Volvo 850 T-5R Gul manual saloon.
Discussion
Bought a Gul T-5R saloon manual transmission 2 weeks ago.
Wasn't really looking for one TBH and was set to buy a Renault Megane R26 modded track car. Test drove one of those a few days before with intention of buying it but deep down I knew I'd never be happy with a Renault as they just aren't my thing even though they make superb track cars.
Anyway this T-5R popped up on the net and I went and looked at it and did a deal there and then as these don't hang about in manual at the right price.
The reason for buying another toy was that I was getting itchy feet with my BMW F80 M3 after owning for a couple of years and thinking of modding it but didn't want the agro of warranty issues if something went wrong plus it was plenty fast enough standard anyway. All i do is drive it and wash it so need something to play with!
Back on track, got the Volvo home and their is plenty to do that's for sure. It actually drives very well for a 24yr old car and body and engine are really good. Its going to need some bushes, suspension, steering work as i want it driving as tight as possible.
Sorted out a few interior rattles so far, broken glove box lid mounts fixed and instrument cluster mounts were broken where someone has had the cluster out to repair the odometer. Yes the odometer actually works!!!
It had rubbish Autogrip 225/45/17 tyres on the back with cheapo sapcers as tyres were the wrong size and fronts were 4 year old Avons in 215/45/17.
One bent wheel as well, all this causing vibration issues. As titans are almost impossible to source i had to get the wheel straightened. Had x4 new tyres fitted in the factory size 205/45/17. Drives much better now with just slight vibration.
As luck would have it I managed to source a set of 4 spare Titans a few days after, pick them up at the end of the month. Planning on getting them painted the same colour as ones on the car and may go 215/40/17 on the spare set.
Boot rams were shot so fitted uprated ones due to weight of rear spoiler.
Carried out oil and filter change.
I also gave it a full machine polish as the paint was a little flat, came up very well.
Took it on the rolling road last week and it did 282bhp, I don't have any receipts for any go faster work but its been to Shemtek at some point. All I can see is a large intercooler.
Picked up a SNABB short shift, not fitted yet.
Plenty of other stuff to do, it will keep me busy for ages! The backrest on drivers seat packed up today so another job to do!
Taking it down to my mates garage tomorrow evening so we can have a good look over the underneath and order up some bits and start the suspension/steering re fresh.
These T-5R's are seriously good fun and I'm loving the retro thing getting out and about to meets. The M3 has been sat in my garage since I picked the T-5R up!
Wasn't really looking for one TBH and was set to buy a Renault Megane R26 modded track car. Test drove one of those a few days before with intention of buying it but deep down I knew I'd never be happy with a Renault as they just aren't my thing even though they make superb track cars.
Anyway this T-5R popped up on the net and I went and looked at it and did a deal there and then as these don't hang about in manual at the right price.
The reason for buying another toy was that I was getting itchy feet with my BMW F80 M3 after owning for a couple of years and thinking of modding it but didn't want the agro of warranty issues if something went wrong plus it was plenty fast enough standard anyway. All i do is drive it and wash it so need something to play with!
Back on track, got the Volvo home and their is plenty to do that's for sure. It actually drives very well for a 24yr old car and body and engine are really good. Its going to need some bushes, suspension, steering work as i want it driving as tight as possible.
Sorted out a few interior rattles so far, broken glove box lid mounts fixed and instrument cluster mounts were broken where someone has had the cluster out to repair the odometer. Yes the odometer actually works!!!
It had rubbish Autogrip 225/45/17 tyres on the back with cheapo sapcers as tyres were the wrong size and fronts were 4 year old Avons in 215/45/17.
One bent wheel as well, all this causing vibration issues. As titans are almost impossible to source i had to get the wheel straightened. Had x4 new tyres fitted in the factory size 205/45/17. Drives much better now with just slight vibration.
As luck would have it I managed to source a set of 4 spare Titans a few days after, pick them up at the end of the month. Planning on getting them painted the same colour as ones on the car and may go 215/40/17 on the spare set.
Boot rams were shot so fitted uprated ones due to weight of rear spoiler.
Carried out oil and filter change.
I also gave it a full machine polish as the paint was a little flat, came up very well.
Took it on the rolling road last week and it did 282bhp, I don't have any receipts for any go faster work but its been to Shemtek at some point. All I can see is a large intercooler.
Picked up a SNABB short shift, not fitted yet.
Plenty of other stuff to do, it will keep me busy for ages! The backrest on drivers seat packed up today so another job to do!
Taking it down to my mates garage tomorrow evening so we can have a good look over the underneath and order up some bits and start the suspension/steering re fresh.
These T-5R's are seriously good fun and I'm loving the retro thing getting out and about to meets. The M3 has been sat in my garage since I picked the T-5R up!
Edited by cosworth330 on Wednesday 17th April 17:14
Yes private UK car and it was less than those Jap import ones price wise!
Odometer says 123,000, its got MOT's back to 2006 and I think it only had one year where the odometer was broken so maybe a few thousand more on the clock but not much more. Its tidy on the body, the last owner spent quite a lot renewing front grill, side mouldings, genuine Volvo screen recent with new trims that go up and over the roof. All new boot badges, rear badges. Not sure about underneath, its going on a four poster tomorrow.
I had a 1996 850R in 2004 and then bought a 2004 V70 R manual from main dealer back in 2005, sold that in 2010.
Odometer says 123,000, its got MOT's back to 2006 and I think it only had one year where the odometer was broken so maybe a few thousand more on the clock but not much more. Its tidy on the body, the last owner spent quite a lot renewing front grill, side mouldings, genuine Volvo screen recent with new trims that go up and over the roof. All new boot badges, rear badges. Not sure about underneath, its going on a four poster tomorrow.
I had a 1996 850R in 2004 and then bought a 2004 V70 R manual from main dealer back in 2005, sold that in 2010.
My 850 R estate was same metallic grey. That one looks lovely. I bought a Mk2 Golf GTI 16v 3door back in 2009 for £360 off eBay with MOT! Stripped it and fitted full cage and built a 2.0 16v lump in my garage and used it as a track car. It made 170bhp on the rollers and was quite lively. Sold it in 2013.
S100HP said:
Lovely. Only bettered if it had been a wagon. Please keep updated.
I’ve had 3 Volvo estates before, 850R, V70R, V70 D5 R design. That was when the kids were young. I always preferred the shape of the estate years ago but now I’m older I prefer the saloon. I wouldn’t have bought an estate nowadays, the saloon is a lot rarer as they never sold well. Will update as I go along.
Cookeh said:
Definitely a Shemtek car, I've seen it there whilst having my T5 worked on. In fact Shem was actually driving it (customer car) when I last saw it.
Definitely prefer the estates (I'm biased) but the saloons are still great looking things. I'll be following along with your updates.
Yes, I’ve spoken to him a few times and he comes across as very helpful and a nice guy. Only problem is he’s in Nottingham and I’m in Kent!Definitely prefer the estates (I'm biased) but the saloons are still great looking things. I'll be following along with your updates.
Pretty sure when I used to frequent the Volvo forums 15 years ago or so he was just someone that used to mod his own car a bit like Tim Williams and then made a living out of it. Obviously good at what he does.
TheAngryDog said:
Awesome car. I hope it serves you well.
I used to yearn over a normal 850 T5 saloon / S70 T5, but those days are gone now. Would like one, but not at today's prices.
Thanks.I used to yearn over a normal 850 T5 saloon / S70 T5, but those days are gone now. Would like one, but not at today's prices.
It’s just a bit of fun really to go to local Retro shows, although I do intend to change a few things to get it driving better.
Took it to my mates garage yesterday to inspect underneath and it’s very tidy. Even stuff like the fuel filter had been changed recently and cradle wasn’t rotten either! Got my mate to drive it and he said it drove very well and went much better than another he sees in his workshop. It’s difficult as it’s not fair for me to compare the T-5R to my F80 M3 as they worlds apart. Volvo is quick though, it produced 456nm at 3800rpm on rolling road last week!
TheAngryDog said:
The 2.3 is a gem of an engine. Much better than the 2.5. Does the air con work? I know it was one of the things that would stop working on the 850.
I am just a bit envious tbh
Compressor kicks in but no cold air, suspect condenser knackered. Doubt I’ll bother with it unless I’m at the stage where I’ve done everything to the car and nothing to do! I am just a bit envious tbh
Edited by cosworth330 on Sunday 21st April 21:24
Snazzyjake said:
Huge congrats on the purchase OP! A gul T-5R in manual form is a very good find!
I know what you mean with regards to driving experience, they don't drive like a 24 year old car but at the same time they don't feel new/modern either but still quite refined though.
What mods are you planning? Suspension wise, I can highly recommend BC racing coilovers. Superb value for money and well made too. Good choice on the short shifter plate, tightens the gear change hugely and one of my favourites mods I've done on mine.
Will be following this thread closely!
Fitted the short shift yesterday and very pleased with it. I know what you mean with regards to driving experience, they don't drive like a 24 year old car but at the same time they don't feel new/modern either but still quite refined though.
What mods are you planning? Suspension wise, I can highly recommend BC racing coilovers. Superb value for money and well made too. Good choice on the short shifter plate, tightens the gear change hugely and one of my favourites mods I've done on mine.
Will be following this thread closely!
Took drivers seat apart and fixed the cable that had come out the seat back motor.
I’m quite enjoying having a car that is simple to work on!
I’ve been doing my nut in looking at suspension!
It’s got eibachs with newish stock Sachs shocks at the mo.
Been looking at
1. Keep springs and buy Koni Yellows
2. BC
3. Gaz
4. KW V2
5. Kakmar union spec coilovers
Not in a rush to do suspension
But I am going to order solid front subframe mounts next week. Also IPD antiroll bars.
Will do subframe mounts and front ARB at the same time as it’s a lot of work.
I’ve had a bad vibration through steering over 50mph and pretty sure it’s NSF hub. Someone has ground the lip down so the wheel doesn’t fit tight so it’s pot luck where it seats when bolted up. New FAG bearing kit turned up today from Scandix. Will have a go at fitting that end of this week, doesntvlook too bad a job.
It’s got eibachs with newish stock Sachs shocks at the mo.
Been looking at
1. Keep springs and buy Koni Yellows
2. BC
3. Gaz
4. KW V2
5. Kakmar union spec coilovers
Not in a rush to do suspension
But I am going to order solid front subframe mounts next week. Also IPD antiroll bars.
Will do subframe mounts and front ARB at the same time as it’s a lot of work.
I’ve had a bad vibration through steering over 50mph and pretty sure it’s NSF hub. Someone has ground the lip down so the wheel doesn’t fit tight so it’s pot luck where it seats when bolted up. New FAG bearing kit turned up today from Scandix. Will have a go at fitting that end of this week, doesntvlook too bad a job.
I’ve had an annoying vibration since buying the car which comes in after 50 mph. Changed the tyres and had a flat spot sorted on one of the wheels. It was better now but still there. Funny thing was when you removed the front wheels and put them back it could be better sometimes and other times get really bad!
On closer inspection it would appear that a previous owner has ground down the NSF hub lip, why! It was pot luck where the wheel would sit when bolting it up hence sometimes vibration would be worse/better as about 2mm play. Luckily the other 3 hubs were ok.
It’s a while since I’ve done any work like this on a car due to owning newer cars under warranty so quite enjoyed getting dirty and the satisfaction of repairing the car.
Pictures of old and new hub bearing.
Took the car out for a long test drive and feels much better, no vibration or steering wobble.
Another job ticked off.
Something I have noticed is the revs have started sticking between gear changes and take a few seconds to drop off so you don’t get any engine braking when slowing, may have a air leak or poss IAC valve faulty. Will have to wait until next week before I have a look. Getting there!
On closer inspection it would appear that a previous owner has ground down the NSF hub lip, why! It was pot luck where the wheel would sit when bolting it up hence sometimes vibration would be worse/better as about 2mm play. Luckily the other 3 hubs were ok.
It’s a while since I’ve done any work like this on a car due to owning newer cars under warranty so quite enjoyed getting dirty and the satisfaction of repairing the car.
Pictures of old and new hub bearing.
Took the car out for a long test drive and feels much better, no vibration or steering wobble.
Another job ticked off.
Something I have noticed is the revs have started sticking between gear changes and take a few seconds to drop off so you don’t get any engine braking when slowing, may have a air leak or poss IAC valve faulty. Will have to wait until next week before I have a look. Getting there!
puttything said:
Looking good, definitely the best colour. I had a manual estate in green which was great fun. Did almost everything to it, finally got the wheel refurbished (in pretty close to the right colour!) and then sold it (on PH) to buy an e39 M5. Did ask the guy to let me know if he ever sold it, although I imagine it would go for a lot more than I sold it for now they're even rarer.
Nice looking T-5R!cosworth330 said:
I’ve been doing my nut in looking at suspension!
It’s got eibachs with newish stock Sachs shocks at the mo.
Been looking at
1. Keep springs and buy Koni Yellows
2. BC
3. Gaz
4. KW V2
5. Kakmar union spec coilovers
I think I've got some Koni Yellows for the car kicking around in the garage somewhere, they had some surface rust so I was refurbing them but didn't get too far. I'll see if I can find them if of interest. It’s got eibachs with newish stock Sachs shocks at the mo.
Been looking at
1. Keep springs and buy Koni Yellows
2. BC
3. Gaz
4. KW V2
5. Kakmar union spec coilovers
Edited by puttything on Friday 3rd May 11:28
Edited by puttything on Friday 3rd May 11:28
I had a E39 M5 a few years back, it was used in BMW Car Mag for a feature with the then new 550i F10 as the F10 M5 wasn’t out at the time and they wanted to compare an old M5 with a new 550i.
Also owned the E60 M5 which I much preferred to the E39.
All 3 of my M cars together
Re Koni’s, I maybe interested it just depends how much use they’ve had. I know they rust badly, it’s a common issue.
Thanks
Simon
puttything said:
cosworth330 said:
Re Koni’s, I maybe interested it just depends how much use they’ve had. I know they rust badly, it’s a common issue.
That's a fine looking car history! No idea what use the Konis have had, I bought them second hand and never got round to fitting them. Free to a good home if you'll use them.
Harvest said:
Welcome to the world of the Iconic Cream Yellow 850 T5Rs. Mine's a manual estate and I'm in love!! What you say is right about sourcing a manual. Only 38 Cream Yellow manual estates and 28 manual saloons were imported by Volvo. Now rare as hens teeth and going up in value all the time! 
Thanks, nice T-5R you have!Definitely something special about the Cream yellow ones.
bangerturner said:
Different vehicle I know but the fleet of Movano's we had would do this when the clutch switch failed (looks exactly like a brake light switch)
It may be nothing of the sort but worth a look
I found the culprit yesterday!It may be nothing of the sort but worth a look
It was obviously a coincidence that the fault started after I had removed the air box and boost solenoid to fit the Snabb kit to the gearbox arm. I was certain it was an air leak of some sort so took all the air box out and re checked the various bits on the intake pipe down to the turbo and couldn’t find anything obvious. Put it back together and went out for a test run, it felt better I thought but then once warmed up it started revving up between gear changes and idle sticking at 2k, it would eventually drop to 900 ish sometimes.
A bit pissed off I gave it a boot full in 2nd and on full boost I heard pssshhhhh bang and lost all power and coasted to the side of the road where it stalled. Just a bit of luck I managed to roll onto the only bit of hard standing on the verge as it was a slip road onto dual carriage way.
It would start and then die after 2 or 3 secs and was running very rich puffing out black smoke. Pulled the MAF plug and it fired up fine and revved/idled fine. So I thought it was a dodgy MAF at first. By this time I had rung the AA as I have it on my bank account and never ever used it so thought I’ll see how good their service is! They arrived within 30 mins but by that time my mate who’s handy with the tools ( Waxaholic on PH ) had come out to me and noticed one of the boost hoses to the intercooler had popped off around the bottom of the hose so it was very difficult to see it was leaking. The clip had slipped some how and this had been my air leak all along. The AA guy was a bit grumpy tbh but thankfully popped it back on as we had no tools with us.
Once home we took the RIP kit pipe right off and re aligned it correctly as it had also been rubbing on the cam cover in 3 places and wouldn’t have been long before it would have rubbed through.
Will keep an eye on it and check it every now again to make sure it’s not coming loose as the lip on the i cooler is quite shallow so not much to grip.
Lesson learnt, make sure you have a small tool kit in the car to sort simple breakdowns like this!
It was this joint here that was leaking.
Pipe was rubbing in the middle and at the back.
GreatCornholio said:
Great thread, looking forward to following this!
Tim Williams did the block mod on my mk2 Focus ST, he's a legend with these motors.
Are the earlier T5 motors as susceptible to cracked cylinder liners the same as the later ones appear to be?
No.Tim Williams did the block mod on my mk2 Focus ST, he's a legend with these motors.
Are the earlier T5 motors as susceptible to cracked cylinder liners the same as the later ones appear to be?
The 2.3 lump in the T-5R doesn’t suffer that. It’s the later 2.5 in the 2003 onwards V70 S60 R.
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