Volvo Le Mans Engine

Samman88

Stumbled across this. Anyone have any more info at all?
I really like compound turbo systems.

Anyone?!
Cheers

jamesinc

This is an R-Sport 16V head. They are beyond rare. I think one was available in the US, unused, for about $10k USD a few months back.

egads (she/her)

Yeah, bloke in Hawaii

jamesinc

More info here: http://people.physics.anu.edu.au/~amh110/16V_Folder/16_valve_turbo_volvo.htm

jamesinc

Actually you know what, I don't think it is - it certainly looks like one (with the Volvo markings removed), but the oil filler cap is in the wrong spot. It could be bespoke (or maybe they put the valve cover on 180 degrees rotated, who knows).

egads (she/her)

I guess if you are compound turboing in the mid 80s you are up to custom head money

Samman88

You reckon it is actually a Volvo engine? I can't really differentiate it from any other 80s 16v 4cyl tbh. Pulleys look about right...
Possible they moved the filler cap if it was mid mounted or something

Philia_Bear

jamesinc;86134 wroteActually you know what, I don't think it is - it certainly looks like one (with the Volvo markings removed), but the oil filler cap is in the wrong spot. It could be bespoke (or maybe they put the valve cover on 180 degrees rotated, who knows).

Valve cover 180 looks to be your answer

jamesinc

Yeah I'm back to thinking it's an R-Sport 16V. The exhaust stud pattern is correct, the valve cover shape is the same, and the top part of the head looks the same too.

Vee_Que

Could be a hoax and actually a more modern pic, if the person doesn't have anything else to back up the info.

lasercowboy

The original picture appears to be linked from this site:

8w.forix.com/borgudd.html

"In 1987 Slim was entered in the 24 Hour race at Le Mans in a novel twin-turbo Volvo inline-4 powered Tiga TC286. This was developed by Volvo specialist tuner Milan Knezevic at Milspeed in Gothenburg, but the project was lacking funds and therefore the necessary development needed at this level. The car was off the pace and the engine finally expired. The entry was listed as a DNQ. "

Samman88

^^^ MVP
Cheers @lasercowboy, you've sated my curiosity!

lasercowboy

Google reverse image search finally worked for me! That's never happened before, but good to know it is possible :)

deleted_user_160

Stay tuned over the next 12months, you will get a chance to see one in he flesh.

Major Ledfoot

Trivia: Tiga Race Cars Ltd was co-founded by CAMS boss, Tim Schenken and NZ racer Howden Ganley.