Ok just bought a 95 850 Turbo Wagon with 136,000 miles. I have owned several turbo mustangs and other turbo cars so I am familular with it in general just not the Volvo side of things.
Couple of questions I am hoping you guys can help me with.

First my check engine light is on. Is there a simple and cheap way to check/read the codes. I found the post about reseting the light but not reading them.

Second what compression is the motor one these and how much boost can they safely take.

Also what are the first mods you guys would recomend. Manual boost controler? Open air filter? Maybe downpipe and muffler?

Thanks Guys, looking forward to being part of the Volvo crowd.

 

How to check the codes:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a2.html

 

All depends on the performance you want, I'd do an ECU upgrade before manual boost controller, I'm not sure and *anyone* correct me on this i think they run around 9-10 psi already, I've read no more than 14 safely on a stock Turbo. Now don't quote me on this.

A great site for upgrades is ipdusa.com they specialize in All Volvo and Subaru. There they also offer a great (Open) cold air intake that will actually lower your operating temperature, offering true cold air technology. If you're going to run high boost check out some silicone hoses and some other stuff to protect your investment. Down pipe sounds great, if you've got the money for your car, an R exhaust manifold from an S60R i believe. "R" Which is like Volvo's version of Bmw's "M", or Mercedes "AMG", Volvo's prisitine, high end line, is the "R". This R exhaust manifold found on ipdusa or maybe on ebay is a great way to get good flow, performance and a different sound.

Best of luck, browse web, but you'll get more input than just me, so have fun, keep me posted