Can anyone tell me if it's possible to do an awd conversion on an 850 turbo using stock volvo parts?

 

Sure, everything is possible. Why in the world would you want to do that?

 

Why not?

 

yeah, I'm with this guy. Why? So much work, customizing, fabrication etc., when you could just go out and buy one that already came AWD.

The cost alone of getting all the AWD components off an AWD Volvo would make it not cost effective.

 

Why? so that he can have a slower car, much more expensive repairs, about a year of headaches, and 3g's at-least down the drain.

 

it would be hard... it would be easier to just import one from canada.

if you decide to try it.. but a new bevel gear, new vicuous coupling and driveshaft... that way those can't cause any problems. those are the componets that tend to wear out on AWD's and if your going to do all that work make sure it works!

 

I can agree that there would be a lot of fabrication and possibly a high cost involved in such a project. I can't agree, however, that the car would be slower. The added traction of an awd system would offer better acceleration and overall handling than a fwd car.

 

The chances of finding a Canadian 850 AWD are slim to none since there were only 214 imported to Canada in 1997. The S70 AWD would be easier to find but in my opinion the 850 is a better looking car.

 

they actually come up very often.
1997 Volvo 850 wd Familiale - Montréal autos à vendre - Kijiji Montréal

 

This is prime time to purchase one of those AWD cars. When a car hits 14 to 15 years people are bailing at their lowest point. You can probably get one for 30 cents to the dollar.

All of the points that you made about the AWD system are oppisite of what you think. The only way I would consider having an AWD car is if I was in snow 6 months out of the year or I had more than 325 hp. If you put 350+ hp to the wheels it would be worth it. But I would also add a computer that would eliminate any tire spin so I could do 0-60 in 5 seconds and run a 1/4 mile in 10.

 

around a corner, yes the AWD will out turn a FWD 850. but how about added weight, AWD grudge, and more linkage?

 

Volvo 850 R AWD

 

1997 Volvo 850 Wagon - Alberta Cars For Sale - Kijiji Alberta Canada.
Wow-456K km!

 

I was wondering if it is possible to take the AWD system from a 98-00 v70 and put it on my 94 850? Since true AWD 850's are extremely rare. I'm just curious to know if it feasible. I don't plan on doing it if it is going to negatively effect the car or be a major hassle.

 

Sure. Cheap and easy. You just need the two cars and have at it. I am not sure what the Gen I Haldex will do if it doesn't get any information from the ECU. maybe it doesn't need any at all. That is the only finer point on it that you need to research.


There is also a question of whether the transmission out of the subject AWD donor is what you want. To get things to fit together, you need it. If you want something different from what is in the donor AWD car, that is available in the Volvo universe, but it will cost something.

 

Does installing it require any butchery and what electrical components are necessary because my car doesn't have traction control only ABS. Will the v70 trans fit in the 850? Did you actually do this or can you reference me to someone who has so I get some first hand answers on what modifications and requirements are needed for this combination? Thanks for the help

 

This is the first I've heard of somebody trying to convert a 2wd Volvo to AWD. Mostly its the AWD folks with bad bevel gears going the other way! This is also an FAQ for older Audi's - people wanting to take a Coupe and turn it into a Quattro. In the case of the Audi's its been done but required welding in the floor from a 4WD to make the clearance for the drive shaft tunnel and to seat the rear differential. Finally you need the entire rear suspension to pick up the axles and hubs.

My favorite car... never should have sold it :-(

 

I think you'll be the first and have to figure it all out yourself. You can scrounge up a 1998 XC with a blown head gasket somewhere for $500, so there isn't much of a reason to hold back.

 

Time, money, fabrication skills, second car, garage space, how much of each do you have?

"Major hassle" doesn't even start to begin to describe of what you're wanting to do.

 

You could swap all the front panels off an 850 and bolt them onto a V70 awd