What makes an 'R'?

[chance]

Hello all, great site! I'm new here and faced with the news of a third child on the way I'm looking at a T5 estate as the only practical car that can also satisfy the petrol head in me on my meagre budget (hopefully up to £6000).

I've had a look around the forum but there are still a few points I'd like to clarify:

What exactly are the differences between the 225bhp T5, the 240bhp T5-R model and the 850R? The 17" wheels are obvious, but is the extra horsepower just attributed to different boost pressure, or are we talking about other mechanical differences?

Is the suspension on the R models different from the regular T5, and if so does the firmer suspension give an overly harsh ride?

Is the front spoiler the only external difference?

Are there other differences (apart from trim) I should be aware of?

Can the boot seat be fitted to an R model?

You might have gathered that I'm choosing between the regular T5 and the R models; I would definitely fit the 17" wheels, but if the R versions are overly hard-riding I might stick with the 'ordinary' T5 - after all, I can always upgrade the ECU bhp.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Murphy]

The T5 is the engine, with 225 hp in the 850 guise. Available in manual and auto with an array of different specs from an entry model 'S' to the flagship CD.

Then you have the limited versions. The T5-R available 1994-1995 available in ltd colours and tweaked to 240hp. The spec was similar to the CD but with sporty seats, suspension and wheels.

Then thee is the 850R which was available 1995-1996. This featured similar spec to the T5-R but with a limited slip diff and different 17" alloy wheels. And an extra 10 hp

Andy

[chance]

Hello Andy,

I know the basics, engine outputs, dates, models etc, but it's the specific details I'm interested in.

The few road tests I've unearthed give conflicting information: was the suspension lower on the R models? If so, was this due to different spring rates? Are the dampers and anti-roll bars different? I have at least one test which says that the R has a bigger turbo and intercooler - is this true? Would re-mapping the regular T5 ECU to 250bhp give long-term problems with reliability? And do all you R owners out there find that the front spoiler grounds-out all the time? The example I test-drove last year scraped it's spoiler three times within the two mile route!

I've also read that the 850R has a viscous coupling to limit the wheelspin, but it was only available on the manual saloon models. Is the wheelspin a big issue on the other cars?

Is there a good book available on all this?

[Murphy]

Hi Chance

Well the 850's are fitted with Mitsubishi turbos. I am pretty sure that all T5's and all Auto T5's and R's have a 15g turbo. The Manual 850R and T5R had a 16t turbo which is bigger and hence the larger output.

My car is 304hp and it is auto with no LSD. Wheel spin can be a problem and it is very easy to make a specticle of yourself. However due to the weight of volvo's coupled with their 60/40 weight distrabution the wheel spin is easily controled, even on my car.

I have a friend who has a large 19T turbo and a map that takes the power to circa 340 hp and with the LSD this car is very well behaved.

The best option is to have a look around and see what you can find, cause if you limit yourself to requiring a 850R manual estate for £6000 it may take a while to find.

As far as the bumper goes on the R's it does have a lower valance, and can catch but my friend with the R is lowered slightly and manages to comfortably get over the humps.

The ride on volvo's is very good due to it's dimensions even when they are lowered, so there is not a lot to worry about there.

just ask if there is more info required


Andy

[Bracer]

The only mechanical differences between the 3 are.

T-5R Stiffer springs over T-5

850R Stiffer springs over T-5 but softer than T-5R

T5 and T-5R and 850R Auto all have same size turbo 15G

850R Manual has 16T turbo

850R has LSD (which is weaker than the M56 box fitted to the T-5 and T-5R)

Interiors were all slightly different but along the same theme of Leather Wood etc.

As for Intercoolers and intake systems and zorsts there all the same apart from the DP on the 850R cos of the different turbo.

Saying that the did do 2 versions of the 15G one with a floating flange and the other fixed.

Hope this answers your questions ?

Regards

Steve

[chance]

Great information guys, just the kind of thing I was looking for.

I think this will open my options up to including the 'regular' T5. Good news as I'd really like an auto with leather and I'll need the boot seat - might prove to be a tricky combination to find on an R model.

I'd still like to fit it with the 17" anthracite wheels (in either style). Does anyone know if these are still available new from Volvo or will I have to keep checking Ebay for a used set? If it's a used set, are they difficult to re-finish? I've heard that the BMW M5 'black chrome' wheels are very hard to do.

[Bracer]

They are still available but I think you can get the New S60R Pegasus rims cheaper and there 18's

[Murphy]

Here is a picture of my car chance with titan replica wheels.

Click here

P.S Grill has been removed and 4x4 look has been removed since this picture was taken

[cloudboy99]

I would go with the newer rims. The T5-R came equiped withTitan rims while the 96-97 came with the Volan. The R models also came with suede inlays on the seats instead of just leather. Performance wise, you can just chip the T5 and be right on with the R. Of course as was suggested, you could just go with the 18" S60R Rim

[Murphy]

I would go with the newer rims. The T5-R came equiped withTitan rims while the 96-97 came with the Volan. The R models also came with suede inlays on the seats instead of just leather. Performance wise, you can just chip the T5 and be right on with the R. Of course as was suggested, you could just go with the 18" S60R Rim

Just leather is just fine, and 18's make a hash of the ride. Chance is looking for a comfortable ride on his choice car !

[cloudboy99]

For a comfortable ride, the stock T5 16s work well. My ride was very smooth but trying to keep up with my BMW mates in the twisties meant upgrading to 17s for the traction and lowering her a bit. The main reasons I bought a T5 over the R is:

1. Cheaper
2. Same performance with the right mods
3. Same car, different insurance cost (the R being "sportier")

[chance]

You're right cloudboy, I am looking for a decent ride/handling compromise - have to consider the passengers after all.

For that reason (and the initial purchase price, ease of supply etc) I'll probably favour the softer set-up of the standard V70T5 with the 17" wheels - I could always fit lower springs later. I just love the looks of the T5-R on 5-spoke Titans. Are the replicas any good? They look as though they might have narrower spokes, though it might just be the photo angle. I'd rather buy some OEM wheels if possible, anyone have an idea of the current cost or the whereabouts of a s/h set?

[855t5r]

The only mechanical differences between the 3 are.

T-5R Stiffer springs over T-5

850R Stiffer springs over T-5 but softer than T-5R

T5 and T-5R and 850R Auto all have same size turbo 15G

850R Manual has 16T turbo

850R has LSD (which is weaker than the M56 box fitted to the T-5 and T-5R)

Interiors were all slightly different but along the same theme of Leather Wood etc.

As for Intercoolers and intake systems and zorsts there all the same apart from the DP on the 850R cos of the different turbo.

Saying that the did do 2 versions of the 15G one with a floating flange and the other fixed.

Hope this answers your questions ?

Regards

Steve

The T5R/R also has a beefier clutch than the T5

And also has thicker antiroll bars (as well as stiffer shocks etc)

Apart from the obvious interiorwise (suede,black walnut etc) the T5R/R were the only models to have memory passenger seats as well as drivers seats.

Aircon/climate AND sunroof!

And darker window glass too.

Also if you park a T5R/R next to a standard T5 the T5 looks like its on stilts!

[Bracer]

The T5R/R also has a beefier clutch than the T5

And also has thicker antiroll bars (as well as stiffer shocks etc)

Apart from the obvious interiorwise (suede,black walnut etc) the T5R/R were the only models to have memory passenger seats as well as drivers seats.

Aircon/climate AND sunroof!

And darker window glass too.

Also if you park a T5R/R next to a standard T5 the T5 looks like its on stilts!

Even thou Volvo have 2 different part numbers for clutch's they are both the same item.

And there are no dirrerences is Damper rates or Anti Rollbar diameter. The only change to the suspension was the ride height and spring rate.

CD spec was avaliable with AC + Climate + Sunroof.

And the glass tint are all the same too.

[855t5r]

Even thou Volvo have 2 different part numbers for clutch's they are both the same item.

And there are no dirrerences is Damper rates or Anti Rollbar diameter. The only change to the suspension was the ride height and spring rate.

CD spec was avaliable with AC + Climate + Sunroof.

And the glass tint are all the same too.

yeah but on the CD the above will have all been options (on the T5R/R they are standard!)

You could say that Titans were standard on the CD as they were available as an upgrade option!

As for the spring rates anti-roll bars etc, I was only going of the T5R dealer Principle letter that would have been sent out to all dealers prior to the release of the T5R.
(It must have been wrong then!!!)

I was only trying to help (not be a smart ares like some peple on here!!!) Oh well!

[cloudboy99]

You're right cloudboy, I am looking for a decent ride/handling compromise - have to consider the passengers after all.

For that reason (and the initial purchase price, ease of supply etc) I'll probably favour the softer set-up of the standard V70T5 with the 17" wheels - I could always fit lower springs later. I just love the looks of the T5-R on 5-spoke Titans. Are the replicas any good? They look as though they might have narrower spokes, though it might just be the photo angle. I'd rather buy some OEM wheels if possible, anyone have an idea of the current cost or the whereabouts of a s/h set?

The 850/SVC70 use a 5x108mm bolt pattern so any wheel that comes in that can be used. If you are thinking of upgrading wheels at some point, try to keep them ?x7-7,5 as the ?x8s have a tendency of rubbing the front wheelwells. I have TME lowering springs and Bilstein yellow shocks/struts on my saloon and can no longer carry more than two people due to bottoming out over bumps (ouch). I swapped out my 16s and went with 17x8 OZ Racing Superleggeras. Fortunately I have a 245DL Estate for the heavy lifting. Those 2 series last forever (my brother's has over 600k on his original engine)!

[Wobbly Dave]

I am a bit biased. I would also be happy to show you why the R is such a nice car.

The T5 is fab but it is only the engine and I feel that the sum of the parts is what counts.

My 850R did not come with the 17" Volans orignally (as my gallery will testify) rather the 16" Comets. I feel closer to the mark with the 17s but they are very hard to come by and I had to pay over the odds for mine, but I feel it was worth it.

I feel the subtle touches like the alcantera inserts vs leather outers on the seats (which is the other way around on the T5-R) is great as it stops you sliding around and it is warmer when you get in.

You get the 850 sill trims on the 850R. Mine also has the dark wood finish on the dash. You get all the bits TRACS/ABS, Heated Rear 1/4s/ electric Wing mirrors, Cruise, independent A/C, sun roof and so on and so forth. There are many if not all these things on the CD spec but on top you are getting the flagship model (along with group 17 insurance).

The auto is a dream to drive. I had Guy, Pammy, Justin, Kat + all their luggage on the way to the airport today - no problem!

Oh yeah and shes red
http://www.volvot5.co.uk/volvogaller...s.php?album=43

Given the choice I would still prefer to have either the T5-R or 850R

[Bracer]

yeah but on the CD the above will have all been options (on the T5R/R they are standard!)

You could say that Titans were standard on the CD as they were available as an upgrade option!

As for the spring rates anti-roll bars etc, I was only going of the T5R dealer Principle letter that would have been sent out to all dealers prior to the release of the T5R.
(It must have been wrong then!!!)

I was only trying to help (not be a smart ares like some peple on here!!!) Oh well!

Take a chill out pill man !

I'm not trying to show anyone up here, I was just correcting you, ok ?

The press release is correct in that things like the clutch / antiroll bars and many other parts are different to that on early 850 i.e. 93 and early 94's but after that they started to common up parts accross the range.

Hope this has explained things a bit more.

Regards

Steve

[chance]

My 850R did not come with the 17" Volans orignally (as my gallery will testify) rather the 16" Comets.

I'm a little confused by this, as the original wheels on Dave's car appear to be 17", not 16"(you can read the markings on the tyre). Could someone clarify the various wheel designs for me:

The 17" T5-R five spoke is the Titan
The 17" 850R seven spoke is the Comet
The 17" V70R twisted five spoke is the Volan
The 18" 'new V70R' five spoke is the Pegasus

Is this correct? A what is the name of the standard 16", five spoke T5 wheel?

[Mrsmopp]

The comets and the volans are the wrong way round but other than that you're spot on!

x