Transmission Compatibility (50-42LE) S70 GLT (turbo vs na)?

Xpletive · Post by **Xpletive** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:03

Hey guys. Long time lurker, first and foremost thanks for saving my ass on a few different volvos over the past few months

So i've picked up this 98 GLT with a "transmission leak", preparing for a full RMS/TC Seal job i discovered it was a more direct and catastrophic problem:

Anyways, i'm in search for a replacement transmission. What's going to be compatible?

1998 GLT Auto (believe its ths 50-42LE, which is pretty much whats run in most 94-00 volvos?)

Is there a differentiation between turbo and non-turbo models?

While browsing eBay listings it seems there is a difference in not only that but also the 2.4 (base, glt) and 2.3 (t5, R) transmissions?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:07

What the heck did they hit?

You can use any 50-42LE from a 96-98 turbo model (this includes a 97-98 GLT and all T5 models). The NA transmissions from the same years will also work, but your car will be working harder out on the highway - though at the same time, you'll also have better in-town acceleration because the gear ratios are stupidly long on the turbo transmissions.

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:09

Oh, and welcome to the site! Thanks for joining.

While you've got it out, absolutely replace the rear main seal at the same time.

Xpletive · Post by **Xpletive** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:12

jblackburn wrote:What the heck did they hit?

No idea. Nothing is bent, front bumper is warped a tiny bit and air guide cracked but that's it. Fluid was literally GUSHING out.

jblackburn wrote: You can use any 50-42LE from a 96-98 turbo model (this includes a 97-98 GLT and all T5 models). The NA transmissions from the same years will also work, but your car will be working harder out on the highway - though at the same time, you'll also have better in-town acceleration because the gear ratios are stupidly long on the turbo transmissions.

Awesome. So avoid 99-00, but anything 850/S70/V70/XC70 06-98 is ok? Are there different connectors, differences in casing, ecu plug or anything differentiating turbo/na for 96-98? Or is it just a question of gearing/internals? Thanks very much.

jblackburn wrote:Oh, and welcome to the site! Thanks for joining.

While you've got it out, absolutely replace the rear main seal at the same time.

Absolutely. I'll have the PCV service and timing belt done while everything is out and easy to get to.

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:19

They're exactly the same from those years. 95 and older used a different speed sensor to control shifting; 99 and newer are (very) electrically different.

Xpletive · Post by **Xpletive** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:30

jblackburn wrote:They're exactly the same from those years. 95 and older used a different speed sensor to control shifting; 99 and newer are (very) electrically different.

No difference between 2.3L and 2.4L? That's the only thing throwing me off right now.

Post by **jimmy57** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:47

you have to use a turbo gearbox as final drive is taller on turbos. Faults will be set for wrong ratio if the non-turbos with different final drive is used. Too bad on that one, the non-turbo trans in a turbo gives incredible low end response!! Smokey burn-outs!
You can use 99-2000 gearboxes if you change the two speed sensors and use the ones in the current trans.

The turbo boxes for 2.3 HPT and 2.5/2.4 low pressure turbo are the same ratios and will work interchangeably.

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 Mar 2011, 09:11

Right, the final drive ratio is different between NA and Turbo models.

Or you can swap in the NA transmission computer from a '98.

JBC · Post by **JBC** » 24 Mar 2011, 09:14

wow, that is some crack.

Xpletive · Post by **Xpletive** » 24 Mar 2011, 13:48

Thanks everyone. I was able to find a 98 GLT trans so hopefully everything goes smooth.

JBC wrote:wow, that is some crack.

Seriously. The strange thing is its high by the turbo, and no sign of any impact or structural damage whatsoever down low.