Were can i find blueprint?
Hi!
Im a new come in the bike world, but have built many cars. Now im going to try build a trike based on volvo b23 engine center placed. I know it will not be easy to build but im will try. Is there any one who could help me to find blueprints for the frame?
Volvos, Saabs, and trikes
Hello Niklas,
You have asked about two vehicles that I know well, Volvos and trikes. I love my Volvos, I have four and a guest PV544 that I am working on for a friend. I also have a VW trike that has carried me several thousand miles without problems. So, when I saw your post I had to comment.
I cannot provide blueprints. If any blueprints have been drawn, you will probably find them in Sweden. Ten or more years ago there were a few pictures of a beautiful B18 build. It was a very clean build and it just looked "right". I don't know if that translates well. It was beautiful to a mechanically inclined eye. I tried to find it again just now to give you a link but could not find it.
However, I did find another Volvo powered trike. It is a redblock OHC, probably a B19, maybe a B200? The single SU manifold was not sold in the USA so I don't really know what engines it came on. He has mounted it upright, like a push rod engine. Notice the triangulated engine cradle this young man built:
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fznJKe80_A[/url]
He used tubes to make the grille/radiator with no fan at all. That might work in Sweden. I can promise you that it would not last one summer day in Texas. ;-)
He has a website that features his V8 trike build. He also has a section devoted to his first build with the red block. I am not certain what he means by, "The bike was just about movable...". Perhaps he had handling problems with the bike? Probably so, that rear axle is solidly mounted.
[URL="http://neverlessdesign.com/projectrhisonda.htmlFollow"]http://neverlessdesign.com/projectrhisonda.html[/URL]
Follow the "journal" link from that page to the build sequence. He has pencil drawings and lots of photos. You might want to contact him to see if he can offer any advice. My advice? Add real suspension at both ends, a real radiator, and get that muffler out of the breeze.
Push rod or OHC engine?
The B18 engines are plentiful and cheap. The B4, B14, and B16 engines are for collectors and everyone else wants the B20 for the extra power. So B18 engines end up as garage decoration. Hell, I have two of them in storage myself. You are bound to find one free or nearly free in Sweden. New timing gears, rings, inserts and valve guides will allow any Volvo push rod engine to run another 100K miles worry free. Well, the cams do go flat after about 200K miles but what is boy to do? :-)
If you start with a slant engine you will have to mount it upright so you have somewhere to put your feet without burning your leg. That requires modifying the oil pan and pick up tube.
The OHC red blocks are much more plentiful than the push rod engines now. They did not end production on those until the 90's. No push rod engine has been produced since 1975.
If newer technology and more power are your goals, the B23 is the choice. If simplicity is the goal, the B18/M40 package is the ticket.
One more thing. Have you considered the Ford V4 engine that Saab used in the late 60's? I don't know how numerous they are in Sweden but there are bound to be more there than here. That is a very compact engine making about 65HP in stock trim. A complete Saab running gear would make a lightweight reverse trike. Just thinking out loud...