Found a nearly perfect 95 855 GLT with 161k on the clock. Dealer serviced. Runs and looks almost like new. The interior looks new. Driver's seat cable does need to be fixed.

My question - Without modifications, how can I improve the performance of this engine? I think I will tune it up, but is there something else I can do that really works? FCP Groton is selling a complete Volvo tune-up kit for non-turbos. I imagine that might help?

I'd like to keep it as stock as possible. Maybe different computer/chip, wires, plugs, filter, coil etc...


Thanks,
Jim
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93 850GLT, 90 244DL 300k :)

If this is an automatic, flush the tranny with Mobil 1 ATF for smoother shifts. Also use 5W30 synthetic in the engine.

A tune up and throttle body cleaning will make a big difference. The PCV system might be a little gunked up by now, so either use AutoRx or replace the oil separator box and vacuum lines.

The wagon weighs about 200lbs more than the sedan, just because of the extra glass. No 'chip' will make up for that. Just leave the tranny switch on S if you have an SEW switch. And "fix" the hot air intake vent :)

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

not sure if you're aware, swapping the throttle body PLATE from a Volvo 960 into your 850 will give you noticeably more off-the-line pickup. Easy fix for more power.

"wires, plugs, filter, coil etc..."

to add to that list: distributor rotor & cap, silicone hoses, vacuum lines, and switch to synthetic oil (if you have no leaks). A K&N air filter gave mine a bit more pickup, in combination with all these; you could look into a cone conversion kit as well...might give you a bit nicer noise. The N/A engines have a really nice sound to them already.

Alright, I'll bite. In all my years I've never heard of this modification. What's the theory behind it?



If Jim's '95 is like mine, there's no chance in converting to a cone air filter. the AMM is integral to the top of the airbox.

-Will
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854 - 244 - Mini

Here's some literature for you:

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19204

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php/topic/88815-early-960-throttle-plate-on-na-850/page__p__1168946&#entry1168946 (pictures about halfway down the page)

Basically, there's a plastic chunk on the 850 throttle plate that restricts airflow before the throttle is pushed wide-open to help smooth out the throttle response I imagine. The 960, having a less touchy, smoother engine than the 5-cylinder, doesn't have this. Putting the throttle plate from one on an 850 lets more air in at partial throttle and livens up the car a little bit. I think it's only applicable for non-turbo models though.

I am somewhat a rookie on owning and servicing my own Volvo. Here is my 2 cents worth. This website has great information on your car, take your time and get familiar with it.

With the na 855's I feel it is the most important to be sure your car is up to date with servicing, especially the timing belt and related accessories, I would also replace the waterpump at the time of replacing the timing belt, use Genuine Volvo parts. The breather system needs to be checked and replaced if necessary. Plugs, cap, rotor and wires should be replaced as well. and stick with what Volvo uses, Volvo plugs, bosch rotor and cap and OEM wires. Replace your air filter with a K & N, these are great filters.. Also, I used a pint of auto-rx, following manufactures directions, this stuff works! I'm a guy who only believes in Sea-Foam and no other additives, auto-rx has cleaned my engine up, it runs smoother and more efficient, and my check engine light went out.

My '96 855 na with 148k is running awesome, and I've done all the work with the help of these great people, if I can do it, you can too. As far as upgrades for more performance, I think you are very limited without the turbo model. You can always do suspension upgrades for better handling, but I'll say I'm happy with mine just the way it is...stock.

1bignordic
1996 855 na - by far my favorite!
1995 Silverado 4x4
1978 Pontiac Trans Am

Yeah, I know the performance options on N/A is pretty limited so that's why I was looking for suggestions from the "board".

To be honest, I'm simply a little disappointed in the acceleration of this wagon. My 93 is peppier and quicker. It is probably the weight difference between the 93 sedan and 95 wagon.

I've been searching for a good 97 GLT wagon or 98 V70 GLT for quite sometime without success. So I'll probably settle for this N/A wagon as it is the nicest 850 I've found to replace my very fun 93 sedan.

Regarding maintenance, you are preaching to the choir :)
I've owned my 240 for over 9 years and the 850 for 3 years. To my benefit, I found the "board" shortly after buying my 240 and have found it to be a tremendous resource. It is one of the main reasons I've made it to 300k in my 240!!
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93 850GLT, 90 244DL 300k :)

I have owned a 95 850 NA since new. One of the things that largelly affect performance and mileage is a malfunctioning hot/cold air flap in the air box. It goes largelly unnoticed until you inspect it. It steals about 15 HP and mileage drops about 15% too. One of the symptoms is an unusually hot airbox after a normal drive,and some engine pinging up to 2000rpms.

A small and quite succesfull modification that is easy to do and will give you much peppier throttle response is the replacement of the throttle body plate by the one from the 960 volvo. I have done it and acceleration from zero is much better. Mileage is not affected, unless you really use the extra womph at all traffic lights. If you are reasonably handy, you can do that in about one hour.
The plate can be obtained from Waltrip volvo and is quite cheap.

Good luck

I second the suggestion of a K&N air filter. I felt the difference. Other things that I have done are -Mobil 1 oil (cleans up varnish), Volvo strut tower brace, IPD wiper relay (not performance but an improvement), IPD exhaust tip, cabin filter insert with filter, cross drilled front rotors (Zimmerman, no problems), added keyless entry removed flame trap, ignition coil (OEM), plugs, wires, cap, clean throttle body on time. That would keep you busy along with the other regular maintenance items. The na does vroom nicely, but is not meant to throw you back in your seat and beat 300 Hp, and every other car through the toll booths. It's possible that the jury is still out on the butterfly valve.
Have fun with it.
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's

Thanks all, I'll try and enjoy it :)

Yeah, I'm not expecting turbo or even light pressure turbo power. Just something spunkier like my 93 is. Of course, the 93 has only 108k and this wagon has 161k, but I think the real difference is the weight. A good tune up and that throttle body plate from the 960 certainly can't hurt either!

Jim
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93 850GLT, 90 244DL 300k :)