Volvo 850 Turbo Conversion

gizmaster_1 · Post by **gizmaster_1** » 29 Nov 2018, 13:21

Hi All,
Anyone know if converting my manual 5-speed 850 Turbo to an all-Wheel drive is possible? I want to convert to an all wheel drive to get better traction and launch control overall. I have upgraded the engine with green top injectors, better f.p. regulator, upgraded fuel pump, r-manifold, upgraded turbo back exhaust, upgraded turbo T19 and stage 2 ecu. I have been saving up a few $$$ so i'm thinking to swap out the fwd to an all-wheel drive. Any and all help and guidance will be greatly appreciated. I am in Ontario Canada.

Giz

Post by **tryingbe** » 29 Nov 2018, 14:49

With enough money and know how, sure.

But P80 AWD system is weak, people often convert the AWD back to FWD AND the money you spent can get you a V70R with manual.

gizmaster_1 · Post by **gizmaster_1** » 29 Nov 2018, 15:23

A V70R would be sweet but I love my 850, I love the body style and everything else about it. I got lucky as this is the Platinum Edition of which only 1500 made and of those reportedly only 30 made it into Canada. If it's not recommended then I will stick to my fwd and look to other avenues for traction and launch control.
Thank you for your insight.
Anyone else want to add anything?

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 30 Nov 2018, 00:44

FWD to AWD is a lot of work. Some of the AWD parts are NLA, and it makes working on the rear end a pain. It would be a lot easier to just install an LSD on your FWD.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 30 Nov 2018, 01:53

Here a $350.00 soultion. Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Conversion Kit for 1992 - 1997 Volvo 850 Turbo, M56 5 spd.

gizmaster_1 · Post by **gizmaster_1** » 30 Nov 2018, 05:05

Has anyone here tried installing the Limited Slip Diff kit and if so how were the results?

gizmaster_1 · Post by **gizmaster_1** » 30 Nov 2018, 05:06

@whatamidoing thanks for the info, @RickHaleParker-thank you for the link.

Post by **erikv11** » 30 Nov 2018, 07:41

I've never heard of people using the unit in that link, and at that price I'd be wary without actual user experience. The Quaife is a popular and tested LSD unit for the M56 but it's expensive https://shop.quaife.co.uk/volvo-s40-t5- ... fferential. There are a handful of domestic suppliers.

Search this topic on Volvospeed too, there is some good info over there.

Post by **tryingbe** » 30 Nov 2018, 08:25

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑30 Nov 2018, 01:53 Here a $350.00 soultion. Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Conversion Kit for 1992 - 1997 Volvo 850 Turbo, M56 5 spd.

This is how you put metal shaving inside your transmission.

Less than 5000 miles.

Post by **tryingbe** » 30 Nov 2018, 08:29

gizmaster_1 wrote: ↑30 Nov 2018, 05:05 Has anyone here tried installing the Limited Slip Diff kit and if so how were the results?

I installed the Quaife LSD in my M56H, while it helps, when you start making big power, you'll just spin two tires instead of one.

Think about it, the faster you accelerate, the less weight is in your front wheel and less traction you have. It's a losing battle.

What is the goal for this car?
Drag only? Put a set of slick on.
Your daily driver? Leave it where it is and find a project car to mess with. My other car is a 367whp Dodge Omni GLH, I can't put power down at 70mph in 3rd gear with street tires, both tires just spin.