Engine 850: B5202S/2.0/10v: 2.0 20v

[jox]

hi im intrested in buying a 1994 model 2.0 20v 850 can anyone tell me if they are slow? i cant afford the t5 insurance but id like one thats pretty quick and has a nice sound im gussing the 20v sounds nice when opend up?

[caveman]

they are 5 cylinder engines and do sound very nice! if i were you though id get at least the 2.5 10v, i know its got nigh on the same bhp as the 2.0 20v, but the 2.5 10v has got more power down in the rev range whereas the 2.0 20v is going to be overworked when you put your foot down!
they are slow compared to the t5, but find a 2.5 take it for a test drive and youll be very suprised, the handling on 850's is fantastic for such a large car!
regards
cavey

[JIM C]

I have owned two 850 GLT`s 2.0 litre 20 v. I enjoyed them both. Needed a bit of reving to make them go but that was part of the fun. Not so good for pulling the caravan found it hard work keeping the torque up. Still quick enough to be enjoyable.

[jox]

quick enough to be enjoyable is what im after, just seeing as its not the top engine for this model i dont want something thats underpowerd for the car if you know what i mean, can you feel the throw back in them when you put your foot down?

i shall be upgrading from a rover 216 need something bigger as i had a child now.if its quicker than my rover ill be pleased i know they dont hit 60 too fast but i much prefer the feeling of tourque that throws you back neway.

[liuleichan]

Originally Posted by jox

quick enough to be enjoyable is what im after, just seeing as its not the top engine for this model i dont want something thats underpowerd for the car if you know what i mean, can you feel the throw back in them when you put your foot down?

i shall be upgrading from a rover 216 need something bigger as i had a child now.if its quicker than my rover ill be pleased i know they dont hit 60 too fast but i much prefer the feeling of tourque that throws you back neway.

If you prefer driving a torque-y engine, then the 2.5 10v is for you at that end of the engine range.

Whilst the 2.0 20v has the same peak power, how it gets there is quite different compared with the larger but less valved engine.

You'll have to rev the 2.0 20v for it to feel pacey.

[jox]

what insurance group is the 2.5 10v, is the 20v still reliable if you like to rev it? finaly do the 850s have cats? if its pre kreg can i remove it with out anyproblems to free up some power?

[robbyc]

You might want to try the 2.5 20V, it is very smooth and pretty quick, I prefer it to my T4, although it is not quite as quick.

[volvo-express]

I have had 3 different 2.0 20V in the last 2 years, all L reges
1. 260K- second fastest was the estate, £350
2. 52K – slowest – saloon in EXCELLENT condition £1000
3. 101K – saloon, very good condition but fastest by far! £600


They are just quick enough to have fun with, and are excellent for motorway driving which I do, 90 mile a day. So if you are buying one, the performance differs from each car, In my case widely! Drive a few of them and get feel for them and you know when you have a good one. Get one that has being looked after, service history, no ticking noises from engine, new leads dizzy cap etc etc…

The 2.0 20V is a good starting point and you can always upgrade to a T5 later which I am going to do.

Brian from Cambs.

[Davef]

I've got a 1996 2.5 20V now with 200,000 miles on the clock, I've put a sports cat/exhaust on it (great sound) and put black diamond brakes all round and it still cruises at 80-90 all day. I go from West Sussex to Devon at least once a week and has never let me down. It still drives like it did when I got it at 2 years old with 80.000 on it.

[pyaap]

I had use of a 2.0 20V (B5204FS) last year and although it could have done with a little more "poke", it did have a very rev happy engine (up to 7000rpm!!) and was very smooth. I did find the fuel consumption a little on the high side, even when I was not exploring 7000rpm, but it was reliable and did sound great. I think I would have no hesitation recommending one but if you're planning to tow anything, then the 2.5 20V is definitely the one to go for.