Initially the overhead camshaft versions were offered as optional equipment on the 240, becoming standard in all markets by the 1976 model year.

The engines are tilted approximately 15 degrees to right (exhaust side) to make room for the more complicated injection systems.

Because a turbocharged engine has a higher operating temperature they used sodium filled exhaust valves and a thermostat controlled oil cooler (air/oil model).

Midway through the 1984 model year, the "intercooler boost system" became standard on North American 240 Turbos.

Several components had design changes, longer rods (152 mm (6.0 in) c-c, 7 mm (0.28 in) longer), pistons with a lower compression height, lower friction bearings (smaller in size), a crankshaft with 8 counterweights (instead of 4 on the older Bxx engines) and a heavy harmonic balancer (aka damper) in the crank pulley.

The B204 was also available in turbo form in some markets (such as Italy) where large displacement motors were taxed heavily.

It came in two versions: The B204GT turbo motor operates with a lead resistant lambda probe and generates approximately 200 hp (149 kW).

Although availability of the redblock was phased out in 1995 in North America, production continued in Europe until 1998 when the 940 model was discontinued.

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: (boost level was lowered because of taxes although only in some countries) Special version for certain European export markets (e.g. Greece, Israel) with shorter stroke than the B19, 88.9 mm × 71.85 mm (3.50 in × 2.83 in) bore and stroke for 1.8 L (1,784 cc) displacement.

The 2.0 L (1,986 cc) 107 kW (145 PS) B19ET was sold in certain markets where engines of over 2–litre displacement were heavily taxed, such as Italy.

Introduced in 1988 for the 740 GLE (and later used in the 940/960), The 16-Valve Redblock motors were offered in both a 2.0–litre Turbo (B204FT/GT) and a 2.3–litre 155 PS (114 kW) Naturally aspirated version (B234F).

[citation needed] In addition to the 16 Valve head, these motors were equipped with twin counter rotating external balance shafts and the engine block itself differs from the 8V redblock.

The later "white block" motors can trace their head design back to the two-piece setup found in the B204 and B234.

The 2.0 litre turbo variant was introduced for European markets with tax structures tied to engine displacement such as Italy.

When excessively high exhaust temperatures were detected, the fuel injection computer would enrich the mixture.

Another common occurrence is that the balance shaft's oil seals are prone to leak on older engines.

It is also recommended to replace the crank and camshaft seals at every interval and to thoroughly inspect the tensioner and idler pulleys for wear.