but I think 960's were the slowest Volvo's ever made. I recently acquired a '97 960 with 96k, but I don't know what to do with it to make it faster. Any suggestions? I'm already pretty sure I'm getting flowmaster exhaust and K&N air intake, what else could you add on before having to gut the engine?

 

It's not the slowest volvo....believe me.

Exhaust, intake, performance chips (thought the gains will not be as great as a turbo), suspension (if you can find some stuff for that year)....

Go crazy NA power build up the motor port/polish, bigger valves, and get some cams from Sweden. lighten the flywheel, switch to a M90 trans?.....etc.

There is not much you can do with out braking the bank.....

 

Mine 93 960 scoots along pretty well. I have a K&N, and brand new stock volvo plugs, and it moves when I need it to. I've gotten it up to 120 a few times, and have cruised it 80-90 all day without breaking a sweat.
....now my buddies 93 940 N/A, that thing was a little slow

 

NO, NO, NO. I have had two 960's and they are no where near as slow as a 740 GLE that I had. We actually named the 740 Grace. It will get you there, just gracefully. Best car I have ever had.

Both of my 960's hold their own. I actually thought my 960 was fast until I got my daughter's S70 GLT. My 960 will burn tire and smoothly run up to 110 with 4 adults in the car without hesitation (so I've been told). Bottom line is that the 960/S90 is a solid luxary car that is very smooth, every step of the way.

I would get a good tune up, change filters, and remember that the car is nearly 4,000 lbs.

 

Or you can just get another car... like a Camaro or a Neon.