I've got a recently purchased 1996 850 wagon w/5spd that I'm starting to construct a list of things I'd like to do for it. It's the base model, so my first tendency is to find add-on's from GLT's which will sweeten the ride. I've done some research thus far, but I can't get the AWD forum's search to work worth beans, so I decided to make a new post.

1. I'd like to convert the engine to synthetic oil. I'm fully aware of the infinite dino vs. synthetic debate, so I'd really like to know if there are any 850 specific concerns or beneifits to synthetic in this model.

2. The car manual said my manual transmission already has a synthetic lubricant. How often should I check and/or flush the trans, and is there a better oil to use?

3. My main instrument cluster only has a LCD clock in the bottom center. After reading the manual, I discovered in higher models, you could get one that also had an exterior thermometer as well as a gas mileage tool linked to the computer. Could I change out my clock for one of these units, and if so, where could I get one? Ebay didn't return any decent results.

4. What are the opinions regarding octane gas to run in the 850? The manual recommends 91 octane, but says you can put in 87. What does everyone here think?

5. Are there any decent bright white headlight bulb kits for the 850? Something that isn't a $14 Chinese knockoff found on ebay?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

My experience with ex-wife's 850 was very positive. The first one was t-boned and totaled at 3 yrs old (side air bag and substantial construction saved my son from serious injury), and I replaced it with another '97. Around 90K or so I switched to Mobil 1 and had no problems whatsoever, and starting the car on sub-zero mornings was a bit easier.

Never had to fool with the electronics. Brake jobs and strut replacements were easier than the 240's, by far. Used Bilstein HDs which made the handling crisper with no ride deterioration. PBR Metal Masters for pads - good life, minimal dust, and Bridgestone Potenza RE950 205/60's for excellent handling, esp. in the wet.

I routinely used 89 or 91 oct gas, but the occasional tank of off-brand, 87 oct weasel piss never seemed to hurt it. Engine management system prevents serious knock.

I'm no FWD fan, but the 850 was about the best I've experienced. The auto trans was extremely well-matched to the engine characteristics, which made this old gear shifter not miss the stick too much. Still, I lusted after a manual trans model and I still keep my eyes open for one.


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Thank goodness we don't get all the government we pay for. -- Wiley Post

I've been having fun with some minor mods to my '97 855 NA over the past 5 yrs.
Started with Mobil 1 and the engine had 110K on it and varnish on the dipstick. The varnish is gone now and I have to think that things a cleaner in there now. I've also read about sludge killing cars and feel better protected. I change around 5K, but forgot once and went to 9K, you can't do that with regular oil.
I don't worry much about the trans fluid. Had it done.
The therm is not a big deal. It's for road temp and is not accurate for outside air temp. It tells you when it's 32 and freezing but you usually already know. The other 'tronics also don't seem worth it to open up the cluster. You also might have to turn around and open it again if you push the trip counter and break the little gear in there. (I haven't)
I like to get the 91 octane. No one has it except for Sunoco I get it when I can and don't sweat it the rest of the time.
Haven't done headlights, The stock are pretty bright and I don't want people flashing me on the highway. I did do side marker lights from IPD though, and like them very much. I ran the wiring and it wasn't hard to do.
Other things I got: Wiper relay from IPD, K&N air filter, cabin filter adapter, Side marker lights, added V70 Euro rails, added v70 spoiler, changed out steel wheels to Volvo Columba, IPD exhaust tip, Bilstein shocks, just got Zimmerman cross drilled rotors, I want to add the 3rd seat, get the IPD skid plate, perhaps get a hard wired iPod adapter, and I've just noticed that you can change out the air dam to one from an R model (Volvospeed.com).
There's always something fun to look forward to and this site is great.
Have Fun,

my 1994 855M turned 325k miles recently (original owner). I have always used Castrol 10-30 plain dino oil, though recently, for kicks (guilt?) I switched to the green "high mileage engine" formula. Keeping the engine oil changed at 5k miles, I have not noticed any negative effects of not using synthetic. I actually use Mobil 1 on my Saab Viggen as it calls for this, but frankly, I'm not so sure it is warranted in the Volvo. It has a big oil pan, and keeping it changed at 5k seems to be doing the trick for me.

The one time I changed oil types to Valvoline (at my dealer's recommmendation) I suddenly sprung a main oil seal leak (at 256k) coincidence? probably, but still hard to ignore. Moral of my story, keep using what has wored so far.

Also, I have used 89 octane for the life of the car, and it has always worked well for me.

I recently bought a "near new, only 100k mi." '99 5 spd V70 and am hoping to log another couple hundred k on it. The 94 still runs true and burns no more oil than when it was new, but it is getting a bit long in the tooth.

Good choice to get the base 5-speed IMHO.

Good luck,
Claude in Maine

First off, congrats on the V70 find, sounds wicked sweet. Almost any Volvo with a stick sounds great to me. I'm also happy to start hearing about 850's with high mileage. It makes me feel a little better about leaving my 240 behind.

As for your fuel choice, what type of mileage do you typically get using 89? I'm going to try all three grades over the coming months, but having a basis for comparison will help in my analysis.

I have a turbo, which I think is a bit less economy wise. I use regular fuel (87?), and I get around 23.4mpg 80% hwy 20% cty driving in the summer. In the winter it goes down to 21.4mpg. I think the EPA was 19/26 for the 95 850T. I don't have any performance issues. When I hit it fairly hard, it gives me all the power I need. Good luck. Don.

1. Synthetic engine oil is good for your engine, but... I there is a lot of sludge build up plugging up your seals, as the sludge is cleaned off you may discover some leaks. The biggest mistake most people make is to lower the viscosity with synthetic. Keep the new oil the same weight!
2. Change it when ever it gets dirty or at 200K when you get a new clutch!
3. The wires and sensors are not there in your model.
4. Because of knock sensors, you will not know when the timing is being retarded due to poor octane quality. Your best bet is to use 91 or 89 octane for a few tanks, recording your milage and then try a tank of 87. If the milage remains constant, then 87 will be OK.
5. Check at autoparts stores close to you. It is really the lenses, not the bulb, that is the real problem. I put Ecode lenses on my V70 and have been very happy.

Klaus
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1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi