Volvo PERFORMANCE Forum

Hey new to the Volvo scene and finding the forum layout different than what I am use to. If this has been answered please link me to correct place.

To the question: my 850 is shifting very strange and missing and generally telling me the transmission most likely will go soon. I was curious to what type of upgrades / swaps would be possible. I am hoping to go to a manual transmission (which I know there is a rare manual for the 850s but fairly hard to find in the states) or a triptronic / computerized shifting style like on some jags, bmws, ect where you can shift gears or go automatic.

Are there any transmissions (maybe out of other cars) that can be swapped to mate to the turbo engine on these cars? I can reroute the turbo if need be.

OR should I be looking at beefing up the auto-transmission?

Thanks for your help.

MIKE
95 850 Volvo Turbo

Next time, post in the AWD/FWD section of the Brickboard. I will reply sooner.

First, flush the tranny fluid with methods described on IPD.com or on this board. It will take at least 12 quarts and 30 minutes of your time.

Then, if it still shifts funny, use more words to describe exactly what is happening. If you have the E/S/W switch in S, the tranny will up shift later. Putting the selector in L above 25mph will leave you in 2nd gear until you drop to 24mph, then it goes into 1st gear and stays there.

If you decide to get a replacement tranny, get one from a 1997 850. It is a little better and has better shift points.

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

DM,

What do you know about the previous owner and any maintenance that was completed on the tranny? Do you know if the neutral safety switch has been replaced? The factory part is defective. My tranny would go into "limp" mode especially in the cool mornings because of this switch. Low or dirty fluid can cause the tranny to shift improperly, too. Have you checked the color and level? What mileage does your car have?

If you just want to modify the 850, I remember my mechanic told me that a manual transmission is possible, but you have to check the serial numbers on the engine. He said that the manual 850 engine is designed differently to accomodate the different size of tranny. Gear or triptronic wasn't used in the 850 line, so unless you have a ton of money for a modification, I would stick with the possibility of the manual.

Better yet, figure out if the switch or a fluid flush could be the culprit. It makes a world of difference.

I don't know the answer to this question, but you might look over in turbobricks.com or oregonvolvotuners.com for an answer. Those guys for sure have come up with answers for your dilemma over time..good luck!