Hi,
Welcome to my project. I am creating a high-performance sporting 164, which I have called the 164RS.
The project has been on Volvo forums, I finally got around to joining Retro Rides as well, so here is a catch up.
20 years ago, when I was a student, I had two 164s. I enjoyed them both but then I did not have the funds or expertise to modify them as I would have liked to. Now I think I can, so I've returned to the 164 to build the car I really wanted. Several areas of this project will be new challenges for me, so I'll often be seeking advice!
As a base, I wanted a good condition, manual, small bumper 164E. In April 2007, I bought the best one I could find for sale. It was in Germany (bought via an internet ad). I flew out and drive it 800 miles home.
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/RSCN1090.jpg)
For 12 months I have used the car quite a lot and did some running upgrades:
Suspension upgrade (part completed)
Wide wheels
M410 overdrive gearbox
Volvo sport instrument set
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/P9300029.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/164sportdash.jpg)
In May 08 I took the car off the road to start the major work:
Right-hand-drive conversion
Bodywork restoration & respray
Engine rebuild
Supercharger & intercooler installation
Engine rebuild (& modifications/upgrades to suit supercharging)
Mappable engine management (ignition & fuel)
Gearbox and overdrive rebuild
Rear axle rebuild, probably with LSD
Full suspension upgrade
Partial re-trim, including fitting sports seats
Rather than taking the whole car to pieces at once, I have planned the project in phases. Between the phases, the car can be put back on the road if I want a break or need to get remotivated.
Here's the first installment of photos:
Engine block on the stand, not dismantled yet
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture027.jpg)
Head, not dismantled yet. More engine updates later
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture028.jpg)
Bodywork:
RH inner wing, virtually no rust
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture005-1.jpg)
RH chassis rail, small repairs in progress on both sides
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture004.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture010.jpg)
Underneath RH chassis rail, awaiting repair
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture009.jpg)
RH inner wing, battery tray removed (the battery will be moved to the boot to help weight distribution)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture006.jpg)
LH inner wing had one rust patch, repair in progress
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture008.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture007.jpg)
Front chassis cross-member had some rust on the right-hand-side...
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture012.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture011.jpg)
... this was repaired and strengthened over original design (seam welded and corner piece added) to give extra torsional rigidity to cope with uprated suspension and grippy tyres
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture017.jpg)
Matching strengther added on the left side also (this side was not rusty)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture018.jpg)
For the same purpose, the left and right chassis rail supports have been strengthened with extra welds
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture016.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture015.jpg)
RH front floor, rusty! Not repaired yet
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture019.jpg)
LH front floor, zero rust
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture020.jpg)
That's as far as I've got on bodywork.
Onto the right-hand-drive conversion. This is proving harder then I expected. The RHD 1973 144 I got my parts from had an ambidextrous bulkhead with removable panels on both sides. However, my 164 of the same year has a non-symmetrical bulkhead with a removable panel only on the left side. So quite a bit of manufacturing was required...
Removing dashboard
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture013.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture014.jpg)
First trial fit of RHD steering box and column
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture021.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture022.jpg)
Trial fitting of RHD 140 pedal box
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture023.jpg)
Trial fit of servo and brake cross-bar
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture024.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture025.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture030.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture026.jpg)
Beginning to make the servo mounting bracket...
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture029.jpg)
... and the support bracket inside the car
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture031.jpg)
Bodywork:
Chassis rail repairs in progress
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508003.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508004.jpg)
Chassis rails finished (to be painted later)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508007.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508008.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508009.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508010.jpg)
RHD conversion:
Test fitting pedals. (LHD 164 throttle is being modified for use on the right)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508002.jpg)
Priming the various RHD brackets
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508001.jpg)
Reassembling the heater after checking the matrix
Starting the wiring for RHD
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508012.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508011.jpg)
...here's a shot of some helpers at the garage. Can't get the staff!!
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508005.jpg)
Seeking some opinions please folks.
I'm in two minds about whether or not to fit a front spoiler to the 164RS. It would be something subtle and period, quite possibly the same spoiler I fitted to my last project, the Scimitar V8 (see below, this is a modified Dolomite Sprint spoiler).
On looks alone, I think I would go without the spoiler, but I'm keen to reduce lift. There will be blasts across Germany from time to time once the RS is finished and above 110-120mph the 164 front-end gets a bit "floaty"
So, do you think someting like this would look OK on a lowered 164?
Thanks
John
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Other%20cars/ScimitarSept05014.jpg)
Welcome to my project. I am creating a high-performance sporting 164, which I have called the 164RS.
The project has been on Volvo forums, I finally got around to joining Retro Rides as well, so here is a catch up.
20 years ago, when I was a student, I had two 164s. I enjoyed them both but then I did not have the funds or expertise to modify them as I would have liked to. Now I think I can, so I've returned to the 164 to build the car I really wanted. Several areas of this project will be new challenges for me, so I'll often be seeking advice!
As a base, I wanted a good condition, manual, small bumper 164E. In April 2007, I bought the best one I could find for sale. It was in Germany (bought via an internet ad). I flew out and drive it 800 miles home.
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/RSCN1090.jpg)
For 12 months I have used the car quite a lot and did some running upgrades:
Suspension upgrade (part completed)
Wide wheels
M410 overdrive gearbox
Volvo sport instrument set
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/P9300029.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/164sportdash.jpg)
In May 08 I took the car off the road to start the major work:
Right-hand-drive conversion
Bodywork restoration & respray
Engine rebuild
Supercharger & intercooler installation
Engine rebuild (& modifications/upgrades to suit supercharging)
Mappable engine management (ignition & fuel)
Gearbox and overdrive rebuild
Rear axle rebuild, probably with LSD
Full suspension upgrade
Partial re-trim, including fitting sports seats
Rather than taking the whole car to pieces at once, I have planned the project in phases. Between the phases, the car can be put back on the road if I want a break or need to get remotivated.
Here's the first installment of photos:
Engine block on the stand, not dismantled yet
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture027.jpg)
Head, not dismantled yet. More engine updates later
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture028.jpg)
Bodywork:
RH inner wing, virtually no rust
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture005-1.jpg)
RH chassis rail, small repairs in progress on both sides
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture004.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture010.jpg)
Underneath RH chassis rail, awaiting repair
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture009.jpg)
RH inner wing, battery tray removed (the battery will be moved to the boot to help weight distribution)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture006.jpg)
LH inner wing had one rust patch, repair in progress
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture008.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture007.jpg)
Front chassis cross-member had some rust on the right-hand-side...
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture012.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture011.jpg)
... this was repaired and strengthened over original design (seam welded and corner piece added) to give extra torsional rigidity to cope with uprated suspension and grippy tyres
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture017.jpg)
Matching strengther added on the left side also (this side was not rusty)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture018.jpg)
For the same purpose, the left and right chassis rail supports have been strengthened with extra welds
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture016.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture015.jpg)
RH front floor, rusty! Not repaired yet
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture019.jpg)
LH front floor, zero rust
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture020.jpg)
That's as far as I've got on bodywork.
Onto the right-hand-drive conversion. This is proving harder then I expected. The RHD 1973 144 I got my parts from had an ambidextrous bulkhead with removable panels on both sides. However, my 164 of the same year has a non-symmetrical bulkhead with a removable panel only on the left side. So quite a bit of manufacturing was required...
Removing dashboard
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture013.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture014.jpg)
First trial fit of RHD steering box and column
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture021.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture022.jpg)
Trial fitting of RHD 140 pedal box
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture023.jpg)
Trial fit of servo and brake cross-bar
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture024.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture025.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture030.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture026.jpg)
Beginning to make the servo mounting bracket...
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture029.jpg)
... and the support bracket inside the car
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Picture031.jpg)
Bodywork:
Chassis rail repairs in progress
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508003.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508004.jpg)
Chassis rails finished (to be painted later)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508007.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508008.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508009.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508010.jpg)
RHD conversion:
Test fitting pedals. (LHD 164 throttle is being modified for use on the right)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508002.jpg)
Priming the various RHD brackets
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508001.jpg)
Reassembling the heater after checking the matrix
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508006.jpg)
Starting the wiring for RHD
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508012.jpg)
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508011.jpg)
...here's a shot of some helpers at the garage. Can't get the staff!!
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/30508005.jpg)
Seeking some opinions please folks.
I'm in two minds about whether or not to fit a front spoiler to the 164RS. It would be something subtle and period, quite possibly the same spoiler I fitted to my last project, the Scimitar V8 (see below, this is a modified Dolomite Sprint spoiler).
On looks alone, I think I would go without the spoiler, but I'm keen to reduce lift. There will be blasts across Germany from time to time once the RS is finished and above 110-120mph the 164 front-end gets a bit "floaty"
So, do you think someting like this would look OK on a lowered 164?
Thanks
John
![](http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/john164RS/Other%20cars/ScimitarSept05014.jpg)