97 850 GLT stock motor approaching 200k miles. I have been acquiring parts (or had them from previous projects) to upgrade the existing motor for more performance.

I have:
16T angled flange out of a 01 v70 T5 and injectors
850 n/a TB and manifold
fmic and piping
new plugs and wires
new pcv kit (waiting to put on)
and some other misc. stuff.

I can get a motor out of another 01 V70 T5 w/ 87k miles, complete, including another 16T for $450.
The one I scavenged my 16T from had been picked from quite a bit. The one I can get the complete motor from looks clean enough to eat off of and drop a battery in it and drive it out of the yard. I have bought a lot of stuff from the guy so to me he's trustworthy enough to believe him that it is a good running motor. And I get a warranty with it.

Questions so I get this right. Correct me if I'm wrong.
The 01 is considered a RN block?
The 97 LPT blocks have thinner walls?
01 VVT sensor can be left unplugged?
01 cam needs to be drilled for dist.?
Use the 01 accessories brackets?
Can I still use 850 n/a cams in the 01 block?

Either way I go I still am getting an exhaust w/ 3" dp and a tune.
I've done a lot of research and reading with still more to go. I have got dozens of pages from here and the VS site bookmarked for reference. I would like a good platform for even more mods in the future.

Thanks in advance.

 

Boxpin would be a good source for answers to your questions as would posting on "Volvospeed".

 

You would be so much better off selling your '97 850 and buying a '01 V70.

Yes. Do this. The whole car that is.

 

Assuming your GLT has the light pressure turbo, if your engine and turbo is in good shape (ie good compression, no leaks) I'd leave it alone short of tune up bits and consider upgrading the ECU. IPD has an ECU upgrade for $700 which will give the LPT 12 PSI of boost - about the same as a T5R and you'll get 25 HP and similar mid RPM torque gains. Swapping blocks and down pipes etc won't do much since the LPT limits boost to about 8 PSI. If your engine needs an overhaul and you want more HP, then I'd say buy a new car as you won't get your money's worth.

 

Have posted on VS and gotten some good info.

Motor is in good shape and was going to use 16t along w tune and other mods, but got a deal on the RN motor, so I will go that route.

Not going to sell my car to get another one and start over, have got other mods besides a motor, i.e. suspension, brakes and interior.

And cant buy the junk car as it has doesnt have a good title.

Bought the motor and am now awaiting my 5 spd. Will get all the info I can before starting the project but will definately run into snags. Always do.

Thanks for the advice guys. Any more suggestions or info is greatly appreciated.