Some very positive developments on the Hooligan project!
For those who know me, they will tell you that I have been rambling on about this hot rod Volvo build for way too long. Several (self inflicted) projects has gotten in between and pushed this build in to the future.
With dual overhead cams, variable cam timing and flow-through design, this engine certainly uses more real estate than the old B18 engine.
For those who don’t know me, the Hooligan build is 1967 Volvo 1800S that will have a 250hp Toyota BEAMS (3S-GE) engine connected to super smooth Aisin six speed transmission.
The plan is for a stand alone harness using a Link tunable ECU and ITB (Individual Throttle Bodies). If you want to know what this engine sounds like with ITB, feel free to click HERE and turn up the volume!
I will not start the work on this project as I must finish the black 1963 P1800S. However, this does not stop me from doing research, planning and dreaming…and OK…a little testing!
Some of the “must have items” on the Hooligan car is rack & pinion steering, big brakes and adjustable coilover shocks so a complete aftermarket suspension would be the best solution.
However, most aftermarket front suspension are based on the Mustang II front end and they are usually too wide. Also, the Toyota BEAMS engine have the oil sump in the front and the Mustang II suspension have the rack & pinion in the front so it will interfere with the sump…no bueno.
Enter the Heidt Superide suspension: a complete, weld in suspension with the rack & pinion in the REAR of the crossmember. Located in Illinois, Heidt have been building custom suspensions for over thirty years.
This suspension will allow for big vented brake rotors designed to stop a 4,000 lbs Crown Victoria. On top of that, it will accommodate powerful Wilwood four pot pinchers and adjustable QA1 coilover shocks! Good stuff!
Now, our narrow Volvos are only 53.5 inches flange to flange. By “flange”, I mean the surface on the brake rotors where it meets the wheel. I see several Volvo builds where the builder have installed a modern suspension, only to have to install huge elephant ears…ahem…fender flairs to cover up the wide axle.
After a conversation with the technical staff at Heidt, I learned that they can use shortened a-arms and this will make this suspension 55 inches flange to flange.
So, is 55 inches narrow enough for the Volvo or will it push out the wheels too far? There is nothing like real worlds testing so let find out.
The Hooligan car body still have the old stock Volvo suspension so it can be mobile. I replaced three of the stock wheel studs with longer studs on the old rotors. Again, this is just for testing, all this will be replaced with the new suspension.
Now I can add spacers until I get 55 inches to duplicate the aftermarket suspension. Let’s install some wheels and check clearance.
Well, look at that. Looks great and they clear the fender edge just fine. These Volvo wheels are stock Volvo centers but with Mopar 15X6 rims, with 205/65-15 tires installed. They are not necessary the wheels I will use in the end but they are good for reference.
Today was a good day. Now back to the black P1800S!
By Rolf Åström