what to start with when upgrading my engine?
 

hi i got a 97 awd wagon 850 with the B5254t it comes with a low pressure turbo what should i start with i want to upgrade my engine any ideas?

Stage zero.

What gilber said. To expand on that, make sure that everything on the motor is in good shape: plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, seals, pcv system, timing belt, water pump, etc. Essentially, make sure that there are no weak links in the motor and driveline. if there are deficiencies, you'll find them the hard way as soon as you start throwing power at it.

welcome to the 850 AWD crew... for more info on our cars:
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850-16/everything-you-need-know-about-volvo-850-awd-canada-edition-40602/

and for mod wise. id start with intake then downpipe, then dual magnaflow, then chip.

I'm gonna tag on to this post cause I figure multiple topics angers most forums lol
Is there a limit to the lpt setup? I mean can I go past let's say 300hp? I've heard the motor can't handle it

I don't want to hurt any feelings here but from my experience with a B5254S, I agree with what you heard.

it's gonna be the same on the HPT setup. you go past 300 -320 hp, and you need to start considering upgrading the bottom end.

There are big differences in the B5254T and the B5234T/T5 and spending money on the bottom end of a B5254T is a total waste of money, this is what I know. Just try to find forged pistons and rods, it's difficult enough to find them for the B5234T, I spent a long time looking.

From what I've read, the AW50-42 can't handle anymore than 300hp. I think that's pushing it for a car that (I) we want to be as dependable as they cars we drive were designed to be.

I originally wanted to tune my platinum, and I think the B5234T/t5/T5R is a great engine, but even if I put in an M56 I'm still left with FWD. ever seen a FWD race car? and at my age I love the comfort and quiet of the 850. What a remarkable car.

Well what's a safe hp before I do damage to the engine? I don't mind spending money for the power I like the car and looks so I don't really care I wanted to be different from all the hondas lol so its really hard to find rods and pistons huh lol

you wanted to be different from the hondas and you bought a volvo.
that job is done...

Now if you want to be like them you could always cut your springs weld your suspention, put lights on everything, and about 5 15" subs to propell you at the speed of sound...

and youd have to tune about 80 hp out of your engine but keep the car at the same weight...

wait.... it'd still be better...

really though..

Stage 0... make sure everything is in good working shape. theres a good chance... its not, or at least can be better....

ok thanks for the imput guys. so what you are saying is do nothing with the engine, and work on the air intake, and the exhaust and put a dual in for the performance and looks, and change out the downpipe. sounds like what i was going to do in the first place since i could not find any info on how to upgrade online. i herd my original ecu is hard to find that true so if i get a newer one for the performance i should remeber where i put the old one in case lol.what about one of those hand held programable computers those a good idea or no? what about suspension any comments? lower and stiffer or leave as is? or go for a body kit? so far for prices i have been looking at eurosport tuning they seem reasonable have any you guys any other places to check out? i am in the process of aquiring a spoiler for my 850 wagon anyone know what colour black volvo used or am i ok with just buying black paint?

Universal black is the color you want. If you buy the stuff called "perfect match" in universal black, it'll match just fine. I fixed a rust spot on my door and used that. you'd never know it was rattle canned by looking at it.

You can damage your engine anywhere along the route. There is no one thing anyone could put a finger on that is going to tell you if you do this your going to damage your engine. You need to be smart, dont abuse your engine into the ground. Take care of it, listen to it, be smart.

Here is a good write-up
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index...-dont-comment/

airboxes eurosport vs ipd i need help
 

http://www.eurosporttuning.ca/mm5/me...Code=VL-S70-en
http://www.eurosporttuning.ca/mm5/me...Code=VL-S70-en
which would be better? the ipd airbox has a fixture for sas a separate air filter for which i do not really understand but my original airbox does have it. but eurosport tuning has a airbox also but it does not say anything about the sas system have any ideas guys isit a big deal?

mike.. i dont know if you read through my thread.. if you have an 850 AWD then that means that you have motronic 4.4.
On mine so far ive done EST strut bar + IPD intake, later im going to do dual magnaflow + ECU tune.. ill probably stop there.

rearend is sagging
 

another noob question from me my rear end is sagging a bit nothing major but starting to feel the bumps alot more. should i get oem suspension for the rear only or all around even though the front end is good, or should i upgrade my whole suspension front and back in one go ie. coil overs, or lower my vehicle and get some performance springs and shocks. suggestions

I wouldn't lower it. but thats just personal preference. I think its ricey.

Your best bet, i would say, is to do your front struts and rear shocks all at once, if you can afford it. Bilstein HD's are you higher end option, but can be pricey. if you want something nice that doesnt break the bank check out Bilstein TC's. I here good things... and lifetime warrenty =)

definatly dont do stock shocks if you end up lowering...

suspension question same as before
 

i have been researching or trying to find an answer for my question of suspension, the shocks and struts and the all mighty spring. i definatley need new springs in the back and well saying that most likely need new shocks in the rear aswell, so i will be doing the whole vehicle in one shot. the question is i cannnot find anyone that can give me a answer about performance springs and shocks, struts for my AWD, be it a kit or individually purchased. (1)is there a such thing (2) where can i find it i have been to ipd and est most of their suspension stuff i have seen seems to exclude nivomat and/or AWD. (3) oem parts are there kits for them or all individually purchased? i have found shocks and struts from bilstiens thanks regime for the pointers, but i cannot seem to find springs anyone know where to go? and of course should i go stock or heavy duty springs? once again thanks for the help, noobie mikeawd850

the only thing to do is order these: http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/188
they are a type of nivomat, but are much cheaper than the ones our cars come standard with, more like a regualar shock absorber... They may also make something KYB but you would have to other mods to use them.
the easiest way is to custom order eibach springs to go with your new nivomats.. because if there are any kits made they INCLUDE the use of nivomats+ drop bolts... and who the hell wants those?

ohhh stink... I forgot.. you probably have nivomats on your car... holy pricey and un-upgradable....

You could convert to normal... but ehhhh that may cost you as much as a set of the nivomats...

as i was saying have been doing research on this i have a found a couple places that maybe able to had over some performance to my suspension. the nivomats will stay that is a given but i will be able to get some newer stiffer lower springs and a performance shocks from they are saying so a little stockand a little performance do not have prices yet but i will keep you guys updated ifyou are interested. my question is the nivomats are self leveling am i right or is that another part of the suspension of my car?

The only thing i would want to know if I was going to keep the nivomats and lower the car is... Would that in anyway shorten the life of the shocks... those little things are pricey....

I would be looking at braces and poly to stiffen up the car...

But again... that's me...

1. When upgrading your engine no matter how new or old it is you want to start with STAGE ZERO. Below is a list of the parts you'll need to complete this.

Plugs
cap/rotor
oil/transflush
filter (oil)
hoses (the little vac lines, Do this in Silicone.)
samco hose kit (Turbo Models ONLY, SAMCO or Stylin Motors Inc.)
02 sensors
fuel pumps
clean injectors
clean IC/IC plumbing (Turbo Models ONLY)
Air filter
plug wires
Boost gauge (Turbo Models ONLY)

2. I doubt you can push more then about 300-310 on the stock motor more so your transmission. I'd want to beef up that transmission as I beef my engine up. I think it will blow faster then your engine will.

3. I don't know if you know but tuning a Volvo isn't cheap, like it is for Honda, etc... Your going to be spending some mighty good coin. I know you said you want it to be different in looks and everthing and you alreayd have by getting a Volvo but just realize what your getting into monetarily wise here.

- Downpipes, $500 to $1500 Depending on prefabbed or custom.
- Catbacks, $400 to $1200 Depending on prefabbed or custom.
- Intakes, $150-$200+ Depending on prefabbed or custom.
**Personally a good panel filter will do you more performance then an EST or IPD USA short ram intake setup.**
- Rods and Pistons, $700+
- ECU tuning, $325-$700 and even more when you get into the self programmers.

4. As far as self programmers go they aren't like the ones you see on SPIKE TV where you plaug them in and tune that way. Your going to need a computer to do this with. Yeah it plugs in, but unless you know how to tune I wouldn't recommend this route. They are standalone systems that require a great tuning knowledge base. RICA, IPD USA are two great companies that have amazing tunes and are well worth the money spent.

like i said the best would be get rid of the monster nivomats you have now because there really expensive and are a pain in the ass. Replace them with the ones i linked your there alot cheaper and very similar to a regular shock. Thats what i have and it works great.

Just for my future reference could you tell me where? The only ones I could find are these

http://www.volvomotorsports.com/cata...products_id=65

kind of pricey

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index...-dont-comment/



here ya go bobec... No pistons, but 100 bucks a rod. and they help to lighten up the REDICULOUS heavy rotating assembly of the volvo whiteblock.

http://yhst-26451710505916.stores.ya...oforvowh2.html

Thanks, good find. Price is pretty reasonable. Their pistons look good too.

thanks for the s70driver i know it will be pricey to upgrade my volvo it is my second one i used to have a 240 sportwagon 4spd with overdrive lots of fun. just keeping that thing stock was outrageous. any way as for my stage 0 for my current volvo 850 AWD since mine has a low pressure turbo is it important i get those hose kits? i did most of the work you listed already, but did not upgrade/change any of it, if it was not cracked or misshapen or look burned out. i left it alone because of price and knowing it will be pricey i have decided to change/upgrade when i notice it start to degrade, smart idea, bad? i did change up my timing belt and serpinetine belt. thanks for the webpage matt01 and regime. was talking to someone at vms and apparently they are coming out with a new suspension kit and it should be up on their website this week and it was geared towards 850 incl. AWD about $1700.00. since you guys have the experience in this vehicle, maybe you can help me out since i was looking to change up my suspension since mine is going. see if it is worth it the guy i talked to said it will work with the AWD and not cause any issues.s70driver you said a goodquality airfilter will work just asgood if not better than the ipd est cold ram air intake have a idea on make/type ifit works it will save me several hundred dollars

matt01 seeif this would be what you are looing for http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rd...875368174.html
tan leather interior 850 turbo does not say if it is a wagon or not

Yeah i found them looking for stuff for my 240 (since they sell mostly 240 stuff)
then i got the 850, and my focus was changed.

Being that the rods are the weak link in the engine, 500 bucks isnt a bad bit of insurance if your going to be hitting 300-350+ hp... pistons... yeah good idea, but... The stockers seem to be pretty good.
Or... At least i haven't seen a lot of people melting them....

bent rods on the other hand... that you see...

the problem with any suspension kits is... there isnt much demand for AWD suspension kits because its not very popular.. it would surprise me if they made one for the AWD and it would have to be specifically for the AWD due to its made completely different and to compensate for the extra weight.
If the price really is 1700$ it better be high quality coil over kit.

nevertheless post the link when you see the new products.

You'll hold boost a lot better with the silicone turbo hoses from SAMCO and or Stylin Motors Inc.

Also the vac lines go brittle and the silicone lines are just like the turbo ones and will be that much better in the long run.

I have an LPT and while my stock turbo hoses were fine I saw a greatly improved boost hold with my Stylin Motors Inc. kit. Also I have blown the stock turbo hoses off my turbo a few times, a little scary. I now use T-BOLT clamps and have solved the issue. T-BOLT clamps are worth the extra money.

http://www.volvomotorsports.com/cata...oducts_id=1019 this is what the guy terry coons says is the product from volvo motorsports.com let me know what you guys think they look kind of sketchy to me but you guys have more experience than i do with the 850 awd let me know. theyare still putting the rear springs through tests but the shold be ready to go.

and what i got from viva performance is these springs but the will put in the shocks and struts also as a kit http://www.vivaperformance.com/catal...roducts_id=891 let me know what you guys would do i know most of you are saying stay stock but take a look give me a yay or nay and which ones. and saying this should i also change my spring seats (xc90's?)since i am putting all new stuff in anyway.if the consensus is nay should i just buy the springs new from volvo so i do not run into the same issue i am in now with sagging rear end with getting used ones from a junker in a couple years and pay maybe half the cost instead of the billions of dollars for them straight from volvo ?

i would definatly say go for the performance stuff... if it fit the car. the vms stuff that you posted looks good, but its an awful site information wise they have no info.
The TME set would work, but is it for use with AWD and nivomat cars or just AWD cars? If its AWD non nivmoat, then thats what I want.. but if you keep your nivo's it might not be what you want.

yep here in britain the british touring car championship is dominated by fwd race cars and even volvo used a 850 in the 90's that was fwd in btcc and stcc in sweden oh and australia tcc so yep fwd race cars there are loads of them.
stage 0 then have a remap and change the exhaust and dp and intake plus then swap 13g for the 16g or bigger and should see 300 bhp but 4wd loses more power due to powertrain than a fwd but anything is possible if you have the money but the 2.3 is a stonger block than the 2.5 and there's a 591 bhp 2.3 t5 fwd 850 around plus some 400+ bhp here in england.
if you have auto need oil cooler on gearbox to help with temperatures for use over 300 bhp but even then can break the gearbox.

ok thanks matt01 i will ask if the springs will work on nivo's and non nivo and i will let you know. lol and to confirm i got the nod from you to take a closer look at the vms stuff?

haha yes, i approve..

i asked about the springs for non nivomat shocks and he says....... no they will not sorry to tell you that. http://www.ksportusa.com/asp/contact_us.asp i went here to see if i could get more info on that kit but basically vms cut and paste their webpage onto theirs because they gave the same info so i am contacting via email and see what they say any questions in particular you guys would want to ask ?

have got no response as of yet from the ksports guys about the kit but the viva performance guys got something for me here is what they offered

TME Front/Rear Lowering Springs: $329.99

Front Suspension:
Front Struts #19 (2 needed): $97
Front Protecting Bellows #12 (2 needed): $9
Front Spring Seat #8 (2 needed): $33
Helper Spring #10 (2 needed): $39

Rear Suspension:
Rear Nivomat Shocks #3 (2 needed): $365
Rear Shock Support Plate #6 (2 needed): $43
Rear Spring Buffer #9 (2 needed): $27
Rear Sprint Seat #2 (2 needed): $9

it is all in US funds comes close to 1000.00 without taxes it might end up costing less if not the same as the ksports.you guys have any issues pointers?