Hello all,
I made a post similar to this a few months ago, but now its happening, and with more sure variables so i figured I would start a new thread. I have a 1997 Volvo 850 GLT that has needed a motor for a while now and I just finally bought a donor car to get it back on the road. The donor car is a pretty decent 1995 850 Turbo wagon. Should the 2.3 bolt and plug right into everything? Im aware I may encounter ECU issues, the car currently has an ARD tune and I reached out to them with questions. Im really excited for this swap and the increase in horsepower, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

 

Well here I am a while later, and yes it’s possible. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask!

 

really depends on how you are swapping in the engine. Are you going to keep the original sensors, manifolds etc? If so you need to check if the wiring harness and ECU connectors are the same. Otherwise you'd want to research keeping the harness with the engine. Note the 2.3 is a high pressure turbo design while the GLT is not so there's going to be some issues there. My sense is the engine should bolt up but the differences in cam/crank/turbo size specs may through your ECU tune off.

 

I purchased a 1995 Turbo Wagon as a parts car for the swap that had body damage, and got it for cheap. I used the 1995 engine and tranny in my 1997 GLT. The swap came with a few complications but nothing too difficult. I used the 97 intake manifold and harness as it doesn’t have EGR. I also blocked EGR port on the exhaust with a metal ball bearing brushed between the flange. I had to use the 97 manifold for the way the fuel system is as well, like return lines etc. Using the 97 harness I also had to put the 97 knock sensors into my 95 block, and make the speed sensor longer as the 95 tranny has it in a different location. The rest was all plug and play.

 

I also had to use the 95 downpipe for it to fit the turbo.