Wow,
Thanks everyone! I'll definitely sign up as a site user.
We are near Port Jefferson. Is there a good Volvo shop around there? Hopefully...

Thanks for noting the "interference type" engine term; that's exactly what the mechanic called it. In trying to read about this after you informed me, I found an interesting, applicable article at
http://www.leemyles.com/articles/interference-engines-and-timing-belts.html

Anyway, will the motor work if the turbocharger breaks? I ask because since we have had such "good luck" (thanks, Hector) since this thing was new, I am looking for a used 850. We have always let the GLT turbo "spool down," but who knows if a used car was treated this way? Our car passed inspection after the TRACS broke about a year ago, but will the car work and pass inspection if the turbo goes? In New York, if the brakes work at all, fine, but any "Check Engine" light is an automatic fail. I can deal with a busted turbo, but I do not want to have to repair it.
This makes for an interesting situation: Do you pick the GLT 5254T turbo motor that runs at lower RPM, or the 5254S standard motor that runs with no turbo, but at higher RPM? The way I see it, the lower-RPM GLT motor would have less wear, but the turbo attached to it would eventually break.
Thanks all you fellow 850 drivers.
-Eli

After you sign up, send an email to Dee Jay. He is close to Port Jeff.
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My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.

Unlike the 700/900 turbos, these seldom "break". The internal seal will start to wear down a little at 150K or so, depending on how it was cooled down. No worries about passing a check if the turbo fails, the car won't get very far with a broken turbo anyway.

Most often, when a turbo has been defined as broken, it is usually the BOV that keeps the turbo from spooling up. The BOV is an easy fix. Even a new turbo isn't that expensive.

Contact the BB guy from Port Jeff in your last post.
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My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.

Actually, DeeJay (me) USED to live near Port Jeff, now in Florida, near Clearwater.

I've had no luck trying to update my profile despite several tries over the past year.

There is a really good Indy shop called CPL Automotive on Rte 25A in Mt. Sinai...about 5 miles from Pt. Jeff.

Charlie, the owner is a great (honest and capable) guy, who always treated me very well, and word is things haven't changed since I left that area.

...now then, anybody have a clue how I can update my profile? The edit function just returns my old data when I 'enter'.