Hi im new to these threads im 18 and have a 1997 850 turbo wagon with low kms and am interested in obtaining higher engine performance without any really drastic measures having to be taken any help would be apprieciated.

 

How much money are you willing to spend and what kind of results do you expect?

 

1. What is your budget?

2. What is your Hp goal?

3. You have to realize that modding a Volvo isn't cheap. It isn't like modding a Honda. You will have to spend a lot of money to make power.

Ideas...

1. STAGE ZERO. You need to do this before modding your car. https://volvoforums.com/m_38606/tm.htm
Click the link, STAGE ZERO information is in that thread. This is a MUST do item.

2. Upgrade your exhaust system. 3" mandrel bent downpipe to a 2.5" mandrel bent catback system with a free flowing muffler such as BORLA or a Magnaflow. You will also want a Hi-Flo CAT. You can get both of these systems from a few vendors such as, EuroSportTuning (EST, $629 for Catback & $749 for Downpipe), Viva Performance ($1,049 Downpipe & $629 for the Catback), IPD USA ( $795 for the Downpipe ask them if the one listed fits your car & $695 for the Catback), You can also go the cutom route which may be cheaper. Go to a local muffler shop and be sure they can mandrel bend piping. Have them quote you a price. This is when you take into account my first comment in this part, "3" mandrel bent downpipe to a 2.5" mandrel bent catback system with a free flowing muffler such as BORLA or a Magnaflow." Expect to pay at least $300 for the downpipe and catback each if not upwards of $800 depending on what type of piping you ask for.

*You may ask why not a 3" mandrel bent catback system. Well unless you plan to upgrade your turbo to something bigger 2.5" is just fine.

3. Intake system. You can create your own intake system. Or purchase a IPD USA or EST short ram intake system. Or just install a K&N panel filter and you will be set. IPD USA ($189) & EST ($189), they are both almost the same system.

4. AN ECU upgrade. By far this can be one of the cheapest and or one of the most exspensive upgrade you do to increase power. However it is one of the most important power upgrades. You can purchase an ECU upgrade from many vendors such as... SpeedTuning USA (Approx: $325), Upsolute (Approx: $425), Inmotion (Check with them), IPD USA ($695) & RICA ($749 on sale now for $674).

*Personally I have a SpeedTuning USA ECU upgrade. Good bang for the buck. Your car will run RICH though. If I had saved up I would have gone IPD USA and or RICA. These are the two best ECU tuning companies out there for our Volvo's. I would suggest going with one of them.

A little FYI, the Reverse Intercooler Piping doesn't really do anything. It is mainly for looks under the hood. I do not recommend this mod. With the modifications above you will see the most increase from the ECU upgrade followed by the downpipe next the catback system then the intake.

 

That's some good info, S70...and after much research after recently buying my own 850 turbo wagon i would have to say that i completely agree with your synopsis and opinions. As for me, i decided to do suspension mods first, but exhaust and ecu upgrade are next on the list.