Volvo 854 T-5R Olive green
Discussion
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.
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.
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.
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.
Had great fun at Brands even though it was chucking it down with rain. Handling was very predictable in the wet, neutral no understeer issues. Brakes were spot on and no issues with oil or water temps. Only just passed the static noise test. Tester advised me to short shift on track to avoid getting black flagged for noise. I had to short shift anyway due to it being wet and lack of traction. Look forward to the next one.
https://youtube.com/shorts/x8Ua35JhLbE?si=Dxw7zX9n...
https://youtube.com/shorts/5pZyW20Jzm8?si=d9npv0Zc...
https://youtube.com/shorts/x8Ua35JhLbE?si=Dxw7zX9n...
https://youtube.com/shorts/5pZyW20Jzm8?si=d9npv0Zc...
Cambelt, Waterpump and Aux belt replaced last month as they were 8 years old although only done about 10k miles in that time. Good job they were changed as the cambelt tensioner bolt sheared off when trying to undo it! Luckily rest of thread came out easily so no damage done. It was all replaced with genuine Volvo parts.
Went to Retro Rides Weekender at Goodwood last week and was lucky enough to get track time sprint sessions. First time I’ve driven Goodwood circuit and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to go back there again.
First couple of laps I didn’t bother removing my cover that blocks off airflow to the oil cooler ( forgot ). Temps went up to 110c. Removed cover on second session and oil temps stayed about 90c. No real problems to speak of and pretty sure the oil catch tank and larger bore breather pipes from PCV oil trap has helped as didn’t have oil pushing out of gaskets like at Brands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQDE49kjQeA
Went to Retro Rides Weekender at Goodwood last week and was lucky enough to get track time sprint sessions. First time I’ve driven Goodwood circuit and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to go back there again.
First couple of laps I didn’t bother removing my cover that blocks off airflow to the oil cooler ( forgot ). Temps went up to 110c. Removed cover on second session and oil temps stayed about 90c. No real problems to speak of and pretty sure the oil catch tank and larger bore breather pipes from PCV oil trap has helped as didn’t have oil pushing out of gaskets like at Brands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQDE49kjQeA
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff