850 (non-turbo) 1997 - Making It Faster

progg · Post by **progg** » 05 Jan 2009, 13:28

So this car was a hand me down, its in great condition 80k miles on it.

Is there anything worth doing performance wise or should I save my money and look into a turbo model?

Post by **JRL** » 05 Jan 2009, 13:41

Get it to stage 0 before you go anywhere.
(Do a search)
I would be surprised if it doesn't need work done to it/ but there's not much you can do to a non turbo to make it go faster.
You can make it handle much better but that's about it!

progg · Post by **progg** » 05 Jan 2009, 15:16

Stage Zero was my first priority but I was wondering if down the line gutting the turbo, ecu, ect out of a GLT would be feasible or just more trouble than its worth.

On a side note: I've found that this forum is the mecca for Volvo owners. My local Volvo dealership even suggested that I check it out.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Jan 2009, 16:35

progg wrote:On a side note: I've found that this forum is the mecca for Volvo owners. My local Volvo dealership even suggested that I check it out.

Wow! Kudo's to Matthew!
Who are they? See if they want to advertise with Matt! LOL
Glad to hear we're getting decent reviews.
-MIJ

Back to the topic at hand- to be honest if you put a turbo in your car you're really asking for trouble- the engine really wasn't made to handle the extra boost plus you will end up paying for an 850 with a turbo already in it and more by the time you are through, not to mention all of your time.

If the car is in good shape, my suggestion is to do as JRL mentioned- make sure all of the mechanicals on it are good and then sell it. Take your funds and use them w/ a little help from your pocket book and buy one with a turbo. Really, this is your best bet.

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 05 Jan 2009, 16:59

if you want performance, sell it and buy an 850R or v70R. Those are the top of the line.

Post by **tjts1** » 06 Jan 2009, 09:26

What a bunch of useless rubbish. Yes, there's plenty you can do to your NA 850 to improve both power and efficiency at little or no cost.

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

A naturally aspirated 850 5 speed with minimal intake modifications can be as quick as a stock automatic 850 turbo with much better fuel economy and probably more reliable in the long term.

cheers
Justin

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 06 Jan 2009, 14:25

"A naturally aspirated 850 5 speed with minimal intake modifications can be as quick as a stock automatic 850 turbo with much better fuel economy and probably more reliable in the long term."

I have never owned or driven a N/A 850 5 speed. But I don't think it would be nearly as powerfull or as quick as a turbo auto. Or more reliable. Probably easier on gas but thats all I'd bet my money on.

I recomend a turbo model with a manual boost controler(15$)
best bang for you buck. Just my opinion though,I wish I had a manual gearbox.

japedo
94 850 turbo
01 V70 XC

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Jan 2009, 17:55

tjts1 wrote:A naturally aspirated 850 5 speed with minimal intake modifications can be as quick as a stock automatic 850 turbo....

Well, I completely disagree with you on this one...the other stuff, maybe for a few HP gain...but not much- at least not over 10. In response to the quote, above, you can quote me too:
In Your Dreams

Post by **tjts1** » 06 Jan 2009, 18:06

MadeInJapan wrote:
tjts1 wrote:A naturally aspirated 850 5 speed with minimal intake modifications can be as quick as a stock automatic 850 turbo....
Well, I completely disagree with you on this one...the other stuff, maybe for a few HP gain...but not much- at least not over 10. In response to the quote, above, you can quote me too:
In Your Dreams

I suggest you download dynolicious and start practicing your launches.
You're on

I don't see why an NA 5 speed coudn't run a 15.5 with some light tweaks.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Jan 2009, 18:09

No thanks...you're talking to an old fart here- I outgrew that long ago...but you have to remember I have a T5 w/ an upgrade IPD ECU ...I'd leave you in the dust...(actually our non upgraded 2.5T V70 would too).

Just don't have a desire to even care about that sort of thing anymore- much more important things to do.