Building a custom car is no small task, typically requiring thousands of hours of labor—not to mention the know-how and funds necessary to actually do the job right. Perhaps the extent of the commitment explains why so few builders fully document the process, since photographs take up even more time that could be dedicated to real work. But one Volvo fanatic went all-out and shot every single step of a home DIY restomod featuring a P1800, a Toyota 2JZ inline-six, and eventually, a Pro-Touring LS1 V8 motor.
Step 1: Buy A Cheap Car
A Volvo Club of America Swedespeed forum member who goes by the name Iamtheonlyreal1 posted dozens of pictures of his P1800 build, which began with a car that he bought for only $1,000 in good running shape. Seen above is the car before the restoration began, with only some custom wheels thrown on as an experiment in looks and fitment.
Step 2: Twin-Turbo 2JZ
As the poster points out, the concept of dropping an American V8 into a European classic seemed anathema to the spirit of the build. Why exactly a 2JZ was okay, though, isn't mentioned. But why not? After all, this is one of the most famously reliable and tunable powerplants ever made. Unfortunately, the builder didn't quite like the way it sat in the engine bay, especially considering all the work necessary to make the car "drive right with the motor positioning."
Step 3: Pro-Touring LS1
Incredibly, the post includes the fact that the builder decided to try "fitting an LS1 motor that I had laying around." As if LS1 engines just laze about in shops, waiting to get matched like a Sunday morning Tinder brunch. And yet, the LS1 sure does seem to ride lower in the engine bay than the 2JZ, with more space for accessory components, to boot. The long documentation of the build also includes extensive cosmetic improvements, including flush-mount glass, to one of Volvo's iconic designs, and is definitely worth a look-see.
Sources: Swedespeed, DIYAuto