I'm attempting a 2.3 performance swap into my XC. My current engine detonated a piston with only 83k miles on the clock=( I'm just hoping someone can give me some good advice on this subject as I understand this could be a difficult swap being a turbocharged car and all. I have accumulated allot of parts in order to execute this. However choosing the appropriate engine is still in process. What I would like to know is if the 03-04 engines would work fine? I know they have an additional vvt controll but I would imagine you could leave it unplugged and be just fine?
I'd just like to avoid accidently blowing up a very expensive engine by doing something wrong.

03 04 Volvo 70 Series 2 3L Engine Motor 60K LKQ | eBay
This motor is what I have in mind.

Also, another thing I'm wondering, is it preferable to have a dyno tune over a custom chip? And is there any way to fix the terribly sluggish auto transmission shifts? Or would that be remedied in the tune?
My over all goal is to outperform the R model in acceleration and I'd like to do it without using a ton of boost.