muhahahaha!

my wife totalled my 96 GLT wagon. so i went shopping.

after looking at some acuras, and toying with the idea of a truck, i came across

96 850 Turbo (i think its a T5), for 8200 (bargained down from 9k)

if anybody is knowledgable about identifying a T5, plz let me know if this is or not. im still getting the car regardless, as it still flat moves!

year: 96
Model: 850 Turbo
eng: 2.5L 5cyl
Color: White, with the 5-spoke directional wheels, looks like a fan
VIN: YV1LS5729T1323712 OR YVILS5729TI3237I2
i cant remember if the straight line stands for a 1 or an I >.<

options: Black leather, Premium Sound system, rear spoiler (its a sedan, not a wagon), sunroof/moonroof, memory seats for driver and passenger, an 'info' switch for the dash display (like, mpg, average speed, etc)

miles: 119k

therefore, the wheels i had for sale are no longer! how handy is that! but, now i gotta start over, with the grill, headlights, brakes, etc. at least i know where to shop, and the turbo instead of the n/a wagon i had, opens up a lot more doors for improvement.

im debating getting my wheels powdercoated, as i dont think the chrome would look very good with the white. im thinking black powdercoat...

anyways, if somebody can help me identify if this is actually a T5 or not, would be helpful!

 

Technically it is a 1996 850 Turbo. The "T5" designation started in 1997. It has the same turbo and engine as the 1997 850 T5. Does it have TRACS? Does it have Sport/Economy Transmission Settings? Does it have sports suspension?

https://volvoforums.com/m_31697/tm.htm

If you are concerned about mileage, then have your local friendly neighborhood dealership perform a visual inspection and an engine compression test (about $130). At least, perform a cooling system leakdown test. I placed the pump at the cooling system reservior tank. Be careful that it doesn't fly off under pressure. There shouldn't be any leaks at 18 psi.

Find your Volvo on-line...
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.cars.com -- on-line listings from classified ads of local newspapers
http://www.craigslist.com -- click on on-line classified ads from your city

Utility for searching gov't records...
http://www.carfax.com

Utility for identifying model year, make, model, trim of vehicle...
http://vin.stronghold.com

10th position of VIN indicates model year...
S - 1995
T - 1996
V - 1997
W - 1998

4th position of VIN determines sedan/wagon...


5th and 6th position of VIN indicated engine code...
53 - MY98 S70 T5 with turbo
55 - MY93-97 850 with DOHC 2.4L I5 with no turbo
56 - MY97 850 GLT with DOHC 2.4L I5 with small turbo at 6 psi
57 - MY93-97 850 Turbo with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi
58 - MY95-97 850 R with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi (10.5 for initial 20 secs)

Pre-purchase check list...
Coolant system leakdown test will identify possible problem with head gasket
Engine compression test will identify possible problems with piston rings or head valves
Visual Inspection from Volvo Dealership ($130) will verify over-all condition of car

Maintenance items to expect to be addressed immediately after purchase...

1) Brake Pads and Rotors
In my experience, OEM pads only last 25K miles. Rotors must be replaced, they can't be turned.

2) ATF (Dexron-III) will be black.
I would not power flush, in fear that debris will break loose and cause problems.

Here are procedures that I used to drain and fill...
https://volvoforums.com/m_25657/tm.htm

Best option is to purchase ATF DIY flush kit from
http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.as...549&RootID=629

This does NOT apply to 1999 and newer Volvo(s) which have AW55-50/51SN transmission. This transmission requires Mobil/Volvo JWS 3309. It is not synthetic. It is expensive -- $18/quart.

3) Do NOT use power steering fluid. Our systems use Dexron-III.

4) Volvo no longer sells 87C/190F thermostat. Do NOT use OEM 90C/195F, purchase 87C/190F Wahler from
http://www.fcpgroton.com

Here are procedures that I used to replace thermostat and ECT...
https://volvoforums.com/m_16392/tm.htm


5) Misc.
-- purchase a hydraulic jack to lift front of car for oil changes
-- purchase a pair of jack stands (place on engine sub-frame)
-- purchase a package of aluminum crush washers for oil drain plug
-- purchase a magnetic oil drain plug from FCPGroton (optional)
-- purchase one aluminum crush washer for ATF drain plug

 

thank you robert!

 

Are you sure about that?

I have a 95 850T5 and it is actually badged as a T5 as well as being called that on the V5c. Perhaps it's different in the US?

 

The 2.3L with the Mitsubishi td04hl-15g turbo is called "850 Turbo" thru model year 1996, here in the U.S.

1995 was the first year of the "850 T5R", which was shortened to just "850 R" in 1996.

 

Yes, you will want to have new aluminum crush gaskets (washers) ready to go whenever you drain-n-refill your oil and your Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Here are procedures that I used to drain and fill Auto Trans...
https://volvoforums.com/m_25657/tm.htm

 

Congrats on the New car Welcome back!

 

so my 1997 850 has a 56 for the 6th and 7th numbers in the vin. This means it is a small turbo. Is it still the TD04hl-15G? Is it a mitsubishi turbo? And can I safely increase the boost?

 

Just curious if anyone had an answer for him ? ? ?

 

Does that help?

If it's an LPT then it's a 13G. Yes it's a mitsubishi turbo. You can never "safely" increase boost. Whenever you start playing with boost your chances of hurting your motor go up, you can add supporting mods to help prevent damage, but you are never 100% safe.