Hi guys,

I've got a '97 850 sedan, and I'm a bit annoyed at how it handles corners.
It's currently all original low-end (scandinavian model), with the fairly sad 126hp engine and 15" wheels. Even with that engine and without driving like an idiot, I'd like to go faster in corners where the 850 tries to go straight...

Reading in different forums online it seems hard to distinguish between what enthusiasts do to their 850s for appearance and what they do for performance. I don't want to have large rims just to boost my ego (boosting my ego would take at least another 100hp under the hood), and I don't want to lower the car to the degree where I have to drive sideways over speedbumps. But I'd love to hear what actually works in terms of reducing its tendency to understeer.


Cheers

 

-More PSI in front tires and less in rear.
-Larger front tire area (wider) smaller rear area (narrower).
-Sronger rear swaybar and weaker swaybar in the front.
-More negative front camber
-More positive rear camber

Or drive backwards so you have rear wheel drive.

 

But then you only have one gear!

 

IPD Swaybars and negative camber.
For better handling, upgrade the suspension with shocks/struts and a set of springs.
Also, 15" rims with 205/60 have to much sidewall, and the tires tend to fold.
16" with a 215/50 or a 17" with a 215/45 would help a lot. Then try 225s

 

I drove a stock 850 once and I was able to drive it pretty hard. So this might be up to your driving style and kinda crappy tires. More than anything you need to figure out what your tread is like. Maybe by some cheap performance radials. I don't know your aspect ration or current width. So I can't make any recommendations. 215/50 or 215/55 is a good start, with more performance oriented tires you get stronger sidewalls so less likely to roll on you. Then I would get sport springs from where ever your choice is and some new dampers bilsteins are great, but if you're on a budget KYB GTR's will do the trick. Last resort I would do sway bars.

 

Volvo did a great job managing understeer in the 850's. I had a Honda Accord and there is no comparison. I'd start with the tires as well, then get the ipd sway bars.

 

Thanks guys.

I was actually tricked into buying some horrible tires last time around, but I'm getting new ones fairly soon. Some other expenses surfaced with my breaks that naturally takes priority, but I will post back my results when I get there.