VOLVO 850 T5 – THE FIVE-CYLINDER LEGEND OF THE 90s

VOLVO 850 T5 – THE FIVE-CYLINDER LEGEND OF THE 90s

In the automotive world, there are engines that are remembered not only for their performance, but also for their character. The Volvo 2.3 T5 from the 850 series is one such case – a five-cylinder turbo from the turn of the 80s and 90s that built the foundation for an entire family of units that were later used for over two decades.

The B5234T engine is a 2.3-liter, inline-5 turbocharged unit with an aluminum head with 20 valves and DOHC shafts. In the T5 version, it generated 225 hp and 300 Nm, which allowed for a sprint to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds - today it may not be impressive, but in 1993 such values ​​were impressive, especially in the station wagon body with front-wheel drive.

It is worth adding that the engine operates at a boost pressure of about 0.9 bar (series), and its tuning potential is very solid. R versions (e.g. 850 T-5R, V70R) had even more power - up to 250 HP. Turbochargers also changed - from Mitsubishi TD04HL-15G to 16T in newer models.

The entire five-cylinder Volvo series was exceptional – sound, work culture, flexibility and mechanical durability. Interestingly, over the years, engines from this family even found their way into Ford (e.g. Focus ST/RS), and Polestar also used their base in initial designs.

Today, the 850 T5 is not only a classic, but also a nice base for modification – if well-maintained. It tolerates increased boost pressure well, and its ECU (Bosch Motronic 4.3/4.4) can be programmed without major problems.