Hi everybody. I'm new here. I have a 96 volvo 850 and I was considering converting it into a rally car just for fun. Has anyone else done this? I was curious what it might cost and if it is even worth it. I couldn't find a thread on this so I figured I would just ask. So anyway what would I actually need for this project? I've been reading about rallying it looks like there is a large importance on the suspension so shocks and struts are the first thing. Next I would imagine is exhaust maybe a new intake. Anything you know or have to say will help. Thank you.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I would suggest you find out the requirements for the class you plan on running in then go from there.
Cost? More than what your thinking. There is no way to put a figure on this.

 

Yep, check out the Rally America web site for class definitions and the rule book - and price out some cars that are already converted to know what you'd be looking for a minimum cost. As to the classes, you didn't note your 850 engine but they vary based on car config - ie engine displacement, aspiration, fuel type, driveline. So an 850T gets classified with an effective displacement in the 4300 cc range where the NA gets a 2400 rating... Lots of technical rules to read up on - roll cages, seating harnesses, braking system design etc that need to be done before you can talk about adding HP. Note they do have a "vintage" car class - now if I still owned my Audi 4000Q... I'd have the 25 year rule covered.