Alright i just have a few questions,
will an intercooler provide any gains in horsepower
is a blow off valve worth the money
what is the best aftermarket turbo to put on a volvo
any help is appriciated
david

 

To preface this I know the basics about turbos, but beyond that I know next to nothing.

An intercooler should provide gains in horsepower because as intake air is pulled through the turbo it picks up heat which expands the air making it less dense and decreasing the amount of oxygen per unit volume. An inter cooler would cool this air down making it more dense thus increasing the amount of oxygen per unit volume. The more oxygen available allows a more powerful explosion in the cylinder.

 

** Intercooler **
Yes, you definitely want to install an intercooler. But don't install a Volvo intercooler.
Install this one...
http://www.roadraceengineering.com/intercoolers.htm
Griffin Top To Bottom Flow Intercoolers
18" x 6" Griffin intercooler with Spearco cast aluminum end tanks. Available with inlets and outlets on the same side or opposite sides. Please specify when ordering. $475


http://www.roadraceengineering.com/p...c-sameside.jpg

** Upgraded turbo **
Don't upgrade your turbo. It is already matched with factory boost levels and starts making power below 2.5K rpms. Larger turbos only work when running higher than factory boost levels and start making power above 3K rpms.

See these folks for more answers...
http://www.lmsspeed.com/Turbochargers.htm
http://www.lmsspeed.com/MitsuTurboUpgrade.htm
http://www.forcedperformance.net
http://www.turbochargers.com -- Texas Turbo,
http://www.turbochargers.com/mitsubi...shicatalog.htm
http://www.turbocity.com
http://www.majesticturbo.com
http://www.anyturbo.com
MIC Turbo located in Hialeah, FL

** BOV **
Usually not needed, unless you heard squawk/gobble-like noises from turbo between shifts.

TurboXS Type H which can be set upl either as Bypass (re-routed into turbo inlet) or Blow-off (to atmosphere)

 

I agree, intercooler will always help by running cooler air. You only really need a blow off valve when running a larger turbo or higher boost. With regards to the turbo, you'd be best getting a later model larger turbo from a volvo if that's what you want, but the turbos for the 850 are pretty damn good. You can always rebuild the turbo using larger components. I believ the housing is T3, but i could be wrong. i would also look into a boost controller if you want more power. ECU and exhaust is a good one too for these cars. lots of stuff, just depends what you really want and plan on doing for the long haul

 

Intercooler is a waste of money for stock turbo,Volvo intercoolers are very good. If you what to upgrade for power gains start somewhere else Ecu,turbo