Volvo 850 T5- Prep for trackday?
Discussion
I have purchased a 850 T5 , it's a manual. It's got a pile of history, serviced twice a year it's whole life. It's now on 134k miles drives about as good as it should when new. I would now like to do a couple of track days nothing to serious, just for fun. So what really if anything should I upgrade/check? I've checked the disks n pads plus oil & filter. So what next? Any info welcome. Thanks.
Mine oil surged around Lydden hill, it towed my race car there but not back. Did the bottom end & lunched the engine within six lap of Lydden & yes it was full of oil.
So I'd say a winged & or baffled sump might be sensible, plus an OP gauge.
So I'd say a winged & or baffled sump might be sensible, plus an OP gauge.
Edited by cptsideways on Sunday 3rd April 21:40
I don't know how true this is (because I read it on the internet where everyone is an expert doncha' know) that the T5 engine has poor oil control and can suffer from oil starvation when cornering hard on long bends.
It was a thread on T5D5 where owners were discussing the issue, I think the moral of the story was chek that the oil is fully topped up when you go.
ETA: Guy above me beat me to it!
It was a thread on T5D5 where owners were discussing the issue, I think the moral of the story was chek that the oil is fully topped up when you go.
ETA: Guy above me beat me to it!
Brake fluid! You'll NEED fresh decent stuff in but, ideally AP Race fluid. It's an inexpensive job that WILL otherwise spoil your session after, ooh, about 2 hot laps!
Nice car! I want an 850R or M3 saloon to tow my trackcar. Currently wafting round in my dads old 940 with 184,000 miles on.
They're great old barges aren't they!
Nice car! I want an 850R or M3 saloon to tow my trackcar. Currently wafting round in my dads old 940 with 184,000 miles on.
They're great old barges aren't they!
Drive it of course! You'll look like a right wally trailering a standard volvo to a trackday! If you do the couple of things mentioned already then there's no reason why it won't be fine to drive home. Maybe take some spare front tyres though.
And remember; Volvos never die. They only get faster
And remember; Volvos never die. They only get faster
busta said:
Drive it of course! You'll look like a right wally trailering a standard volvo to a trackday!
Good point! This hadn't even registered with me. 
Mind you, you'll look even more of a wally if you're stood there in a pool of oil and volvo guts at the end of the day, waving everyone goodbye, when you could be half way down the motorway with it on your trailer.
If you were to tow it, you need to check the tow capacity of your tow car/van, easily available.
Also you need to add your car and trailer weight up and it shouldn't really be more then 75-80% of your tow vehicle.
cammy33 said:
I have purchased a 850 T5 , it's a manual. It's got a pile of history, serviced twice a year it's whole life. It's now on 134k miles drives about as good as it should when new. I would now like to do a couple of track days nothing to serious, just for fun. So what really if anything should I upgrade/check? I've checked the disks n pads plus oil & filter. So what next? Any info welcome. Thanks.
Get over to T5D5. Some clever people there, some seem to be genuine experts...marky911 said:
Good point! This hadn't even registered with me.
Mind you, you'll look even more of a wally if you're stood there in a pool of oil and volvo guts at the end of the day, waving everyone goodbye, when you could be half way down the motorway with it on your trailer.
If you were to tow it, you need to check the tow capacity of your tow car/van, easily available.
Also you need to add your car and trailer weight up and it shouldn't really be more then 75-80% of your tow vehicle.
Not wanting to get into the science of towing, 75-80% is the figure quoted for caravans where a caravan that weighs the same as a car is 3 times as long and twice as tall, and the driver only does 300miles of towing a year. I regularly tow over 200% (1.7 ton Landrover Defender towing a shade over 3.5 tons) without issue. Just need to have your sensible hat on Mind you, you'll look even more of a wally if you're stood there in a pool of oil and volvo guts at the end of the day, waving everyone goodbye, when you could be half way down the motorway with it on your trailer.
If you were to tow it, you need to check the tow capacity of your tow car/van, easily available.
Also you need to add your car and trailer weight up and it shouldn't really be more then 75-80% of your tow vehicle.
cammy33 said:
I have purchased a 850 T5 , it's a manual. It's got a pile of history, serviced twice a year it's whole life. It's now on 134k miles drives about as good as it should when new. I would now like to do a couple of track days nothing to serious, just for fun. So what really if anything should I upgrade/check? I've checked the disks n pads plus oil & filter. So what next? Any info welcome. Thanks.
A genuine OEM Volvo front strut brace and a powerflex top mount will be worth the £80 investment.Standard sized discs and pads are rubbish on these cars so expect plenty of brake fade on track.
Otherwise, just have some fun!
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