NOMENCLATURE REDBLOCK ENGINES
🔧 Key Details:
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Configuration: Inline-4 (mostly), with a few inline-6 versions (e.g. B30).
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Construction: Cast iron block with an aluminum head (except some early models).
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Notable for: Reliability, ease of maintenance, and popularity in tuning and racing circles.
🗓️ Production Timeline:
| Year Range | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Introduction in Volvo 240 with B21 engine. |
| Late 1970s | B21 and B19 engines used in 240/260 series. |
| 1982–1985 | B23 introduced—stronger block, used in 240, 740. |
| 1985–1995 | B230 series becomes dominant (B230F, B230FT, etc.) |
| 1998 | Final use in some base-model 940s and light trucks. |
i.e. B230 (SOHC, 2.3 litres), B234 (2.3 litres, DOHC * 4 valves per cylinder * 4 cylinders = 16 valves)
The following suffixes were commonly used by Volvo:
| SUFFIX | NOTES |
| A | single constant-pressure type carburetor (such as the Pierburg 175 CDUS), typically with manual choke |
| B | high compression, with twin carburetor's, either twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors or twin SU's. |
| E | high compression, no catalyst, mechanical fuel injection K-Jetronic |
| BxxET | K-Jetronic turbo |
| B2xxET | Motronic controlled electronic fuel injection, turbo. |
| F | low compression (9.8:1 on B230F, 9.5:1 on B280F, 10.0:1 on B234F and 10.7:1 on B204F), US/Europe version (F for Federal) with catalytic converter. Europe/APAC version, fuel injected (usually LH Jetronic or Bendix Regina) |
| K | single jet type carburetor (such as the Solex-Cisac carbs), typically with automatic choke |
| G | LH2.4 Jetronic but without catalytic converter, CO adjustment on the AMM (similar to LH2.2 Jetronic). Some models without O2 sensor, others with O2 sensor which requires regular replacement at intervals due to lead fouling. For markets in which unleaded fuel was rare in the early 1990s, e.g. Eastern Europe. |
| FB | low compression version of B230F and fitted with Volvo's own "tuning package" (9.3:1), consisting of the "531" cylinder head, VX3 camshaft, and better flowing exhaust headers. Power output 131 PS (96 kW) and 185 Nâ‹…m (136 lbâ‹…ft). LH2.4 Jetronic fuel injection, for the European and Australian markets. Available as an option on 1991 and 1992 models. |
| FX | same as the FB but with the distributor mounted on the block (instead of the head) for use in the 240. |
| FD | essentially a B230F fitted with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and Pulse air system for cleaner emissions |
| T | turbocharged, after E or F suffix (example: B21ET, B230FT) |
| FK | low pressure turbo, 1995 onward, not supplied in North America. Identical to the B230FT engine of that time but lowered boost level at 4 psi (0.28 bar) |
(boost level was lowered because of taxes although only in some countries)
- FT - LH-Jetronic 2.2/2.4, turbocharger, 8.7:1 Static compression ratio achieved by dished pistons.
- FTX - Higher power output B230FT, approximately 190 PS (140 kW). (available through the Turbo+ package)
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