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Should You Swap In A T5 Engine?

Should You Swap In A T5 Engine?

Posted by Max Rundlett on 8th Jan 2021

While browsing the Facebook forums, I’ve noticed a lot of people referencing the 2.4L T5 engine found in the ‘05 to ‘09 S60 (and select few V70) as an OEM upgrade for many models including the P2R. If you’re unfamiliar with this engine, don’t fret, today we will be diving into why you should (and should not) swap a 2.4L T5 engine into your car!

Background

Darton Cylinder SleevesIf you’re reading this, I’d be willing to bet this isn’t your first-time hearing about the praised T5 swap. Enthusiasts across the forums rave about this swap due to the engine’s strength relative to the other 5-cylinder RN engines.

The late-model T5 engine is designated as “B5244T5”. If you’re unfamiliar with Volvo’s nomenclature for their engines, here’s the breakdown:

  • Fuel Type - B (bensin/petrol/gasoline)
  • Number of Cylinders - 5
  • Engine Displacement - 2.4 (L)
  • Number of Valves per Cylinder - 4
  • Induction Method - T (turbocharged)
  • Revision/Generation - 5

This engine shares the same bottom end as the S60R/V70R from the same generation with slightly different pistons due to the smaller cylinder bore. The cylinder bore in the P2R engines (B5254T4) is 83mm while the bore in the T5 is just 81mm. This means the cylinder liners are much thicker and therefore stronger from the factory.

The issue that the R’s face with their larger cylinder bore is that the cylinder walls tend to crack due to higher boost levels and heat from potentially lean air/fuel mixtures. With the T5 engine, you can run the same boost levels with a significantly lower failure rate.

Should You Swap Motors?

This is the question many people ask when they hear about this swap. It’s enticing to know you can improve reliability of your car and make more power safely with an OEM upgrade. However, if your engine is still in good, working order, there are simpler things you can do to make these improvements:

do88 Intercooler

Now, upgrading your cylinder sleeves (or even shims) might not be the easiest upgrade, but it’s still an option - especially if you plan to run high horsepower (>450WHP). An intercooler upgrade and introducing water-meth injection can help reduce intake temperatures, lowering your risk for knock.

TL;DR unless your engine is on its way out, there are easier, less expensive ways to safely run more power through your current setup.

Whatever route you decide to go down, we’re here to help! If you have any questions regarding this article, or if you need recommendations for what you should do with your car, shoot us an email or message us on Facebook!