1996 850 GLT PERFORMANCE UPGRADES? help

agedabeatjunkie · Post by **agedabeatjunkie** » 25 May 2009, 02:20

i recently purchased a stock 96 850 glt and would like to make this car run better, faster, stronger?
what would be the best performance upgrades and in what order? apprx pricing too please
i heard a performance chip was the place to start?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 May 2009, 06:43

Welcome to MVS.
Well, first of all, it has no turbo so you are limited in what you can do. Many believe changing out the throttle plate in it to one off of a 960 will help it on the low end. You could do that for approx. $20 from the dealer (see thread about this in the 850 section). Other things you can do is just get it to stage-0 meaning all problems on it solved before trying to work on more mods. A modification to the air filter box to hold the hot air side closed or making sure the thermostat in it is working is another option- really, could cost you nothing- other than this, a K&N or similar air filter (something to help it breath better) and possibly different exhaust (could cost from a few hundred $$ to a grand depending on if you fab it or you buy something that is already in existence- but these things won't really add but perhaps 5HP or so. More than engine and HP, I would concentrate on it riding well- make sure shocks/struts, etc. are in good shape- maybe even upgrade the car's swaybars, but that will cost you about $400 or so from IPD (www.ipdusa.com). Like I said on the onset, you are limited because your car isn't a turbo and you really can't add one to your car without danger to the engine...and the cost would be prohibitive. A chip? There really isn't a chip that will do anything significant for your car- some companies will brag that they have one, but don't waste your money.

agedabeatjunkie · Post by **agedabeatjunkie** » 25 May 2009, 10:51

thanks for the reply.The car is in near perfect condition, not one problem, but the engine has 157000 miles on it. Is it possible to swap engines with something more powerful once the engine starts giving me trouble? and where could i find a new engine online/ what do you suggest? I love this car and would hate to lose it. I rather put money into it then settle with something else.

Post by **tjts1** » 25 May 2009, 14:28

At 157k, the engine shouldn't give you any trouble. Ours has 192k and its running better than ever. There are plenty of these engines running over 200k without a problem.

The quick and dirty NA intake in 3 easy steps

Install an early 960 throttle plate.
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... try1168946

Fix the airbox thermostat.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 0&start=36

The stock airbox and filter is not a significant restriction to the intake. The problem is the stock snorkel going to the airbox. It starts with a 1.5x4" oval and ends with a 3.25" circle at the airbox. So get a 3.25" piece of flexible tubing.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/airbox.php
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... a&start=10

cheers
Justin

agedabeatjunkie · Post by **agedabeatjunkie** » 25 May 2009, 18:09

Thanks, but im not sure if that intake-airbox method would be practical for where i live... Buffalo has harsh winters, im worried snow would get in- melt, and cause problems.I could possibly do that for the meantime and put it back when the winter comes.

Post by **tjts1** » 25 May 2009, 22:51

Any snow that gets in and melts will drain out the bottom of the airbox.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 15 Aug 2009, 12:33

MIJ, why would a chip not affect an N/A engine? I thought that any engine could benefit from a chip...

GrumpyOldMan · Post by **GrumpyOldMan** » 16 Aug 2009, 00:15

Any motor can be improved on.
It is the type of ecu that will slow you down, and the costs involved that will show how truely determined you are.

Volvo have many varieties of 850 n/a motor.
Nobody does a 'chip' for them.
Some ecu's by design are NOT able to be 'chipped'.
So, if it's possible to retune YOUR ecu, then it would have to be done on a dyno by someone that knows what they are doing.
This = $$$$$$$$$

If you really are determined to get that last 10 ?? Hp, then replaced the original ecu and wiring with an after market system and get it dyno tuned.

Do you really want to spend $1000 +++ for ~10 hp ??

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 18 Aug 2009, 23:59

No....not really... : /