[pj's 850]

Is it possible to convert a turbo to an R model, suspension wise, or is it not worth it, brakse too. I will be getting a BSR kit for my engine, thats what speed will be, but I want R level handeling and then some. Im wondering what the difference between the turbo and R model is. Is there a difference in brakes, I was looking at the calipers on a volvo oem site, and they had different calipers for the turbo and t-5R model. I assume that t-5r is the R model, and everything else would be the glt and turbo. did the R have better brakes on it also. How about upgrading to the slightly larger size of discs used on the newer 70 series volvos. I dont want to get a coilover kit, as they are way too expensive. I dont want to get a big brake kit as it requires that I always wear 17" wheels on my car. I wont do that because of snow. Im trying to get what R parts I can that cant really be upgraded as economicly any other way. I think it might even be cheaper to get the R model boge shocks than go with aftermarket bilstiens or Koni's. Boge is really a good company anyway, when i found out that Boge was who volvo used, I was amazed, they cost as much to replace as the bilstiens do. Anyway, I have been looking at the sponsor link for OEM parts to find this stuff. Incase some of you have no idea what Im talking about, Ill give the link, look under brakes and suspension components. <A HREF="http://catalog.thepartsbin.com/?PID=967765&AID=2331353" TARGET=_blank>http://catalog.thepartsbin.com/?PID=967765&AID=2331353</A>

 

[steve s]

t5-r/r had a little stiffer springs and lowered stance than turbo/t5. if the oem r shocks by boge are as expensive as bilsteins heavy-duties, go with bilsteins, they have full lifetime warranty, so u won't ever ever have to change shocks again. some people have tried the r springs and bilstiens hd.<P>there were some cases in which the front rotors were larger in the later version of r cars. these required different calipers to provide the extra clearance for the larger rotors. cheapest way would be to fit some stainless steel braided brakelines and some upgrade pads (although be careful wtih pads, some have had horrible problems with squealing).

 

[pj's 850]

hmm, I know about the squealing. I still would like some way to enlarge the front rotors. I understand that the size of the brakes makes a bigger difference than the stlye of pistons. I really would like to go with bigger brakes, but I have a feeling I would be replacing the pistons, mounts, and lots of other little stuff. It would be nice for someone to know the parts I might know.<P>

 

[steve s]

if u really want some good answers, try contacting charles at volvospeed.com. he's pretty knowledgable.

 

[steve s]

this might help<BR> <A HREF="http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=477055&show_all=1" TARGET=_blank>http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=477055&show_all=1</A>

 

[Simon Linton]

You won't be able to convert the T5 into a R totally, since the interior is different as well as the running gear.<P>Engine-wise, the ECU mapping is different to allow sustained overboost in manual cars and higher HP in both autos and manuals.<P>The spoiler and wheels are simply a matter of money - you can obtain a lower spoiler shell to fit on the turbo front bumper, which is a lot cheaper than the whole thing.<P>I'm not sure whether your turbo has foglights or not - if not you could always use the fog holes as inlets for engine ventilation, since the fogs are absolutely crap on the R.<P>I'd stick with the stock suspension or a 3rd party equivalent; there are proper Volvo tuners out there who will tell you the right stuff to buy, rather than some boulevard cruiser abortion.<P>Brakes? Well there is the "police" oversized disc/caliper combination which is slightly larger than the 280mm size, but frankly the best option is the AP big brake kit as sold by Kalmar Union and others which has all the correct spacers, shims and everything to bolt onto a 850 with no bodging.<P>I've driven an AP-equipped R estate, and it's a revelation; sensitive when you need it, brick wall when you hit the pedal hard.<P>Using "standard" complete brake upgrades is likely to result in many trips back and forth to the shop, much tinkering with camber, tracking and suchlike and very little money saved in the long run.<P>Braided hoses are certainly a good start, but I'd leave the disc replacements until you have the funds to do it properly once and for all.

 

[pj's 850]

What running gear is different. I know about the Alcantra seats, thats the one thing I dont like about the R models. I know why they did it, and its a good idea, but I dont like alcantra. The idea that I would be able to afford a car with quality leather, but get synthetic material in the center bothers me. Also, what alcantra comes from bothers me, totaly disco man(Poly material). So I dont care about that, I do have factory foglights, so thats not an issue. Im not sure why I asked about the suspension shocks and springs wise, that was silly. I am getting an aftermarket suspension for it, and Im sure its much sportier than OEM volvo suspension is. If there is no suspension geometry change, then I there is nothing to worry about there, but if the R model had bigger antisway bars or something, then I would look into that. Well probably not actually, Im getting the IPD ones I think when I do the other suspension upgrade. I think I already mentioned this, but being the lucky son of a bitch that I have been lately, my dad is upgrading my suspension for me, since the shocks and springs need replacing. The other thing I was intrested in was the R models front air damn or front spoiler or what ever its called. I wish I knew that parts part number so I could get it. I went to a bunch of Volvo OEM parts supliers online and they all have something that I think is it, but I cant tell for sure, and there is no picture.

 

[flip2892]

On the brakes side I'd say go for AP racing 4 pot kit if you can afford it. However as you rightly pointed out you need to have 17" rims to fit them though. Nothing else comes close to their performance. <IMG SRC="http://www.btinternet.com/~flipper2892/850_big_brake_large.jpg"> <BR>Flip2892<p>[This message has been edited by flip2892 (edited 06-06-2002).]

 

[Simon Linton]

Regarding the R bumper shell, I'd contact your Volvo dealer; they can sell you the section you need, while an aftermarket place may prefer to sell the whole thing, or a copy that may well be a sod to fit.<P>In the UK the bottom R shell is just over £100 - a lot less than the entire bumper assembly!

 

[flip2892]

Simon, have you got any links you can send me for volvo tuning/modding co's in UK?<BR>Cheers<BR>Flip2892

 

[steve s]

<A HREF="http://www.kalmar-union.com" TARGET=_blank>www.kalmar-union.com</A> <A HREF="http://www.ledasuspension.co.uk/formatsheets/volvo850T5.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.ledasuspension.co.uk/formatsheets/volvo850T5.htm</A>

 

[flip2892]

Thanks<BR>flip2892