Hi,

I was wondering, I was told by Tim at the Volvo Clinic in So. Cal, that my "wifes" (ha) 1985 245 turbo (with intercooler) has had the turbo replaced a few years back. He also told me that the current turbo is the water cooled variety, but the blumbing for the coolant is not "hooked up" at all. I was interested in purchasing the "watercooled upgrade kit" from IPD (should work....$125) and upgrading it. While I was at it, I was interested in cleaning out the oil feed/return? line to the turbo. I figure, if heat robs horsepower (hence the intercooler on 1984+ turbos) then adding the water cooling should net me a small increase in power and, more importantly, longevity.

My question is, what is involved in adding water cooling? Where does the plumbing on the turbo attatch? I'm worried about having to drill into the radiator or something. I don't know. Has anyone done this? My Bentley and Haynes manual have nothing on this (both have very small sections on turbos). I really like the 745 turbos too, and have really been considering one for my "wife" (mainly because she can get a working A/C and more comfort, not to mention a 2.3L instead of a 2.1L. Problem is, I think I have a special car (who doesn't) that I would like to hold on to. Plus, I've added a 2.25" exhaust (turbo back), IPD sway bars, K&N, and am fairly good at working on it (plus, parts are cheaper than on the 740's).