Alright boys, Ive been lurking on here for maintenance info long enough. I joined last night out of sheer need! I decided on rebuilding the engine and tranmission in my '96 850R as a Stage Zero precurser to remapping. I am going to purchase a salvage engine/tranny so as to be able to take the time needed considering my lack of experience on European engines and aluminum blocks. Ive rebuilt several American small block V-8's. I have 3 questions.
1) can anyone tell me which 2.3 turbo engines I can use for the swap? Do I need an 850R engine? It's my understanding that there is nothing special about the 850R block. The alarming power band coming from the ECU and TCU, and of course the turbo.
2) does anyone know of any rebuild kits online- gaskets, rings, bearings, etc. Volvo owners seem to seldom need engine parts....Hmmmmmm......
3) are there any OEM parts I should NOT put back on the rebuild? I plan to change as much of the engine parts as I can without machining. I don't have to explain to this crowd my affinity for this car, but I have to admit, sourcing the engine rebuild kit has proven difficult. Thanks in advance for any help. This is a great source of information, and greatly appreciated by those of us in need.

 

Yo Dude: Why are you thinking about replacing the motor and tranny? I would simply do a compression test and if things are in order there, move forward with your stage 0 and preformance mods unless you plan to try to acheive more than 310 HP. The current motor and tranny can likely take what you want to dish it with no problem.

As for rebuild kits, most people just get the parts from anywhere they can find them. Like FCP, iPd, etc.. IPd actually has preformance kits but they will likely not include head gasket, cam seals, and stuff like that. A lot of people usually don't worry with those unless they have a bad head gasket or something. Check out www.iPdUSA.com and see what they have.

Oh, those 2.3 T5 motors are the same, R or not.

 

1) rspi is correct, there is no difference in the motor between the R or not an R.
2)
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3)What are you planning on replacing? rings, bearing, pistons, rods?????

 

How radical is the build going to be? Everything stock is good to around 300 HP but as the boost levels come up to get HP beyond that you can start to bend rods.

Places like R-Sport International make strengthened rods and pistons that will hold up to around 500 HP. The R-Sport website is largely dedicated to the older 4 cylinder engines but if you poke around you can find stuff for the "whiteblock" engines.

...Lee

 

Thanks for the inputs guys. That engine is still rockin, but it also has almost 200k miles on it. and Im starting to wonder about a head gasket leak. And the turbo is out. And I mean it still screams. Basically, I want a new 850R. But they dont sell em. Hence the swap. I may not even do the remapping. I am thinking of a bigger turbo, though. Btw, Im rebuilding the tranny myself, too. I read it is a great trans to cut your teeth on and NO special tools. I need advice on step by step motor AND tranny rebuild manuals. Talked to a dude last night about buying his T5 wagon for $800. The hardest part will be pulling the engine properly by myself. The build will be a labor of love. No expense spared.

 

I have a 97 850R..I am rebuilding also, 18T,will get H beam connecting rods,better pistons,head work,NA cams,ARD blue tune..etc..etc. I am also doing a manual transmission swap with quaife differential as I don't think the automatic can handle the extra power I plan on. Plus.., I like manuals. Makes for a fun car. Are you going to rebuild the automatic transmission? Don't know where you can get parts for them at. You can buy them rather cheaply online. I'll have one for sale rather cheaply when I do my swap. If you keep the autotragic transmission at least flush it regulary, and install an aux. transmission cooler.
Thanks,
Stan

 

The auto trans can handle the power no problem. The manual trans has a better top end though.

You can do your engine by yourself. I did all my my lonesome.



Here is the quaife

 

Nice links. Thanks. Im thinking I just want a "new" R. Not a 500 hp monster. If I knew how, I'd prolly have cylinder walls machined out just enough to act new with molly rings, new OEM pistons and all bearings, seal, gaskets and sensors. Ive wondered if I couldnt just buy a new crate engine from Volvo for a couple grand.

 

Man, they'll sell you one in a minute. They still have them. But I'm trying to tell you, 200,000 is nothing on these motor is they have been serviced well.

As for the tranny rebuild... where did you hear that? I've ALWAYS heard that these sealed units are not to be rebuilt. I have heard of a few people having them rebuilt but I was always told it's a sealed unit and don't even bother trying to have one rebuilt. Heck, most stealers suggest that you don't even service the thing.

I say do a compression test, upgrade your turbo and a few other things and press on. If you have money buring a hole in your pocket, get a couple of them and have a spare.

 

Yeah, I called Volvo dealer today. $6,000 for a crate engine. Reasonable, but I'd rather do it myself. Ive decided new pistons, rods, rings, bearings, gaskets. Should I do ant machining to the cylinders? And what work do I need to do to the heads, assuming the valves are good? As far as the tranny being not only rebuildable, but one of the easiest to rebuild? I cant remember, but I'll try to find the page and post it. I'm also doing all new OEM bolt on parts- starter, alternator, etc. I'm thinking the engine should be $3,000ish. I'll see what the local Volvo mechanic needs to rebuild a pulled auto tranny. May go that route.

 

And what did you end up doing ?? Dealer crate, professional rebuilt, self rebuilt ??

 

+1

We are dragging this post back from the dead...forgot I had even posted.

Stan

 

4 posts in 2 years I doubt he'll be back. Car likely went to the bone yard

I was researching something else and ran across this. I just wish people who ask for help or advise would post something on what they ended up doing even if it's only "chose to drive as is" or "donated", something.

Where did you end up with yours
"I have a 97 850R..I am rebuilding also, 18T,will get H beam connecting rods,better pistons,head work,NA cams,ARD blue tune..etc..etc. I am also doing a manual transmission swap with quaife differential"

 

Mine has had the complete dash firewall aft replaced. Fun job. Not going to go with H beam rods,pistons or head work. Lucky at ARD does not think I need to go there for my intended use. Will probably stay with the automatic transmission and add an IPD aux cooler. I have a bad rear main seal leak that has caused me to not drive the car very much...still have the new 18T, R exhaust manifold and complete TME performance exhaust. Looking to do all this when I pull the engine for the RMS replacement.
Thanks,
Stan