Questions about turbo

Dreydubs · Post by **Dreydubs** » 13 Jan 2009, 20:05

I don't know much about cars but I'm really motivated to learn and fix up an 850. I have a 850 glt but that's not gonna work for me.

First off, I know R models are rare therefore cost more money. What does the R model have that the regular turbo model doesn't. Does it have the same turbo?

2nd, Im confused with turbos. I don't quite understand how turbos work. If I were just to change the turbo to a faster one would their be any other parts that I should change and how do you know what kind of turbo can be put in your 850.

Thanks.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2009, 20:49

with the proper tuning, you can increase the size of your turbo. You say you have a GLT but the only one of these with a turbo is a '97 850, so I'm assuming you have this year, GLT?
Your Volvo has a Mitsubishi 13G which is a low pressure turbo. The high pressure turbo in the 850 is a 15G except the 1997 high pressure which had a 16T turbo. The high pressure is a little bit bigger and gives more boost but spool up time lags because of its size so your car is actually a bit faster off the line but quickly the larger turbo car will catch up and out run you. The biggest difference with the "R" model or the T5R is the tuning- it has it's ECU (computer) tuned to take advantage of more horse power out of the 15G turbo. More information here: http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=14333
If I had a GLT 850 with a turbo, I would take advantage of speed off the line and get it chipped or tuned (http://www.ipdusa.com is very good) which would make it as fast as the "R" across the speed band rather than put a larger turbo in it.
-MIJ

Dreydubs · Post by **Dreydubs** » 13 Jan 2009, 20:56

Sorry for the misunderstanding but I have a 96 glt

Im gonna be looking for a turbo sometime in the near future, but your information was very helpful.

http://www.volvomotorsports.com/catalog ... cts_id=106

Would that go into an 850 turbo 94-97? /\

Dreydubs · Post by **Dreydubs** » 13 Jan 2009, 21:00

So pretty much its pointless for my sake to look for a R model because I can do the same thing to a regular turbo. Also, How would I go about switching the transmission to manual, what would I need to buy.

Wait you said the 97 850 Glt has a turbo? Don't they also have a manual for it? So would it be better if i were to look for a 97 glt if im gonna be changing the turbo anyway.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2009, 21:12

NO turbo 850 with manual transmission was imported into the U.S.
Canada, yes, but the U.S., no.
For all you want to do, I think you'd do best to go to http://www.volvospeed.com and look around there. They are ruthless to those that don't search first before asking questions so be careful.

My assessment of your situation is that if you want turbo, sell your car and buy one- Your car really isn't designed to handle the extra horse power and you'll end up damaging your engine. Also, an auto to manual transplant will cost you more than the value of your current non-turbo car....just food for thought.

Btw, to do the auto to manual swap, not only do you have to tear the engine and transmission out of the car (they are connected, so a huge undertaking), you'll need: the shifter, knob, boot, cables, console insert, pedal assy, clutch slave cyl, m56h tranny, flywheel, clutch disc and pp, wiring, all clips and fastners, different ECU (computer), etc, etc. (list goes on).

Dreydubs · Post by **Dreydubs** » 13 Jan 2009, 21:25

Ok.. don't know if I wanna take out the engine. Damn Americans always wanting everything to be automatic.

You say they have manual turbos in Canada because I will consider going there to find one lol.

Sorry for not researching before posting, I'm doing that while im waiting for a reply. Do ECU's come with a chip or do you have to buy them separately? Like for example I'm interested in the IPD ECU and it costs $895, I would hope it came with a chip. And can that turbo kit go into an 850 from the link I showed you?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2009, 21:31

With IPD (and all others) you send them your ECU and they upgrade it (for that price) and send it back. What I did (I didn't want to be without my car for any length of time at all), I bought a used ECU on eBAy and sent that in for the upgrade. Btw, there's no point in having a non-turbo ECU upgraded...no boost to begin with means no boost after an upgrade (there are those scamming people and selling such). Oh, and depending on your car's model year and trim level (high pressure turbo, low pressure turbo, etc.) the ECU's are different...

In response to going to Canada to find a manual turbo 850, make sure you have one lined up before you go (if you go)...they do exist but they are still very rare.

Dreydubs · Post by **Dreydubs** » 13 Jan 2009, 21:35

Yea looks like they are rare in Canada.. What kind of different turbos can be put into a 850 turbo model? Thanks for all the help.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2009, 22:26

Besides the Mitsubishi's, Garret's are popular ones.

Dreydubs · Post by **Dreydubs** » 14 Jan 2009, 17:26

How much horsepower can a 850 turbo handle?

What do you guys think about this stage 3 kit?

http://www.ipdusa.com/product.asp?strPa ... tRecord=21