While I have no doubt about the quality of your execution, I do wonder what you expect as a gain? I can probably answer that myself if I go with "Cause Volvo in a Volvo?"
I am fully sold into the value of having a unique car that can be maintained well into the future without having to deal with the unique custom-one-off interfaces caused by hot rodding. You had this one pretty well nailed with the German underwear!
Anyways, carry on cause I know it will be cool and over-top when done.
Well, here's the factors that go into my swap thoughts (maybe not in this EXACT order, but somethuing like this). Keeping in mind my goal, if I'm doing a swap at all, is north of 300 whp (even if just barely north):
1) COST
Cost includes a few things. Dollars and time. Where I live Volvo's are all over the place, so access to used parts is plentiful. I also have enough contacts in the Volvo dealers and aftermarket suppliers that I get good pricing on new parts too.
2) BOOST
I LOOOVE boost. I would boost the M20, but there is next to no room from the core support forward, therefore no real room for an intercooler. Dropping one cylinder from the inline will allow for intercooler room. Buying a used motor that was originally designed for a turbo makes all of this easier as well.
3) SOUND
The way a five cylinder sounds has a special place in my heart. Audi, Volkswagen or Volvo (Ford RS), they all make a sweet melody.
4) ACCESS
This engine dropped in my lap due to strange circumstances, but I'm going to run with it. (see #1)
5) FAMILIARITY
I've lived in the Volvo world for a while now. I am friends with more than one Volvo tech. There's a "village" of people to help me if I have questions.
6).....
7).....
22 1/4) Volvo in a Volvo
Yes, there will be a few things that will be custom built with the swap, but all the service items will still be off the shelf (oil filter, plugs, coils, timing stuff, belts, water pump,etc). That's why I can have a box of parts land here and get put straight to good use. I also can still use VIDA for assembly/service instructions. For the $450 I've invested to this point I could barely get a running M50, let alone an S52 and NOTHING like an S54. I did peek at M60 stuff, but there's so much involved with deleting brake booster etc, that it just didn't seem appealing to me. I liked the fact that you can get an upgrade turbo/injectors/tune for the S40 T5 and get 400 whp. I'm not saying this is the right swap for everyone. I'm not 100% sure it's the right swap for me, but I'm having fun for now. No one knows what the future holds. We'll take the journey together.