....
They had no problems with a Volvo, since they specialize in tanks....
All the wiring and most of the plumbing is back in order....
It should be primed today and painted on Monday....
The engine from Vintage Performance is due to arrive on Tuesday. We hope to be at the all Volvo race at Sears Point Infineon Racectrack on Friday.
Stay tuned....
Steve
And with any luck I will be out there too.
JP
And this just in from Rick Hayden:
I co-owned this car in the late 'seventies in North Dakota, buying it from the fellow Steve sold it to, thinking to replace my ex-Rich Schnabel (IMSA/SCCA) 122. I decided to keep mine (Still have it as a roller BTW-brought us the 1988 Cal Club/SCCA GT-3 Reg'l C'ship) and part Steve's out. That Steve was able to gather it all back is nothing short of a miracle, as when it left my hands it was barely more than a tub with wheels.I understand Steve and this beast of his have a couple of SCCA runoffs under his belt; no small feat for a 122, even in Michael Schumacher's hands!Can't kill an old racing Volvo!
Spring and Summer Hours 2010-04-02
Starting in April we will be closed on Fridays. This does not mean that we will not be working, but with spring and the race season here we have to spend more time out of the office, in the shop finishing projects, and doing track testing and racing. Not answering emails and telephone calls on Friday will give us more time to work on your projects as little gets done when stopping to answer the phone every few minutes. As usual, please send an email if possible and if you call leave a message on our office line - 315 478 1229.This will usually mean that calls and emails will be returned the following Monday/Tuesday.
go to topMikuni 42 mm Carbs are Now Back in Stock 2010-03-05
Now available in limited numbers, we will be getting more each week.
go to topAdditions to the Mikuni Carb Section 2010-02-20
Added to the Mikuni carb section are Datsun 510 & 1600 installations, polished carbs, reduced prices on the Quad carb kits, and additions to the tuning instructions in the "Articles" section.
go to topBack from a longer weekend then expected. 2010-02-20
Last week's trip took longer than expected, but finally back with 4 more engines on the trailer. There appears to have been problems with telephone messages left while we were gone, so if you tried to call and/or left a message last week, please call again or email.
go to topClosed for a Long Weekend 2010-02-14
We will be closed Feb 12 - 15th including a trip to pick up more engines to use as cores for our performance engines. We will be back late Tuesday.
go to topEngine Prices have been Updated for 2010 2010-02-04
See the engine section for details on price changes, including reductions for 2010.
go to topThe Push to Get Engines Done by Spring 2010-01-27
As part of the annual rush to get engines ready for spring, I picked up 8 more B20 cores on a 700 mile trip to Long Island on the 14th through 16th. Together with 6 we already had, that made 14 engines to take apart. Those are now apart, cleaned and are being sonic tested so that we can select the blocks to be used for our various engines based on cylinder wall thickness. The next step on the blocks will be align honing the mains. The cranks are being magnafluxed, checked for straightness, and being balanced. The rods are being reconditioned and ARP rod bolts installed. And I have quite a few heads to do.
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Engine Developments for 2010 2010-01-10
1) lower cost cranks and rods; 2) new cams; 3) mushroom lifters; 4) roller rockers; 5) new head configurations. These are just examples of new developments for 2010. Stay tuned for additional details.
In order to meet the need for parts, now that traditional sources are out of stock on pistons and other key engine rebuild parts, we will be stocking all of the parts needed to rebuild a B20 which we can sell individually or as a kit.
There will be price reductions on our stroker engines, both the 2.3 L and the 2.5 L , as volume purchasing of custom parts has allowed us to reduce our costs and these reductions will be passed on to our customers.
We are building several motors for rally and Carrera Panamericana use by our customers, and have used the opportunity to do some testing and development work which will have a positive impact on our pure street engines as well.
It should be an exciting year for engine development.
go to topHappy New Year!!!!!! 2009-12-22
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Best wishes to all of our customers and hoping you have a happy new year! Changes and updates to the website done during our "off week" will be posted during the first week of January. Included will be dyno charts and more racing photos. January and February will be spent building engines and porting heads so that we can get your projects finished by Spring.
John Parker
go to topCongratulations to Richard Bailey for his class win in the Carrera Panamericana 2009-11-26
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Richard finished 1st in "Historic A" in his 122 which featured a number of our products. Photos of his and other Volvos in the race have been posted in the Galleries section, with more to come.
go to topLimted Time Sale on Engine Parts and Component Kits 2009-11-26
Contact us to see if any of these specials are still available.
Reduced prices on the 2.3 L B20 engines, the 2.3 L component kit ( $350 off ), and/or individual orders for the rods and pistons in the kit are offered for a limited time. Discounts will depend on the which parts are ordered and the quantity, and will range from 10 - 20%. We are currently putting in orders to our suppliers for the custom rods and pistons we will need to build these engines for 2010, and can pass on our reduced cost based on a larger order. Discounts are also available on the parts for race and rally engines if ordered in the same time period. This offer is limited to those orders placed from Nov. 25th through Dec.15th 2009. Please email for details or to place your order.
December Hours 2009-11-04
We will also be closed from Dec. 22nd thru Jan 3rd.
go to topRace Head Improvements 2009-10-23
We are constantly improving our products - with some of the strongest efforts directed at our race products. This year our Volvo B20 head development and testing program produced big dividends - modifications that produced significant increases in power, verified on the dyno & on the track. These head flow improvements were applied to two of our older race heads with great results - dyno tested power increases of from 20 to 30 HP, without other engine changes. See the dyno chart below. These modifications have now been incorporated into the design of our current generation of B20 race heads. On the track the improvement is quite evident as soon as you open the throttle. The next step will be applying some of the same improvements to our street heads. Look for new versions of the Type III and the new Type IV heads in 2010.
The dyno chart below shows a comparison of power and torque at the wheels using the same race head before and after modifications. The solid lines are after modifications, the broken lines are before modifications. Red is torque, blue is HP.
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B20 Pistons now in stock. 2009-10-09
Stock type Volvo B20 pistons no longer available through the usual US sources are now in stock. We have located and imported several sets in popular oversizes. They should be available here by the 3rd week of October. If there is sufficient demand we will keep several sets in stock. Contact us by email for details.
go to topComputer Problem 2009-09-23
The computer problem that wiped out emails received before 9/23/09 has been mostly fixed, with recovery of the emails but not the indication of which have been answered. So if you are waiting for a response from a recent email, please resend as we may have missed it. .
go to topVintage Performance 1800 returns to the track - new photos included 2009-08-24
Finally back on the track in October - the familiar silver/grey Vintage Performance 1800 has finally finished undergoing a much needed body and paint restoration. After a further delay to take care of teething problems with the mostly new engine, we made it to Watkins Glen Oct 16 - 18 with the Vintage Racing Group. Its kind of a strong hint that the racing season is coming to a close when its snowing when you arrive at the track.
The car may now look "new", but underneath it's the same car we have been racing since 1989. With a couple of track sessions this fall used mainly for testing, we have a full season of racing planned for 2010. Photos of the car's original construction and the recent restoration will be available on this site soon with a few excerpts shown below. The ground work has now been done for a full season of racing next year, with the first events only 4 months away. See you at the track.
The photos below show the car as we found it in 1989, as it was last raced, and undergoing body work in August, 2009. A close look at the "last raced" photos will give some idea of why some of the bodywork was necessary. Over 75 race weekends, including more than 300 track sessions and over 2000 individual laps, takes a toll over the years. There ended up being a lot more that needed fixing then we estimated so it took a little longer than planned.
Below are photos at Watkins Glen this October. After moving up through the pack to 4th place, a broken axle ended our chances of winning. Maybe it was the additional power, or just that we have been racing on that axle since 1990. In any case, it is all part of the process of finding out what still works and what does not, what needs improvement and what does not. Adding power can have a ripple effect, causing problems that were never there before when the stresses were less. So the first races back after making significant changes are always part of the tesing process.
Fall Hours 2009-08-03
The office and shop will continue to be closed on Fridays thru October.This does not mean we are not working, just not in the office. If you have to get hold of me regarding our weekend activities while we are closed, try my cell phone 315 440 6560. As I will usually be in areas with very poor cell service, do not assume that I will get messages right away.
go to topParkhurst's Supercharged Hotrod 1800 ES 2009-07-20
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New photos of this customized 1800 are in the Customer Car Gallery.
New Printable Catalog - Price List Added 2009-07-12
The old pricelist has now turned into a really cool printable parts catalog. Its the "Printable Price List" shown at the bottom of the products listing.
go to topAdding Products - Tell US What You Need 2009-07-09
We are adding more stock type Volvo engine parts to our inventory as they become unavailable in the US from other sources such as IPD and Volvo dealers. Engine bearings, oil pumps, and cast B20 and B21 pistons are currently being added. We will soon have updates posted on pricing. Let us know what parts you would like added to our inventory.
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Looking for Customer Feedback on the New Website 2009-07-07
Tell us what you like about it, what you don't, and what you would like changed. We would like to make it as user friendly as possible and include as much useful information as possible. Thanks to our site designer, Steve Berry, I can now make daily changes to the site, in order to keep it up to date and keep you better informed. Even the old articles, like the "Vintage Volvo Perfomance" series is being updated with new information, new photos, and additional parts that are coming out soon. So expect something new every few days.
go to topNew Gallery of Old Race Photos 2009-07-06
A new section of photos of Volvo racers has been added to the photo galleries. Most of these are old photos and in many the driver, track, year, and photograpgher are unknown. Your help is needed in providing this information. More photos are wanted, so if you have any, please email them to me.
go to topClosed July 3, 4 and 5. 2009-07-02
We will be closed July 3, 4, and 5 for the 4th of July weekend. Back on the 6th. Have a great holiday weekend.
go to top63 P1800 For Sale 2009-06-18
Photos now posted in the Products/Cars section. One of our customers has asked us to sell his P1800 that is currently in our storage garage. He lives outside of the US and has decided that the cost of transporting the car is more than he wants to spend. The car is in decent running condition, although it has not been on the road in several years. It has a new interioror and comparatively new paint though there are areas that need some additional work. The body is basically solid with no obvious rust problems. Not a show car, but could be a fun daily driver in its present condition, while needing some body and paint work in the future to bring out the car's potential. See photos in the Products/Cars section. Email me at jparker3@twcny.rr.com for details. $5200. Sold for $5,000.
go to topMGB Dyno Test Posted 2009-06-17
Finally got a chance to do a dyno test of the 79 MGB with the Dual Mikuni Carb Kit. 95 HP at the wheels! That's as much as Moss Motors gets with their supercharger kit. This car originally had a single Zenith Stromberg carb. The Mikuni carbs were added as part of an engine rebuild so we did not get a chance to do a before and after test . ( Using Moss Motors dyno tests as a comparison the rear wheel HP is almost double the stock engine output. ) Other changes besides the carbs include a "fast road cam" , head porting, and a header. The car is very responsive and really fun to drive. The dyno results show why. As the car was very sensitive to timing changes and had the stock distributor, I would be looking to get another 5 HP or so with a distributor like the "123" where we could get a more accurate high energy spark and could control the timing advance curve.
In the chart below, the blue line is wheel power. Red is wheel torque. Black is power at the crank. All are with STP ( Standard Temperature and Pressure ) correction factors. During the course of 11 runs we gained about 10 HP with changes in jetting and timing. Torque at the wheels peaked at 93 ft lbs at both 3500 and 5000 rpm, but was essentially a flat curve between those peaks. Engine power reached 130 at 6200 rpm, with the "at the wheels" figure being 95. More complete data is available for anyone who is interested.
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Website Updates 2009-06-16
Work on the new website continues, with new items being added on an almost daily basis. The newest are articles on head porting and head identification.
go to topPrice Increases 2009-06-15
While we still have products that have sold at the same price for more than a decade, last week we had to increase the prices on several products in order to pass on cost increases from our suppliers. While we had been able to hold the line on prices for several years, when our re-order cost for some items was higher than our listed selling prices we had to make some changes. Another issue is that several of our normal suppliers are no longer carrying many of the stock parts for the B18/B20 and B21 engines. Although I am sure that we will find other sources, this may mean temporary delays and further price increases for the individual parts and for our engines.
Let's hope that these trends are temporay.
John Parker
go to topEngine Block Water Leak 2009-05-22
After 8 years, an unusual problem in one of our B20 race engines - a pinhole internal water leak from the cylinder water jacket into the lifter gallery. Right now we have no idea what caused it, but are at least happy to have solved the question of why there was water in the oil.
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Looking a lot like a spitting cobra, the photo at left shows the pinhole leak - its the white line in the middle. It took almost 40 lbs. of pressure on the system to make the leak into a spray so that we could see it.
go to topThe New Recent Developments section is under construction 2009-05-19
go to topSupercharged 1800 owners go to Spain 2009-05-01
- Is it just a coincidence that two of our supercharged 1800 owners are going to Spain for the next 2 weeks?
- Including our site administrator Steve Berry just as the new site is going online ?
Use of Mikuni HSR carb kits spreads rapidly 2009-05-01
With over 100 of our Mikuni Carb kits sold, we now have Mikuni Kits in the cars listed below. All owners have been surprised and amazed by the improvements in throttle response, power and fuel economy.
Volvo 544
Volvo 122
Volvo 1800
Volvo 140
Volvo 240
Mini Cooper
MGB
Supercharged MGB
TR4
TR6
Datsun 510
Datsun 1600
Sunbeam Alpine