1996 855 N/A to Turbo conversion thread

[jose456891]

INB4: "Get a Turbo, it's expensive to add one to a N/A.
TL/DR: I'm making a list of upgrades before adding a turbo.

Here is the deal Gals and Gents. I've sunk enough money into my 96 855 N/A to confidently say that the suspension, brakes, interior, drive train, fuel and AC system are new or in better shape than late model cars.

So, selling my brick for a turbo version is out of the question. I've even lowered the suspension and I gotta say... wow ... this car handles better than any car I've driven before.

Money... let's be honest, I would not have started this thread with out having it. So don't hate on the conversion or this thread.

No I'm not planning to swap engines, or butcher the engine harness, or swapping heads to prevent the engine from exploding. Literally every one who recommends that on the other threads should be shot. The N/A is a perfect candidate to receive a turbo, even with its higher compression ratio. Research before speaking... I'll soot you otherwise

List of upgrades before adding turbo:
Bottom end rebuild, upgraded rods
Motronic 4.4 upgrade, chipped with USB (DIY)
Auto box oil cooler in series with stock cooler + remote filter
Engine oil cooler
Air ram mod
970 throttle plate

Turbo accessories:
Japan turbo exhaust manifold
19T/20T turbo
Catback
Wideband O2 sensor
Turbo water pipe
Acessory Oil/Gas separator or oil condenser to stock separator
Upgraded injectors
Barometer mod (to ditch MAP)


Why??? Cuz I can

[tryingbe]

Go big or go home.

[matthew1]

Well hey, go for it. You sound like a man with a plan, a direction, and focused determination.

I look forward to reading about it!

[Sommerfeldt]

I like this. I wanted to do this with the first 850 I had, and was shot down by all the usual comments. After an additional 2 850s and an S70, I've read several projects where adding a turbo to an NA has been done successfully - makes me almost want to try it again. Please post lots of pics and progress updates, just to rub it in the nay-sayers' faces!

- S

[RigsPGT]

As long as you take care of tuning, higher compression helps you spin tires and make more power with lower psi. One thing I don't get is, why would you mod an NA to its teeth then go big at the end? Perhaps you didn't have the money at that time for a turbo one and now you hit gold or smth? Not hating on your idea as I've done it many years ago on a different platform that didn't come with turbo option but I don't like all the cockiness in a forum where you come to find answers and hopefully help others in return.
Again, not trying to be a naysayer as I've always been on the edge to try new things but the delivery kinda ticked me off! Oh and if your Volvo handles better than any car you've driven, well I'll have to say you've driven wrong cars or cars that are not meant to be driven that way.
Good luck with your project and enjoy the WOW effect that the snails provide!

[precopster]

You need to tap an oil feed port for the turbo somewhere on the block. On Volvo turbos that spot is high up on the block right near the rear of the water pump. There is a blank area on a rounded boss.

Tapping an M10 thread in there is hard going without removing the engine but of course you can do it.