I own a 1997 Volvo 850 GLT and I was wondering if anyone has ever done a turbo swap on one of these. I want to put a bigger turbo on it but I dont know what to get and what the engine can handle. If anyone knows anything it would help. I also want to put a boost controller and guage on it. Any suggestions for what i should get and how i should go about getting what I need would be helpful.
Thanks,
Paul

 

I'm a newb, but MOST stock engines can only handle about 6-8 lbs of boost. Be very careful because you have a good chance of blowing your motor.

I hear Volvospeed is a good site for performance tho. You should check them out.

 

This has been done a million times.

I suggest you first do a STAGE 0. Go over to Volvospeed and check out this thread, Stage 0
It is in the very first post.

Second get your boost/vac gauge from Egauges
Thirdly get your gauge pod from LOTEK

A turbo swap is pretty easy. I forget if your turbo is Conical, Angled or Straight flanged. Tech would be able to help us here on that question. I would suggest you get either a 15g or a 16t turbo. I would suggest an ECU upgrade and an exhaust upgrade to compliment the turbo swap. 3" mandrel bent downpipe to a 2.5" mandrel bent free flowing catback system with a Magnaflow muffler. And an ECU upgrade from (RICA, Upsolute, IPD, SpeedTuning USA, Inmotion). A MBC is ok, but not the best choice to raise your boost that is why I suggest an ECU upgrade it will raise your boost more saftely. A MBC is tricky and unless you have the boost gauge to see what your boosting you could be boosting very high.

As far as boost goes, don't go above 15PSI. I would run 10PSI max on your car.

As far as getting your turbo, check Ebay or try ErieVolvo. Also check the forums like Volvospeed, and this forum in the FOR SALE sections.

I highly suggest you spend the money on both of these items. Turbo hoses and vaccum lines that is. Silicone versions like these. I didn't do direct links, I want you to find them on the sites for yourself.
Turbo hoses: SAMCO Turbo Hoses
Or, StylinMotors Inc. Turbo Hoses and Vaccum lines