ISO post that specifies the mods done to the Volvo 850 wagon for races

Post by **CIK7** » 05 May 2020, 16:39

There pics of the iconic #14 Volvo 850 wagon that raced somewhere in the US. I'm trying to find out the specifics of the mods done to this 850. I've seen the pics of the mods but no idea where I saw them. Please help. Considering a NA purchase if my XC is totaled by insurance co.

Post by **scot850** » 05 May 2020, 19:19

Can't recall now, but in Europe the 850 wagons and sedans were 2 litre engines and non-turbocharged in UK due to regulations for Touring car racing.

I wish you luck with the hunt for info. Maybe you might find the actual car!!

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 05 May 2020, 20:49

There were crazy mods, like an engine that was lowered on the engine bay and tipped back , if memory serves.

Post by **June** » 05 May 2020, 21:47

Also I remember a film at the time talking about the custom built cylinder head. It alone was quite a feat! Emissions regulation probably made the design, even a lesser version impossible to sell. ie. like the dealer installed STAGE 2 455 Buick. Even in 1970, you ordered a STAGE 2 GS455 it arrived from Buick as a STAGE 1 car with the STAGE 2 equipment in the trunk to be installed pre-delivery. That was brand new heads up replaced on a new car in order to get around GM horsepower rules and federal emissions regulation which was next to nothing at the time. The dealer I worked for sold one and up to the mid 1990s it still came in for service. I did drive it once.

Of course Volvo keeps their commitment to being environmentally friendly. Before Volvo raced 850 they raced 240. There are some straight hood 240s out there that were the supposed production model for sale, only Volvo cheated and sold the cars with the high performance equipment removed after the race inspection lol... My old Volvo mechanic told me about that one! I'm sure the 240 enthusiast regard those as collectable. June

Post by **Goupil** » 06 May 2020, 13:57

abscate wrote: ↑05 May 2020, 20:49 There were crazy mods, like an engine that was lowered on the engine bay and tipped back , if memory serves.

It's mad how far back and lower it is compared to the production car

The head was machined at an angle to get more power (the rule book didn't say you couldn't remove some of your engine

) but it was already making 260hp and reving to 8500rpm at this point, so I guess there was a few mods already done to it. I've never seen them really listed anywhere.

And add to that a sequential gearbox

Post by **CIK7** » 06 May 2020, 19:42

abscate wrote: ↑05 May 2020, 20:49 There were crazy mods, like an engine that was lowered on the engine bay and tipped back , if memory serves.

YES! That's the one I'm looking for! I thought it was on MVS, but memory is crappy.

Post by **matthew1** » 06 May 2020, 21:21

Oh, the 850 BTCC cars. You said US, so that threw me off. Why yes, we do have a nice story on that Volvo 850 wagon btcc

Post by **Clemens** » 07 May 2020, 23:09

That is a really good article, Matthew. I missed it back then.

Post by **CIK7** » 10 Jul 2020, 23:10

anyone know where to find a pic of the engine bay layout. I know how the subframe looks on a normal 850 and x70. I'd like to find out how they set the engine that far back. perhaps elongated engine mounts?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 11 Jul 2020, 13:54

CIK7 wrote: ↑10 Jul 2020, 23:10 anyone know where to find a pic of the engine bay layout. I know how the subframe looks on a normal 850 and x70. I'd like to find out how they set the engine that far back. perhaps elongated engine mounts?

I have read somewhere (??) that the engine move required fender well cutting and reforming of sheet metal. I believe the front axle was moved back some. Looks like the firewall was altered as well.

volvolugnut