Has anyone converted a NA toturbo? I've foundthe perfect850 wagon - Red/Black and 5 Spd but NO TURBO. I was wondering how tough the conversion is. What materials are needed? Does anyone aftermarket speed shop have a it? The other alternative is find an Auto/turbo car and perform the 5 speed conversion.......

 

Buy a turbo model.

Much cheaper, more reliable, and efficient in the long run.

You'll run into less problems finding a turbo wagon than trying to convert YOUR wagon to turbo.

I'm sure there will be more people agreeing with me.


I know you want a five speed turbo though. I do too.


Thank me later once you buy a turbo model.

 

The trans swapshould be cheaper than a turbo conversion.

 

1. Yes people have.

2. It isn't worth the time and money it will take.

3. Buy a turbo model and do the 5spd swap.

However if you had to do a N/A to turbo conversion.... Items you would need would be...

- Turbo
- Downpipe
- Catback
- Intercooler
- Charge pipes
- Turbo hoses
- Vacuum lines
- Oil lines
- Hose clamps or T-bolt clamps
- Major ECU tuning and not a run of the mill aftermarket tune either. Dyno tuning would need to be done to get it right.
- ETC...

You would be looking at a good $5k+ to do it right.

 

Why does everyone want the 5 speed over the auto? I hope this is not a dumb question but what does the 5 speed have over the auto?

I do have the auto on my turbo wagon. I never did see the manual option when I was looking, so I figured you had to settle for the auto. It seems to work fine and gets up and goes. But then again I replaced my Audi 90Q sports sedan that had 265,000 on clock. It was a little tired. I really miss the AWD, but hey, I love the space in the wagon and the power.

If one was to do the trans swap, what would that cost in parts? I will need to drop my engine next spring to do the cursed rear main seal, so I could consider going to the 5 speed if it really is worth it.

Thanks for your response.

 

Some people on VS sell everything needed for between 1k and $1200.00 for everything plus shipping.(Tranny swap)

I want to do my Yellow one as well to a manual tranny. They hold up a ton better than the Auto tranny's.

 

Thanks for all the feedback.............

Autoxray - As to why a 5 speed: I'm just getting into Volvo's and their performance. I've owned BMW's and find , contrary to popular (my) misconceptions, the Volvo to be a very worthy alternative. Some of my research indicates the Volvo wagon weighs roughly what a SN95 Mustang or a Subaru WRX weigh. Mustang output is 260ish HP and WRX is 220. So that puts the Volvo in the category of performance. Manual shifting + HP = FUN. There is no replacement for gear selecting. Just a personal preference.

 

I don't care how good the new Autos become. An automatic will never replace the capabilities of the what an good drive can do in a manual. Actually, the new EVO has a pretty good auto.

kgolsan: That is why I loveVolvo so much. Theyhave the "sleeper" factorI look for in a car.My 745t weighs ~3100 with me in the car. I havean upgraded suspension, and I am putting more and more HP in her. When I am done, I can probably get 250-300whpout of her andshe should be able to out run mostcars on the road