Tune My Ride #3: 1995 850 Turbo

[matthew1]

It's a setup!
I'm setting up this topic for Southbay850 and Lucky.

Southbay, I'll need to ask you some questions:

What do you have?
Please list your 1995 854T, obviously, and please add current condition, where it is on the Stage 0 scale, miles, etc.

How much do you have to spend?
I know this is more of a far-future thing, because your car has transmission problems currently, but if you could just give it your best guess.

Upgrades are for
Daily driver + track? Daily driver + 1/4 mile? Daily driver + rally car? Not a daily driver? Etc.

Lucky's Answer
TBA next Friday!

[Southbay850]

I have a 95 854T with automatic trans. The current condition is inoperable on jack stands in my garage at home. I have lowered the subframe pulled the drivers side axle and started to unbolt it from the engine. I was looking at cherry pickers because ultimately what I would like to accomplish is to pull the engine and slowly one by one start replacing just about everything under the hood.

The engine its self I would like to use but want to add all the goodies that other volvo owners are raving about. You know there are always parts that are made that are better than the original. I am trying to get other peoples input and what they would put in there 850.

This may take a while but it is going to be the project that everyone has helped put together. So to answer where I am basically I am starting now as in january and will be doing this from the tear out and removal of engine tranny and subframe. ( I even plan on painting that.) Mileage 225083. I dont know exactly how much money this will be that will depend on what we all come up with. It will have to be done in increments but I will buy what is needed at the time and let everyone know when we can start the next part of this build.

I am not looking to build anything that I wouldnt be able to drive legally on the streets. I am not trying to build grannys old reliable either. I want something that will make even the non volvo owners turn their head and say that is sweet. I know that rarely happens its usually them being jealous and saying something bad about volvos. Its got to look sharp sound like a kitten and be able to back that up on the road. I know thats crazy but it can be done. Just think of how you would want to do it if you were me and the money was not an issue. Remember it may be a long drawn out process but everyone will be able to take credit and have bragging rights.

[ARD-Lucky]

Southbay,
There's certainly a number of different add on's that make a stock 850 better than it was new with original parts. Some of your selections will be based on what you want from the car and how you plan to drive it. Based on what you've said though it sounds like you're looking for a solid daily driver with good power that is manageable and reliable. With that said there's a range of options out there so let's hit up some thoughts area by area

Engine:
To start there's 3 major power contributors that will get you most bang for the buck. They are Turbo, Tune, and Downpipe. Depending on just how high your HP target is there's a number of good options. Of course the TD04 18T or 19T are both nice as they are bolt up turbo's that can provide power right up to the limit of what the engine can handle without upgrading internals like rods or pistons. Billet compressor wheels are available for those turbos now too so keeping boost spike under control with the larger 19T isn't really an issue like it used to be. Going above 300bhp consider the 16G or 20G fron RZ Design but be sure to account for upgraded forged connecting rods as well. As for Tune, we'll I'm happy to help you there when you're ready As for downpipe, the catalyst in the downpipe is the majority restrictor so I'd start there before doing the cat back unless you get a full turbo back system like OBX or similar. For intercooler either front mount or OE drop in upgrade are both fine, I'd recommend upgrading if you plan on 300bhp or more. You can read more on that subject here: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=52895

Trans:
If you haven't considered it now's a good time for a manual trans swap while the engine is out. If you're comfortable with a stick shift it's a great way to reduce parasitic drivetrain loss and get the most amount of power and torque to the wheels. For a ~300bhp engine the OE R clutch will be sufficient but for higher BHP goals consider a stage 2 or 3 kit from Spec or ACT. Manual swap is pretty straight forward for your model so that makes life easy there!

Suspension:
For a daily driver I'd steer away from coil overs and go with a nice lowering spring like H&R, Eibach, or B&G. There's a number of options out there so get a sense of how much comfort vs. lowering you're willing to compromise to really make up your mind. As for shocks, it's personal preference really but Bilstein in either HD or Sport version is an excellent upgrade. If you do go with coil overs D2 has been growing in popularity as of recent and of course KW's been around for a while. I can't recommend upgraded sway bars enough. It's the single largest upgrade to suspension handling that I can think of honestly. Either IPD or Ultra racing have good offerings in this department. More content here as well: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =9&t=51551

Misc:
A few good additional items that will not necessarily improve maximum power but help keep the car efficient and precise in developing that power (especially in the mid range) are a high precision TCV, upgraded CBV, and lastly the Snabb laminar inlet tube. The inlet tube is actually quite a nice upgrade and will contribute quite considerably to mid range spooling and torque.

If you've got any specific questions or would like to know more on any particular point just post up!
Robert Lucky Arnold
ARD Tuning