1997 Volvo 850 T5 (gearbox swap, tune, vid) beginning to end pictures.
So I was given a 95 Volvo 850 auto/non-turbo with a blown head gasket in January. After repairing it, I liked how it drove and how clever the Swedish engineering was. I later met a Volvo enthusiast in the area who had an 850R 5 speed. (Volvo did not release any turbo 850's in North
America. Canada was lucky). I got to drive the 850R manual and feel in love with the unique 5 cylinder sound, massive torque, and the simple styling. I hear the 850 auto turbos are fun and can make good power but there's no way my project car was going to be an auto. A sports car deserves a proper manual gearbox.
After searching a month for the 5 speed swap components I found a running 96 850 5 speed. After removing the gearbox, pedal assembly, hydraulics, and shifter components, I then scrapped the donor 850. It then took me 4 months to find a a decent, black, turbo 850 preferably with a blown head gasket for me to begin the build. I found one in chamblee with 108k miles for $1,700. After 3 weeks of negotiating and my poker face, I talked the dealer down to $750 out the door and even used my USAA to tow it home. I went straight to work on it in my spare time. The build took about 2 months to get it drivable. What's left to do is a stainless turbo back, suspension, 850R wheels, fix heater core, new alternator, and new radiator. It's a blast to drive. The video at the bottom is without a tune. Right now it has a ARD 17psi tuned for all engine and tranny mods. Spins the tires in 3rd with my crapy tires lol. With the mods and tune the numbers should be around 250hp and 300ft lbs. Would like to dyno it sometime. Never thought my first serious build would be a Volvo but whatever. It's cheap and fun. I ensure both my Volvos on my own policy for 85 bucks a month haha. The build probably cost about 2500 so far so it's the best way to have fun!
This was the first day I worked on it. The only bad thing about the car was the paint. I could fix everything else, but I hate painting. Luckily, i recently found a black trunk at pull-a-part for 25 bucks. After a full car wax, it looks rather new.
First things first, the pityful auto components had the be removed and swapped.
Ahhhhhh. Much better.
Removing and installing the manual pedals are the biggest PITA ever. Try working upside down for 2 hours maneuvering the assembly around the steering column. But I'm serious, the 5 speed swapped turbo is worth the time. Other than my buddy and I, there's probably only one other 5 speed Turbo 850 in Ga.
Before front end freshing.
After: side markers from pull-a-part Volvo S70.
and black painted headlight reflector housings, grill, OEM fog lights, and an original "delivery over seas" tag off my G-pa's old V70 he picked up in Gothenburg.
New motor mounts.
A little turbocharger upgrade. Factory 15G has a small 2.25 turbine outlet that I swapped in this 3" angled flange housing. This will allow more flow and a 3" turbo back. There;s lots of options with Volvo oem turbo upgrades. (15G,16T,18T,19T, and K24) For my daily purposes, an angles 15G provides enough flow and best response. When the turbo starts to die, I'll most likely replace it with a 16T angled.
Induction setup: clean and painted manifold, 3" throttle body from a non-turbo 850, Snabb silicone adapter, and China SPL ssqv (cheap ass).
350cc injectors from a S70 T5
This is the new turbo control valve from IPD. The oem valves always need replaced if you plan on making smooth, safe positive pressure.
Yay!! more 5 speed progress. New rear main seal was installed also.
New belt, pump, tensioner, and idler.
Took a gamble on a 850R clutch from Advanced Auto parts. Turns out the vendor repackages Sachs under the brand "Perfection".
Last time (hopefully) the motor/tranny will be outside the car.
Best modification for this car. ARD tunes only Volvo ECUs. The made me a reflash specifically for my setup and mods. The ECU will not throw CEL for a missing rear 02 sensor or auto tranny signals.
Finally running!
After a new trunk and fresh wax job.
I could barely see my reflection in the hood before the waxing. I wish I took a before pic.
This is the before tune vid. Running the stock 220hp. Still was loads of fun. Will post an after tune vid in a couple weeks.
Doridori Volvo 850 T5m - YouTube
Thanks for stopping by!
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Originally Posted by Relentless
