Volvo 850 T-5 Sedan/Wagon (1993-96)

HISTORY:
It may look more like a wedge door stop than European sports sedan/wagon but agile chassis and bulletproof engine drew on Volvo's long history of marine and commercial turbos. Big European wagon sales saw T-5 wagon and sedan raced. Based on 850 GLT and launched in October 1993, T-5 delivers 166 kW and 300Nm but ECU cuts torque in first gear for tidier launch. After 850 range was dropped, it was relaunched as the heavily revised S70 T-5 in 1997 then withdrawn in 1998. It lives on in later S80 T6 and S60 T5 ranges. Rare T-5R in pale yellow arrived in November 1994 with 177 kW/330Nm from Volvo's Turbo Plus kit. A stripped-out track T-5R was offered on special order. T-5R evolved into 850 R from April 1996 but retained special T-5 block and a big power boost for manual version.

PRICES:
Buyers are tuning into unrivalled blend of family safety and high performance starting around $14,000 for the early ones, peaking at $25,000 for the last examples which sold new in 1997 but built in 1996. Desirable 1996-97 850R sells in the $25-30,000 range.

CHECK IT OUT
Special T-5 2319cc engine is different from 2435cc block in other 850 turbos. Smaller bore cuts capacity and leaves long stroke torque at pre-boost engine speeds and bigger water jackets between bores for extra cooling and reduced thermal loads on engine components. Special manual gearbox and clutch were beefed-up.

Unusual in-line transverse all-alloy engine with five-cylinders, 20-valves and belt drive for twin camshafts is long-lived but not if routine coolant and timing belt changes are ignored. Typical Euro thermostat requires replacement every five years or so.

Engine sometimes chipped to deliver extra 25-30kW but must be done properly. Oil must be changed no later than every 7500km with quality synthetic-base oil to minimise carbon build-up which can chop out rear main seal, camshaft top seal, valve stem seals and O-ring in turbo oil return line.

Main weakness is front door stays and their A-pillar mounts which crack and break for fiddly repairs. Driver's seat window channel can break for internal door rattle and wagon's internal liftback trim can fall off and require upgrading.

Suspected outside interference may cause ABS computers to fail which also takes out the traction control but can be repaired. Air-conditioning evaporator and cabin fan can fail. A cabin filter can extend evaporator life.

Lowered, firmer suspension and higher cornering forces place extra strain on top strut pads for ongoing replacement. Drop links and bushes for upgraded front anti-roll bar also work hard. Original P-Zero tyres came as 16-inch or optional 17-inch both with Z-rating so look for equivalent quality tyres.

Catalytic converter now old enough on early cars to require $2000 replacement. Steering rack oil leaks from pinion seal and boots show up on high mileage cars. CV joints last providing boots are not split. Quality local brake pads can reduce copious brake dust over originals. Expect routine front pad and rotor replacement but only an hour-long job for experts.

Data confirmed by Volvo specialists, Carson and Murphy (03) 9848 9655.