[FONT=Times][SIZE=7]Hi I am new to this forum but have several questions. I just purchased a 95 850 T-5R with only 90k original. I have owned about 12 Volvos over the years from 700's 900's and about 6 - 850's. This is my first T-5R though. I would like to add a bit of performance but with budget in mind. It seems from what I have read that freeing up the exhaust back pressure and an ECU chip upgrade is about all I need to do to get the most bang for my buck so to speak.

Can anyone recomend where to get a large downpipe resonably priced ? The only one I have found is listed at $749.00 for a S/S 3". I figured I would possibly have my friend at an exhaust shop piece one from tubing if I find a 3" flange ? What ECU chip mod is reasonably priced with reliable performance gains. I am aware of IPD stuff but they are top dollar.... Looking for advise on cost cutting methods or manufacturers. Thanks for any help.

Oh yeah, regarding my hello, I am 51 and a professional in Washington state. My job allows me to drive fast and chase people :) so I am more sedate in my personal vehicles but want to "perk" up the ol swede a bit....Thanks

welcome "officer", ahem, i wasn't speeding, i was just trying to catch up with that ferrari :grin: there is no chip upgrade, it is the whole ecu. not like a chevy or a ford, ipd and rica are the two best ones. both are pricey. try a stage 0 upgrade. new everything, plugs, 8mm wires, new hoses, filter, etc. then try to free up the exhaust. down pipe and cat back. from there you are going the money route. ecu is 8 bills plus. blue or green injectors are 6 bills plus. racing exhaust, an even thou. tranny ecu 8 bills plus. if you can piece the exhaust together, good enough. if you can swing it, get the exhaust manifold extrude honed, costs around 3 bills, but it is worth it just for the fact that it cleans up the inside and opens it up a bit, smoother radius in the bends. no wrinkles. good luck and check out the 850 forum and the garage feature to see all the members rides. you'll get great ideas from us. and no, none of us speed here. we are all responsible drivers. just don't look at the rubber particles stuck to our front fenders or the quarter panels. bald tires, line locks, etc. just for show, sir. :grin:

Uh oh, I think the OP has found the hornet's nest of info...hehe.

I have never really thought much about modding my Volvo, but I must say after visiting these forums for awhile I can see how it can become quite contagious :)

As for the OP, good thing you dont live a litle further South or all the emission laws couldprobably put a real crimp in your desires.

Anyways, from what I can tell, Greek can certainly tell you how to go about it, and canprobably tell you first hand about the benefits of alot of mods. Wish I had the money to do that kind of thing, but I don't (not yet anyways).

Or in his driveway. :bwekk:

:)