Difference between T5 and T5R

Post 504072 by vaderboyo on 2012-05-28 00:18:06

Hi, posted a few threads under the newbe section, now I'm roaming the site and having a good nosey around. I've got loads of questions brewing in my head so here goes with the first if you dont mind.. What are the main differences between the T5 and the T5R...sorry if this has been asked before but starting from scratch. Also, note a few yellow ones going for £4k plus on ebay and higher still on pistonheads..are these more exclusive still? cheers V

Post 504093 by mitchyboy01 on 2012-05-28 07:13:37

[quote=vaderboyo;504072]Hi, posted a few threads under the newbe section, now I'm roaming the site and having a good nosey around. I've got loads of questions brewing in my head so here goes with the first if you dont mind.. What are the main differences between the T5 and the T5R...sorry if this has been asked before but starting from scratch. Also, note a few yellow ones going for £4k plus on ebay and higher still on pistonheads..are these more exclusive still? cheers V[/quote] Hi mate. The T5R is very similar mechanically to the T5. Differences are seats, wheels, suspension, bumpers and different ECU mapping to up the boost to make the extra few bhp. The yellow T5R's where used a lot in the original marketing campaign and are very rare. They were the sort of cult flagship colour so people seem to pay a premium. I personally prefer all the other colours more. Olive green is my favourite. The 850R has a few more differences as it has a 16T turbo (slightly bigger than the 15G found in the T5 and T5R) and M59 gearbox which has a viscous coupling (basically a poor mans LSD). I'm sure others will chime in as I'm sure there is some more differences I've forgotten.

Post 504095 by p fandango on 2012-05-28 07:54:54

[quote=mitchyboy01;504093]The 850R has a few more differences as it has a 16T turbo (slightly bigger than the 15G found in the T5 and T5R)[/quote] auto's still got the 15g T-5 = 225bhp T-5R = 240bhp (thanks to the 30second overboost) 850R auto = 240bhp 850R manual = 250bhp

Post 504124 by Wally Dog on 2012-05-28 09:39:00

the badge on the back is different......

Post 504134 by p fandango on 2012-05-28 10:16:38

[quote=Wally Dog;504124]the badge on the back is different......[/quote] & the label on the inside of the petrol flap says "T-5R"

Post 504152 by vaderboyo on 2012-05-28 11:42:01

[quote=Wally Dog;504124]the badge on the back is different......[/quote] lol lol lol lol yeah I've noticed a set on ebay going for over £100 !!!

Post 504154 by vaderboyo on 2012-05-28 11:43:01

[quote=p fandango;504134]& the label on the inside of the petrol flap says "T-5R"[/quote] lol, I seem to have asked a 'not again question' lol lol lol

Post 504155 by vaderboyo on 2012-05-28 11:45:08

[quote=mitchyboy01;504093]Hi mate. The T5R is very similar mechanically to the T5. Differences are seats, wheels, suspension, bumpers and different ECU mapping to up the boost to make the extra few bhp. The yellow T5R's where used a lot in the original marketing campaign and are very rare. They were the sort of cult flagship colour so people seem to pay a premium. I personally prefer all the other colours more. Olive green is my favourite. The 850R has a few more differences as it has a 16T turbo (slightly bigger than the 15G found in the T5 and T5R) and M59 gearbox which has a viscous coupling (basically a poor mans LSD). I'm sure others will chime in as I'm sure there is some more differences I've forgotten.[/quote] cheers for this, asking as I wanted to see what OEM upgrades I could consider once Ive got me 850 T5...alloys and bumpers seem like obvious choice for outside. So the cams are the same in both engines?

Post 504159 by merc85 on 2012-05-28 11:52:12

[quote=vaderboyo;504155]cheers for this, asking as I wanted to see what OEM upgrades I could consider once Ive got me 850 T5...alloys and bumpers seem like obvious choice for outside. So the cams are the same in both engines?[/quote] The engines are completely the same.

Post 504160 by M-R-P on 2012-05-28 11:58:47

Post 504209 by Wally Dog on 2012-05-28 15:51:01

cheers for this, asking as I wanted to see what OEM upgrades I could consider once Ive got me 850 T5...alloys and bumpers seem like obvious choice for outside. So the cams are the same in both engines?[/QUOTE] Hello mate, I'm sorry to have thrown a spanner in there with the obvious answer! From what I can fathom from the forum and speaking to a few people, the engines are pretty much the same in all T or R variants, with slight differences depending on age and model. As for upgrades, the engine seems to be good for up to 300bhp without changing too many things, certainly no need for a re-build unless you want to go higher. A re-map is a good place to start as long as the engine is good first - no leaks, PCV isn't blocked, etc. A Strut brace seems to be a must to improve the handling and breaks also seem to be a common upgrade (apparently standard T5 like mine are 288mm on the front and can go up to 350mm if you have deep pockets but 302mm seems common) I'm no expert, so please do correct or add to this if you have any other thoughts or opinions to offer. I'm planning all of the above to mine in due course, as and when cheap stuff comes up!!

Post 504222 by V70 Graham on 2012-05-28 16:47:24

[quote=Wally Dog;504124]the badge on the back is different......[/quote] :doh:

Post 504231 by p fandango on 2012-05-28 17:09:25

[quote=vaderboyo;504154]lol, I seem to have asked a 'not again question' lol lol lol[/quote] not at all, with the cars getting old & parts easier to find theirs more & more T-5R/850R fakes around. Looking inside the petrol flap is an easy way to identify what the car actually is/was, as inless they find a T-5R/850R in the correct colour to the original car it won't be changed

Post 504234 by Wally Dog on 2012-05-28 17:26:29

[quote=V70 Graham;504222]:doh:[/quote] lol

Post 504242 by Haizum74 on 2012-05-28 17:37:59

Of course you could always take a look at the T4s and become exclusive member number 5 rather than go down the 'common as muck' route of the T5's and R's etc. :funkybana Naturally the oldies in their T5's are going to suggest our T4s are not as exclusive however they will say that, peasants. :duck: PS Please see here if you take this the wrong way lol

Post 504260 by smithy on 2012-05-28 18:11:25

[quote=Haizum74;504242]Of course you could always take a look at the T4s and become exclusive member number 5 rather than go down the 'common as muck' route of the T5's and R's etc. :funkybana Naturally the oldies in their T5's are going to suggest our T4s are not as exclusive however they will say that, peasants. :duck: PS Please see here if you take this the wrong way lol[/quote] how do you think i feel with a 140 bhp 940 saloon who is old now ,pipe and slippers for me lol

Post 504264 by Haizum74 on 2012-05-28 18:15:58

[quote=smithy;504260]how do you think i feel with a 140 bhp 940 saloon who is old now ,pipe and slippers for me lol[/quote] I had a 940 Turbo myself, cracking motor. Loved the 5th gear overdrive

Post 504269 by T5frankie on 2012-05-28 18:27:29

So what has an 850r auto with an 18t rather than a 15g have power wise?

Post 504297 by Kingsford G on 2012-05-28 19:31:18

[quote=Haizum74;504242]Of course you could always take a look at the T4s and become exclusive member number 5 rather than go down the 'common as muck' route of the T5's and R's etc. :funkybana Naturally the oldies in their T5's are going to suggest our T4s are not as exclusive however they will say that, peasants. :duck: PS Please see here if you take this the wrong way lol[/quote] Once u hear a 5 pot sound u dont wanna downgrade.Big boys choice 5pot lol

Post 504341 by Haizum74 on 2012-05-28 20:29:39

[quote=Kingsford G;504297]Once u hear a 5 pot sound u dont wanna downgrade.Big boys choice 5pot lol[/quote] Yeh you will need it to carry the extra middle aged spread lol

Post 504343 by LiamT4 on 2012-05-28 20:32:58

[quote=Haizum74;504341]Yeh you will need it to carry the extra middle aged spread lol[/quote] lol The noise and the stereo are the only bits i prefered on the s70 over my t4.

Post 504358 by Kingsford G on 2012-05-28 20:50:12

[quote=Haizum74;504341]Yeh you will need it to carry the extra middle aged spread lol[/quote] U eat well and let yr car do the same once again big boys choice lol to much power for kids to handle I suppose.

Post 504397 by vaderboyo on 2012-05-28 21:16:44

[quote=Haizum74;504341]Yeh you will need it to carry the extra middle aged spread lol[/quote] I defo need a 5 pot then as I am seriously spread out around the middle :biggrin: No offence to T4 owners, but coming from a long line of audi 20v 5 pots both turbo and non turbo, it's the 5 pot volvo only for me :firedevil The plan I'm hatching consits of the following and in this order: 1. Full service and cam belt change plus all the checks as advised by you all (cheers) Poweflo exhaust and new air fiter. RICA remap to 300bhp - need to ask about this. Will check suspension and install new disks and green stuff pads. 2. Full valet and plenty of G3 + spit and polish... 3. Source R model front bumper with fogs and - if it doesn't have one - roof line rear spoiler 4. Source 17" R type alloys for summer and shows (16" for winter) might go for lowering springs depending on how high the car rides on 17" - don't want to spoil the ride due to my back issue (its a slipped disk one) Do they do coilovers for these? 5. Will probably tint rear windows (subtle grade not limo black) when funds allow. Of course the above is based on the car I'm hoping to buy - but I have an idea of where to go once/if I g4t it (or another one) I hope I'm not driving you all to drink yet.....

Post 504429 by Kingsford G on 2012-05-28 21:40:51

[quote=vaderboyo;504397]I defo need a 5 pot then as I am seriously spread out around the middle :biggrin: No offence to T4 owners, but coming from a long line of audi 20v 5 pots both turbo and non turbo, it's the 5 pot volvo only for me :firedevil The plan I'm hatching consits of the following and in this order: 1. Full service and cam belt change plus all the checks as advised by you all (cheers) Poweflo exhaust and new air fiter. RICA remap to 300bhp - need to ask about this. Will check suspension and install new disks and green stuff pads. 2. Full valet and plenty of G3 + spit and polish... Good choice.Wiv suspention Iam still doing searches on what is best to put for good price as have problem wiv my back disks.I`ll probably go for bilstein b4`s and will make a thread on springs later to seek ppl`s opinions. 3. Source R model front bumper with fogs and - if it doesn't have one - roof line rear spoiler 4. Source 17" R type alloys for summer and shows (16" for winter) might go for lowering springs depending on how high the car rides on 17" - don't want to spoil the ride due to my back issue (its a slipped disk one) Do they do coilovers for these? 5. Will probably tint rear windows (subtle grade not limo black) when funds allow. Of course the above is based on the car I'm hoping to buy - but I have an idea of where to go once/if I g4t it (or another one) I hope I'm not driving you all to drink yet.....[/quote] Good choice.I`ve got problems wiv my back disks so probably go for bilstein b4`s and a good set of springs and make a thread on to c what guys can suggest.I can`t afford to spend much as haven`t done much work lately cos of the back.

Post 504440 by vaderboyo on 2012-05-28 21:51:23

[quote=Kingsford G;504429]Good choice.I`ve got problems wiv my back disks so probably go for bilstein b4`s and a good set of springs and make a thread on to c what guys can suggest.I can`t afford to spend much as haven`t done much work lately cos of the back.[/quote] sorry to hear that pal.....you have my sympathies..... fancy posting in parts wanted section for new disks.....maybe we could do a group buy lol....but I;m sure theres a law against that. same here, all mods and improvements all dependent on spare dosh and cost of mods...tough times

Post 504448 by Kingsford G on 2012-05-28 21:56:56

[quote=vaderboyo;504440]sorry to hear that pal.....you have my sympathies..... fancy posting in parts wanted section for new disks.....maybe we could do a group buy lol....but I;m sure theres a law against that. same here, all mods and improvements all dependent on spare dosh and cost of mods...tough times[/quote] Good idea lol I `ve got 3 wiv wear and tear from what MRI , X-ray and my ciropracter said.Had it near perfect wiv no pain earlier this year until someone crashed into side of my car.So new disks will be a grand must be shiny tho lol

Post 504456 by merc85 on 2012-05-28 22:09:33

lol, i had to read it twice pmsl, hope your back is on the mend bud.

Post 504464 by JUDGENINJA on 2012-05-28 22:26:02

With a few of us owning both T5's and T4's I am of the impression that the T4 is a much more rewarding car to race, but have all the characteristics of a 4cyl, twitchy, engine sounds like all the other 4cyl cars around. The 5cyl has much more of a....'whoooooosh' factor. But sometimes it just doesn't feel that intense(then you realise your doing three figures es in a 30zone!!!

Post 504468 by Haizum74 on 2012-05-28 22:29:00

[quote=Kingsford G;504358]U eat well and let yr car do the same once again big boys choice lol to much power for kids to handle I suppose.[/quote] Yeh 25hp more is way to much lol

Post 504500 by Kingsford G on 2012-05-28 22:56:09

[quote=Haizum74;504468]Yeh 25hp more is way to much lol[/quote] Indeed,one drop can spill a cup.

Post 504505 by Kingsford G on 2012-05-28 22:58:31

[quote=merc85;504456]lol, i had to read it twice pmsl, hope your back is on the mend bud.[/quote] Getting there mate.Im good doing mechanics not lifting but u learn how to do it.Have to quit cabbing as causes agro.

Post 719554 by Theador on 2014-06-17 21:05:57

What exactly are the differences on the seats? I've got T-5R seats in at the moment, but want to swap them out for some Blue Full Leather electric seats to bring the interior back to a matching one [QUOTE=mitchyboy01;504093]Hi mate. The T5R is very similar mechanically to the T5. Differences are seats, wheels, suspension, bumpers and different ECU mapping to up the boost to make the extra few bhp. The yellow T5R's where used a lot in the original marketing campaign and are very rare. They were the sort of cult flagship colour so people seem to pay a premium. I personally prefer all the other colours more. Olive green is my favourite. The 850R has a few more differences as it has a 16T turbo (slightly bigger than the 15G found in the T5 and T5R) and M59 gearbox which has a viscous coupling (basically a poor mans LSD). I'm sure others will chime in as I'm sure there is some more differences I've forgotten.[/QUOTE]

Post 719556 by p fandango on 2014-06-17 21:11:27

the T-5R has a leather centre with a alcantara side bolster, 850R's have the materials the other way around

Post 719557 by p fandango on 2014-06-17 21:14:29

these are T-5R seats these are normal T-5 seats

Post 719560 by Theador on 2014-06-17 21:24:35

Cool, the actual level of lumber/bucketing looks identical, and it's just the upholstering that's a little more plush? [QUOTE=p fandango;719557]these are T-5R seats these are normal T-5 seats [/QUOTE]

Post 719563 by stribo on 2014-06-17 21:33:31

Also T-5Rs only seem to come in Olive-green ;)

Post 719564 by Jamest5r on 2014-06-17 21:43:20

[QUOTE=stribo;719563]Also T-5Rs only seem to come in Olive-green ;)[/QUOTE] Because it was the best colour numpty :)

Post 719565 by Theador on 2014-06-17 21:44:14

[QUOTE=stribo;719563]Also T-5Rs only seem to come in Olive-green ;)[/QUOTE] Haha. Here we go again...

Post 719566 by Theador on 2014-06-17 21:46:03

[QUOTE=Jamest5r;719564]Because it was the best colour numpty :)[/QUOTE] Not if you like Blue.

Post 719567 by p fandango on 2014-06-17 21:49:51

[QUOTE=stribo;719563]Also T-5Rs only seem to come in Olive-green ;)[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Jamest5r;719564]Because it was the best colour numpty :)[/QUOTE] Olive green makes them stand out so much from the normal production 850's is this a T-5R? lol

Post 719568 by t5 pete on 2014-06-17 21:51:44

[QUOTE=Jamest5r;719564]Because it was the best colour numpty :)[/QUOTE] Cough cough that's what all the green ones say but they know the gul yellow is the best of all

Post 719576 by stribo on 2014-06-17 22:30:55

[QUOTE=Jamest5r;719564]Because it was the best colour numpty :)[/QUOTE] TBF, there wasn't a lot of choice.:P

Post 719578 by WOODY T5 on 2014-06-17 22:50:03

T5 is faster

Post 720612 by WillT5 on 2014-06-23 22:35:23

[QUOTE=WOODY T5;719578]T5 is faster[/QUOTE] Second this, cloth weighs less then alcantara Just a few small changes can get it near to the R's and T5-Rs

Post 720614 by WOODY T5 on 2014-06-23 22:43:23

[QUOTE=WillT5;720612]Second this, cloth weighs less then alcantara Just a few small changes can get it near to the R's and T5-Rs[/QUOTE]but I have leather interior tho

Post 720615 by don kalmar union on 2014-06-23 22:50:07

The original T5 and T5r were mechanically identical and were built with the weakest rods of all. The 850R had stronger rods and an uprated 2nd gear cluster plus different turbo. As a rule you don't want to see much over 16psi with the T5 and T5R, the stronger rods in the 850R allowing a sensible 18 psi or near. When the 850s were facelifted into the S70 and V70s the earlier 850R engine became standard in the later T5s. Don.

Post 720616 by WillT5 on 2014-06-23 22:57:14

[QUOTE=WOODY T5;720614]but I have leather interior tho[/QUOTE] Same here, but its beige so absorbs less heat. Less heat = less weight to carry Thats science right there... I hope yours is a light colour also

Post 720617 by WOODY T5 on 2014-06-23 22:59:11

[QUOTE=WillT5;720616]Same here, but its beige so absorbs less heat. Less heat = less weight to carry Thats science right there... I hope yours is a light colour also[/QUOTE]na dk grey

Post 720621 by Unknown on 2014-06-23 23:05:09

Can't beat mellow yellow :D

Post 720623 by MoleT-5R on 2014-06-23 23:15:00

[QUOTE=p fandango;719567]Olive green makes them stand out so much from the normal production 850's is this a T-5R? lol [/QUOTE] Looks just like my awd, same wheels too...nearly

Post 720655 by T5Rica on 2014-06-24 09:18:57

Can't beat these threads for the knowledge you get about the differences. I'd just like to add that here in Australia there is some massive confusion around T-5R and T5. I own a white 1994 T5 (registered in 1995) that the insurance company have down as a T5-R and the vin number got me a T5R front bumper after three car sandwich when I was in the middle. I've also met other people who swear black and blue that their 1994 Australian T5 has vin numbers that say it's a T-5R, and often mumble things about police chase cars etc etc. I know they aren't T-5R but someone has sold them as that and a lot of 1994 T5 in Australia are worth a lot of money. My insurance company has an agreed value of 10K for my 1994 T5. LOL

Post 720661 by M-R-P on 2014-06-24 10:13:04

The 1994 T5 wasn't called a T5, just "850 Turbo" Just to confuse things a little more lol. Hehe, D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. ;)

Post 720666 by p fandango on 2014-06-24 10:29:49

[QUOTE=M-R-P;720661]The 1994 T5 wasn't called a T5, just "850 Turbo" Just to confuse things a little more lol.[/QUOTE] it was still badged as a T-5, i believe they changed it officially to T-5 when they dropped the RIP kit. Here's one to confuse you Martin LINK

Post 720667 by p fandango on 2014-06-24 10:31:20

[QUOTE=T5Rica;720655]Can't beat these threads for the knowledge you get about the differences. I'd just like to add that here in Australia there is some massive confusion around T-5R and T5. I own a white 1994 T5 (registered in 1995) that the insurance company have down as a T5-R and the vin number got me a T5R front bumper after three car sandwich when I was in the middle. I've also met other people who swear black and blue that their 1994 Australian T5 has vin numbers that say it's a T-5R, and often mumble things about police chase cars etc etc. I know they aren't T-5R but someone has sold them as that and a lot of 1994 T5 in Australia are worth a lot of money. My insurance company has an agreed value of 10K for my 1994 T5. LOL[/QUOTE] what does the tyre pressure sticker inside the petrol flap say?

Post 720668 by M-R-P on 2014-06-24 10:33:27

[QUOTE=p fandango;720666]it was still badged as a T-5, i believe they changed it officially to T-5 when they dropped the RIP kit. Here's one to confuse you Martin LINK[/QUOTE] Confused? no - it's just another old, faded Volvo :haha:

Post 720669 by Theador on 2014-06-24 10:35:34

Hmm, I've got a 1994 850 turbo, it definitely has the T5 badge on it and is registered as a T5. Maybe it was a late year release as it also doesn't have the rip kit on it.

Post 720671 by p fandango on 2014-06-24 10:40:26

[QUOTE=Theador;720669]Hmm, I've got a 1994 850 turbo, it definitely has the T5 badge on it and is registered as a T5. Maybe it was a late year release as it also doesn't have the rip kit on it.[/QUOTE] BT's an early 94 & had the factory RIP kit, it was still badged as a T-5 but the logbook & dvla call it an 850 turbo

Post 720672 by M-R-P on 2014-06-24 10:42:41

I pulled a OE rip kit off a '94 T5 that just had 850 Turbo on the back.

Post 720675 by p fandango on 2014-06-24 10:46:47

[QUOTE=M-R-P;720672]I pulled a OE rip kit off a '94 T5 that just had 850 Turbo on the back.[/QUOTE] that must of been a rare old bus, JT's T-5 is badged as a T-5 & registered January 94 (BT's April 94). They only started production in October 93. Did it have the normal Columba wheels?

Post 720676 by T5Rica on 2014-06-24 10:47:36

[QUOTE=M-R-P;720668]Confused? no - it's just another old, faded Volvo :haha:[/QUOTE] Interesting. Italy had some 2.0 litres registered as T-%R and T5. we know they aren't proper ones but that's what the vin says. Having had a look at the evidence it appears that Volvo spent muchos dineros on the T-5R and where happy to badge many cars as that outside of the UK and Sweden, even if they weren't. Incidentally. my 1994 manufactured, 1995 registered car has the RIP kit and is registered as a T-5R. Why did Volvo ditch the RIP kit that many people like to reverse engineer to this day? Any ideas?

Post 720678 by jamesy12345 on 2014-06-24 10:55:07

[QUOTE=M-R-P;720672]I pulled a OE rip kit off a '94 T5 that just had 850 Turbo on the back.[/QUOTE] recently?? If so & you are selling, i would be interested... [QUOTE=T5Rica;720676]...Why did Volvo ditch the RIP kit that many people like to reverse engineer to this day? Any ideas?[/QUOTE] Cos the throttle body could ice up in some colder climates, for the UK no probs

Post 720679 by T5Rica on 2014-06-24 10:58:06

There are colder climates than the UK? :pimp2:

Post 720680 by p fandango on 2014-06-24 11:02:51

[QUOTE=T5Rica;720676]Italy had some 2.0 litres registered as T5-R and T5. we know they aren't proper ones but that's what the vin says.[/QUOTE] officially they are T-5's, Volvo used the smaller engine because of tax regulations making the 2.3 very expensive in Italy