Volvo 854 T-5R Olive green
Discussion
The T-5R has been running well lately. I had the inner and outer rear mounts/bushes replaced at the end of last year and also swapped out the uprated front IPD bar for a standard one. Kept the rear IPD bar. I was finding that the front IPD bar was too stiff not allowing the front to damp independently. This was causing a lot of torque steer issues as well. With stock front antiroll bar the car handles much better.
Fitted IPD stud and nut kit.
When I bought the car it was fitted with a gearbox from a na 2.0 850 with a higher final drive. This gave better acceleration but revved high in 5th. Never really liked the ratios in the box compared with the stock M56H box in my other T-5R. Sourced a good secondhand M56H which is waiting to be fitted. Old box is out and I’ve sent the Quaife diff off to be checked over as I was getting a lot slack in the take up of drive, about 3 inches of play causing a noise when coming on and off accelerator and changing gear. We are pretty sure it’s play in one of the gear seats in the old box but getting diff checked anyway.
New genuine Volvo 850R 3 piece clutch kit going in. Also noticed slight play in lower front arm ball joint so renewing both arms.
Hopefully it will be back up and running in April sometime. Really hoping to get it on a trackday this year!
Fitted IPD stud and nut kit.
When I bought the car it was fitted with a gearbox from a na 2.0 850 with a higher final drive. This gave better acceleration but revved high in 5th. Never really liked the ratios in the box compared with the stock M56H box in my other T-5R. Sourced a good secondhand M56H which is waiting to be fitted. Old box is out and I’ve sent the Quaife diff off to be checked over as I was getting a lot slack in the take up of drive, about 3 inches of play causing a noise when coming on and off accelerator and changing gear. We are pretty sure it’s play in one of the gear seats in the old box but getting diff checked anyway.
New genuine Volvo 850R 3 piece clutch kit going in. Also noticed slight play in lower front arm ball joint so renewing both arms.
Hopefully it will be back up and running in April sometime. Really hoping to get it on a trackday this year!
The car has been up on axle stands since mid February when the old M56L with 4.45FD was removed. I never really liked this box with short ratios and higher final drive. Going back to standard factory box ratios and 4.00FD.
Replacing a few worn out items whilst it’s apart. There was play in one of the lower arm ball joints so decided to renew both front lower arms. The old arms were poly bushed but this was done back in 2009 so bought a new poly bush kit.
Also noticed slight play in one of the front wheel bearings ( I’d renewed the other side last year ). Took the bearing assembly off the hub carrier and it was most certainly sounding rough.
Also renewing/upgrading engine mount beside the crank pulley with one from MPRE of Sweden. I think this will increase noise vibration but handling will be improved.
Diff was sent away to Quaife for a service/check as there was a lot of play in take up of drive which was probably in old box but made sense to get diff checked whilst apart. Turns out diff was fine with no wear so one less thing to spend out on.
Even though I have been abroad for 3 weeks in March I’m really missing not being able to jump in the car and take it for a drive. Got my F80 M3 sitting here but I’d rather have fun in my old T-5R!
Hopefully it will back together in the next few weeks.
New 850R clutch going in. Old one wasn’t that worn but springs were rattling a bit.
Replacing a few worn out items whilst it’s apart. There was play in one of the lower arm ball joints so decided to renew both front lower arms. The old arms were poly bushed but this was done back in 2009 so bought a new poly bush kit.
Also noticed slight play in one of the front wheel bearings ( I’d renewed the other side last year ). Took the bearing assembly off the hub carrier and it was most certainly sounding rough.
Also renewing/upgrading engine mount beside the crank pulley with one from MPRE of Sweden. I think this will increase noise vibration but handling will be improved.
Diff was sent away to Quaife for a service/check as there was a lot of play in take up of drive which was probably in old box but made sense to get diff checked whilst apart. Turns out diff was fine with no wear so one less thing to spend out on.
Even though I have been abroad for 3 weeks in March I’m really missing not being able to jump in the car and take it for a drive. Got my F80 M3 sitting here but I’d rather have fun in my old T-5R!
Hopefully it will back together in the next few weeks.
New 850R clutch going in. Old one wasn’t that worn but springs were rattling a bit.
She’s back together, just bedding the clutch in at the moment.
I think I’ve finally got the handling nailed now, taken me 3 years! The way the car changes direction is quite unbelievable for a Volvo 850. Increased toe in and neg camber on rear makes a big difference. About 1.9 degrees neg camber on front. New front lower arms with new poly bushes. New MPRE solid engine mount by crank pulley has made a huge difference in the way the car can change direction. I’m comparing this to my F80 M3 which is obviously a lot sharper and better turn in but the 850 is now amazing for what it is.
I think I’ve finally got the handling nailed now, taken me 3 years! The way the car changes direction is quite unbelievable for a Volvo 850. Increased toe in and neg camber on rear makes a big difference. About 1.9 degrees neg camber on front. New front lower arms with new poly bushes. New MPRE solid engine mount by crank pulley has made a huge difference in the way the car can change direction. I’m comparing this to my F80 M3 which is obviously a lot sharper and better turn in but the 850 is now amazing for what it is.
Renewed the drivers door check strap today. The door had ripped/cracked where check strap mounts so had to drill holes to stop cracks growing. Made up a plate to give the area a bit of strength. No more clicking now!
Also renewed the interior door pull on the door panel, old one was cracked which is very common.
Also renewed the interior door pull on the door panel, old one was cracked which is very common.
Great work. 
Sounds like it’s really well sorted handling wise.
I’m busy doing a few of the same jobs as you on my manual V70 T5. I’ve just fitted the 850R clutch with singlemass flywheel. Need to sort my clicking check straps too. I’m hoping it’s just the strap itself not a cracked door like yours. I’ll see when I remove it.
Mine should be mot’d and on the road for the second week in May.
Like you, I have a couple of arguably way better cars. They’re all coming out of hibernation next month but getting the T5 done is exciting me the most. They do get under your skin don’t they.
Anyway, great progress. It looks great. Those seats are a great addition.
Sounds like it’s really well sorted handling wise.
I’m busy doing a few of the same jobs as you on my manual V70 T5. I’ve just fitted the 850R clutch with singlemass flywheel. Need to sort my clicking check straps too. I’m hoping it’s just the strap itself not a cracked door like yours. I’ll see when I remove it.
Mine should be mot’d and on the road for the second week in May.
Like you, I have a couple of arguably way better cars. They’re all coming out of hibernation next month but getting the T5 done is exciting me the most. They do get under your skin don’t they.
Anyway, great progress. It looks great. Those seats are a great addition.
marky911 said:
Great work.
Sounds like it’s really well sorted handling wise.
I’m busy doing a few of the same jobs as you on my manual V70 T5. I’ve just fitted the 850R clutch with singlemass flywheel. Need to sort my clicking check straps too. I’m hoping it’s just the strap itself not a cracked door like yours. I’ll see when I remove it.
Mine should be mot’d and on the road for the second week in May.
Like you, I have a couple of arguably way better cars. They’re all coming out of hibernation next month but getting the T5 done is exciting me the most. They do get under your skin don’t they.
Anyway, great progress. It looks great. Those seats are a great addition.
Is the V70 MOT’d and on the road now?Sounds like it’s really well sorted handling wise.
I’m busy doing a few of the same jobs as you on my manual V70 T5. I’ve just fitted the 850R clutch with singlemass flywheel. Need to sort my clicking check straps too. I’m hoping it’s just the strap itself not a cracked door like yours. I’ll see when I remove it.
Mine should be mot’d and on the road for the second week in May.
Like you, I have a couple of arguably way better cars. They’re all coming out of hibernation next month but getting the T5 done is exciting me the most. They do get under your skin don’t they.
Anyway, great progress. It looks great. Those seats are a great addition.
Agree, something about the old 5 pot turbo Volvos that gets under your skin. With the mods mine has now it kind of reminds me of my old Sierra Cosworth’s.
cosworth330 said:
Looking forward to doing a trackday in it. Retro trackday with other cars pre 2000. Not booked anything yet.
I take it you still have a Volvo?
Sadly not. I sold my saffron V70R 9 years ago. Shouldn’t have, was a ‘97 manual with the 18t. A few breathing mods really helped. Had a milltek too!I take it you still have a Volvo?
cosworth330 said:
Is the V70 MOT’d and on the road now?
Agree, something about the old 5 pot turbo Volvos that gets under your skin. With the mods mine has now it kind of reminds me of my old Sierra Cosworth’s.
Good luck at the track day and with temps. Should be a great day. Agree, something about the old 5 pot turbo Volvos that gets under your skin. With the mods mine has now it kind of reminds me of my old Sierra Cosworth’s.
We are heading down to P’heads 25th next weekend and Retro rides gathering at Mallory on the Sunday (weather permitting for Sunday but definitely doing P’heads bash either way).
I’m in the GT3 as that’s for P’heads show, but would have rather been in the T5 or 205 GTi for Retro Rides.
I missed your reply above.
Yes mine was MOT’d. Needed an inner tie rod and gaiter and that was it. It has been my summer daily for a few months now. I still have my non turbo one for tip runs and winter.
(It wears a front plate. It was removed for detailing.)
Stedman said:
Is that on the 30th?
No, it’s a track evening on Thursday the 24th. Thought I’d be better off to do an evening first so I can see any weak points on the car. When I’ve done a whole day in previous cars I tend to get fed up by the afternoon! Funny thing, I was watching a YouTube video of Volvos at Castle Combe yesterday and heard in the commentary from someone going round “ is that Stedman holding everyone up” lol.
cosworth330 said:
No, it’s a track evening on Thursday the 24th. Thought I’d be better off to do an evening first so I can see any weak points on the car. When I’ve done a whole day in previous cars I tend to get fed up by the afternoon!
Funny thing, I was watching a YouTube video of Volvos at Castle Combe yesterday and heard in the commentary from someone going round “ is that Stedman holding everyone up” lol.
Hahaha! Please find me that clip.Funny thing, I was watching a YouTube video of Volvos at Castle Combe yesterday and heard in the commentary from someone going round “ is that Stedman holding everyone up” lol.
marky911 said:
Good luck at the track day and with temps. Should be a great day.
We are heading down to P’heads 25th next weekend and Retro rides gathering at Mallory on the Sunday (weather permitting for Sunday but definitely doing P’heads bash either way).
I’m in the GT3 as that’s for P’heads show, but would have rather been in the T5 or 205 GTi for Retro Rides.
I missed your reply above.
Yes mine was MOT’d. Needed an inner tie rod and gaiter and that was it. It has been my summer daily for a few months now. I still have my non turbo one for tip runs and winter.
(It wears a front plate. It was removed for detailing.)
Looks like a nice example, lovely colour.We are heading down to P’heads 25th next weekend and Retro rides gathering at Mallory on the Sunday (weather permitting for Sunday but definitely doing P’heads bash either way).
I’m in the GT3 as that’s for P’heads show, but would have rather been in the T5 or 205 GTi for Retro Rides.
I missed your reply above.
Yes mine was MOT’d. Needed an inner tie rod and gaiter and that was it. It has been my summer daily for a few months now. I still have my non turbo one for tip runs and winter.
(It wears a front plate. It was removed for detailing.)
I kept looking at going to Retro Rides but none of my mates wanted to go plus that weekend is a bit difficult for me anyway. PH25 no good for me as they didn’t want a F80 M3 or T-5R. Really wanted to go to the Retro trackday at Combe as well but just too busy. Hopefully next year.
Thanks, it’s Venetian Red.
I know the feeling regarding being too busy. Not ideal timing for me but we planned the P’heads thing with a mate who sadly passed away in April. So all his mates are still going. It’ll be a bittersweet day though.
Yep I’m a bit miffed at not getting into the show.
Someone told me only cars that were made during P’heads time could go, so 1999 onwards.
Then they didn’t want my GT3 either. Not the end of the world but a funny criteria that left a lot of long time members unable to show anything.
Retro rides is weather permitting and we’ll see how much we want to do it on Saturday night when we leave Bicester. Otherwise it’s straight home on Sat instead of Sunday.
Have a good trackday anyway. I hope the car behaves.
I know the feeling regarding being too busy. Not ideal timing for me but we planned the P’heads thing with a mate who sadly passed away in April. So all his mates are still going. It’ll be a bittersweet day though.
Yep I’m a bit miffed at not getting into the show.
Someone told me only cars that were made during P’heads time could go, so 1999 onwards.
Then they didn’t want my GT3 either. Not the end of the world but a funny criteria that left a lot of long time members unable to show anything.
Retro rides is weather permitting and we’ll see how much we want to do it on Saturday night when we leave Bicester. Otherwise it’s straight home on Sat instead of Sunday.
Have a good trackday anyway. I hope the car behaves.
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