Hi Newborn

I also feel my 850 is a little down in power, new plugs, dist cap/rotor, air and fuel filter and a cleaned out throttle body will help. Check when your timing belt was last done and make sure you feel confident with the one you have. Also get your compression checked.

The multi-valve engine IS designed to rev and it does very eagerly reach 5 or 6000 rpm. This is a big change in Volvo's power philosophy but I am confident in my motor and regularly let the thing go round the 'clock'. You can do this ONLY with a hot 'not warm' engine and good clean oil.

I am often travelling through germany and drive at speeds over 100mph (others do drive faster) for long periods of time, usually up to one hour or so.

In fact most european motors which are manufactured to higher or tighter tolerances wear out more quickly when they are not allowed to rev. Higher speed driving cleans deposits left by combustion. My car has 170,000 miles and I change oil at 5000 mile intervals and I still don't get the ticking sound on start up that other 850 owners experience. I am considering reducing oil change intervals to 3000 miles as my car is approahing 10 years.

ENJOY.

Klaus
1994 850 2.0ltr 20valve with 170,000 miles