Re: PRV V6 Trivia

Charles R. Lincoln (clincoln@SpiritOne.com)
Mon, 21 Jul 97 22:46:06 -0700

> Jim Lill <jpl@vectorbd.vivanet.com> (7/20/97 4:06 PM):
>>From a Volvo/Sweden employee....
>This engine was ment to be an V8 engine (and then the energy crisis came
>in Europe 1974) so they cut off two cylinders (that's why the crank and
>ignition is not symmetric). But 1987 they produced an modified crank that
>is corrected. They also installed stainless steel shims instead of paper
>(these shims are installed in the bottom of the cylinders to correct the
>height (compared to the cylinder block) This engine is called B280 (in
>Volvo language)

Here's some information on the PRV6 culled from the Volvo "SWEDISHBRICKS"
list, at least as applies to Volvo. (Yes, I still have a Volvo too!)
There seems to be a common consensus that they are great engines if
routine maintenance, especially oil changes, are adhered to; and changing
the water pump is a bear. I have no idea which variant is used in
various Peugeot years or if successors to the B27 were still a joint
development.

Apparently one person has swapped out his Volvo B27F with a Peugeot V-6.
Not sure what to read into that if someone is looking for alternates a
Peugeot V-6.

>B27F: The infamous PRV-6 enigine. Joint design between Peugeot, Renault and
Volvo. 2673 cc overhead cam V-6. All aluminum(as opposed to the
B21/23/230
series which are iron block aluminum head). Used in '76-79 260 series,
includeing the '78 and '79 262C coupe. Equipped with K-jet FI. Has it's
detractors and it's adherents. General "wisdom" is that they have a
problem
with the oilways to the cam clogging, and they're a pain in the a** to
work
on. Maintence costs were high compared to the B21, so they were less
likely
to be well maintained. A good, well taken care of B27F car is a pleasure
to
drive, but if you don't know the history on the engine, it's a potential
hand
grenade. Find a shop who specializes in Volvo V-6 work, or do it yourself.

>B28F: B27F bored out to 2849 cc. Used in '80-'82 260(including the '80 and
'81 262C) with K-jet injection, and '83-'86 760 with L-Jet injection.
Also,
one of the B27/28 variants was the engine used in DeLorians.

>B280F: Redesign of the B28. I'm pretty sure the cam oiling problems were
addressed. Used in '87-'90 760s and 780 Bertone Coupe. Fueled by LH-Jet.

- Charlie