Automotive

Killing some time while the kids are tiring themselves out on a climbing parcours I started chatting with the AI of choice about what one could do to refresh the 850T-5R for somewhat more reliable driving fun. The last road trip with it was 12 years ago a...  

First generation which was my fav: And the second generation: ...  

Did you keep them stock or did you make changes to either of them?

Ford Motorsport has me more surprised - were there common components?

Forgot that Ford became a heavy user of the engine for a while. Did the Ford Motorsport offer a better choice of parts than Heico or did you like them better? Btw. Did you fit an LSD?

Given that the engines are based off a common base the Ford parts might be an option that I haven’t considered.

Puma Speed admission + dynamic air, Bigger Intercooler... Special hose ...  

Great shots and thanks so much for having added the elements and pictures. That definitely gives me an idea and now it’s back to the thinking of what makes most sense. AI is terrible in the sense that it encourages you over many of the silly ideas you mig... 

In fact there is a warning against too much torque, as that would most likely spoil the handling. Another torque limiting factor is that it has the automatic gearbox, which handles a tad less torque than the manual. Handling remains the focus, as does roa... 

Power was not a big issue…

The car was nicknamed T-gul (as in T-yellow) and was available in the signature yellow as well as black. Sedan as well as estate (there were many more estates than sedans and many more yellow than black ones).

1. LSD 2. Pilot Sport or Conti Sport. 3. Big brake kit. 4. KW or Bilstein suspension. You could also add: 5. Hybrid Turbo 6. Recaro seats 7. Shorter steering rack 8. Lightweight wheels with semi-slicks 9. Carbon roof/doors/trunk, hood. 10. Rear seat delet... 

5-8 is a bit more extreme - would like to keep the original seats as they are supremely comfortable and lightweight or carbon roofs go a bit beyond what I would like to invest. Apparently the Netherlands are one of the best places to make a Volvo upgrade,... 

Although I have to say I simply love the look of the original five spoke black alloys 😊👍🏻

I think a “conservative” restoration would be most appropriate, but it is after all your car. Correct me if I’m wrong but these engines (not sure about the turbos) are bulletproof..? In any case I love it!

It is actually on the second engine. The first one imploded at around 225k km (ca. 140 k miles). Volvo did provide a replacement free of charge, though. As for changes - would like to keep it looking largely stock but improve it gently at the same time.

Has the turbo been replaced along the way? Else a hybrid turbo during the next replacement could be an idea along with the downpipe and exos. Otherwise, I am with you on prioritizing the handling bits with bigger brakes, LSD, strut bar, mounts, and new ru... 

Has been unregistered and not driven for 12 years now. Still being run several times a year to ensure the engine is working, though. Unlike the engine, which got replaced, the turbo is still the original one I believe. Not sure if I want to significantly ... 

I bought this for its looks and off-road capabilities even though I secretly wanted this instead At this point I did bigger, better tires, drilled brake rotors, free-flowing air filter and a few other minor mods. But then the Jaguar fell into our driveway...  

And a great photo journey, as always. I guess it will come down to a similar choice for me - do something with the Volvo or simply get another car that will produce more pleasure right out of the box. Let’s see what it will be 👍🏻🤷🏻‍♂️ That Jag does look n...