98 V70 T5 Cams/Intake/Etc

Post by **timmybdaddyof3** » 11 Sep 2014, 20:47

I was searching in the performance section to no real avail so i figured I would ask here and if the mods want to move me so be it.

Will be pulling the intake to install a new oil trap as well as doing the timing belt, tensioner, etc. in the next 2 weeks.
There are several NA s70's, v70's, 850's, and 960's in the bone yards around here.
Should I consider swapping cams and intake while i am at it (right now I am still in the process of stage 0 - mechanically its just about bone stock.

If so what type of realistic gain has been seen without doing an ECU flash.
Thoughts?

Post by **Ben850** » 11 Sep 2014, 22:00

Grab an N/A manifold and throttle body, 960 throttle plate and a 3" Snabb adapter hose to intercooler from throttle body.
I did mine along with a 3" intake tube from air box to turbo. I had also dropped a 628 R ECU in at about the same time with white injectors.
These all together made a substantial and noticeable difference from the drivers seat. As far as documenting the difference with numbers, I can only count an increase in the number of grins on my face when putting my foot in it.
This being my '96 Turbo Wagon.
Check this page in my maintenance log.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 0&start=28

If you are asking if it is worth while. I would say yes. And not overly expensive.
The 3" intake parts roar a little under strong boost. It is impressive.

I have a set of '93 N/A cams I picked up a couple weeks ago, but I don't feel the need to open that can of worms right now.

Post by **matthew1** » 11 Sep 2014, 22:45

More on 960 intake parts & 850/S70/V70 performance.

Oddly, MVS doesn't have much talk about the tried-and-true N/A cams on turbo engines mod. But there is a fair amount of info on cam timing for 850/S70/V70 Volvos.

Post by **timmybdaddyof3** » 12 Sep 2014, 00:06

Matthew - thanks for the references....good bedtime reading

Ben - I was hoping you would chime in...I am friends with most of the bone yard owners and I would be surprised if I end up paying more the $100 for the manifold, TB, cams, and piping. I don't want to do the tune until I have time to go through everything else, but if I am tearing stuff apart I might as well put it back together the way I want it. Now I am thinking do I want to do valve seals and springs while I am in there...its got 280k miles on it.

This is going to turn into a project, but its been a long time since I have truly enjoyed a car - bought it based on how clean it was all the maintenance records and the price, but the more time I spend driving it the more I like it

Post by **rspi** » 12 Sep 2014, 09:14

I installed a set of NA cams in a '98 T5 and I could tell the difference. I even timed the 0-60mph and it was quicker. I'm at 5,500 ft and that causes turbo lag, usually about a full second. People that have dyno'd the NA cams say you gain 11 hp. I think it's more of a percentage, so if you gain 5% over stock, it will gain 5% over all mods (I could be wrong, but that is my theory).

Of course, pulling the cam cover is more than doing a timing belt job but really doesn't take any more time. Most people fear it due the the seal job that you have to do with the sealant. Along with cam timing I guess.

Post by **erikv11** » 12 Sep 2014, 10:01

The valve stem seals are a weak spot on these engines, heck maybe on any engine coming up on 20 years old, with that mileage I might consider it a do them now or do them soon thing ... valve springs I haven't heard of anybody replacing them a preventive move on the white blocks. FWIW I did have one valve spring break on me, so it happens, but it is rare.

Post by **timmybdaddyof3** » 12 Sep 2014, 11:47

Its kind of like Robert said...not related, but if you got the timing belt off then the cams are a few bolts and seals away and if you got the cams out then the springs and stem seals are a bit closer than the were before you started....and if i forgot to use a fender mat we can just repaint the car while we are at it...

The seals I have done before, i cant recall dealing with a spring issue on a Volvo- my concern is being that the mileage is up there, between different cams, and knowing that the turbo is on the list (no rebuild/replacement in the history) and will probably get upgraded, more pressure always finds the weakest link.

Post by **Ben850** » 12 Sep 2014, 13:32

timmybdaddyof3 wrote:Its kind of like Robert said...not related, but if you got the timing belt off then the cams are a few bolts and seals away and if you got the cams out then the springs and stem seals are a bit closer than the were before you started....and if i forgot to use a fender mat we can just repaint the car while we are at it...

The seals I have done before, i cant recall dealing with a spring issue on a Volvo- my concern is being that the mileage is up there, between different cams, and knowing that the turbo is on the list (no rebuild/replacement in the history) and will probably get upgraded, more pressure always finds the weakest link.

The can of worms I spoke of.

I would want to do most of the above, less springs.
Rent, or buy cam timing tools, cam retainer tools etc.

I am not ruling it out, the cam change, but it is not urgent.

Post by **timmybdaddyof3** » 13 Sep 2014, 22:53

Unfortunately i have all the tools (and a full shop), what i don't have is time to work on my own car (I am always under a clients)

What amazes me is how much i actually enjoy both working on and driving this one....never in all my life could I see myself in a Volvo, and in the last month I have fallen head over heals for this little wagon

Post by **Ben850** » 13 Sep 2014, 23:06

timmybdaddyof3 wrote:What amazes me is how much i actually enjoy both working on and driving this one....never in all my life could I see myself in a Volvo, and in the last month I have fallen head over heals for this little wagon

Three years ago when my friend had basically given me the '93 GLT and its issues, I didn't expect to be owning three.
I am averaging an 850 a year since my introduction.

I feel like a kid that wants to try all the flavors.
First the '93 N/A GLT.
Second, the '96 Turbo Wagon.
Finally the T-5R Sedan in black.

I guess the Yellow T-5R wagon is the next logical step?

Here are the ingredients for the bolt on swaps.

: N/A manifold and throttle body. R exhaust manifold. Blue or white injectors. (not my photo)