Hi there, I have a 2008 C30 2.4i manual trans, I feel the car is underpowered and really should be making more since its a 5cyl. I am not saying its broken just slow. I just changed spark plugs and I do my oil changes religously.
I came across a website called gantuning.com and they have available a tune for my C30, advertizes 20hp gain and 28nm of torque gain. Its about $200 pounds.
Does this sound legit and if so am I taking a huge risk with my engine doing this, obviously tuning it puts more strain but is this really that harmful?
Thanks, Matteo

 

What the "tune" does is alters the fuel enrichment and spark advance mappings. This can produce a small amount of power gain at but I'd really doubt its 20 HP - my bet its closer to 10 HP. tunes are more effective for turbo engines where the tune can also increase boost pressure which is where much of the gains are. Also, changing the factory tune by advancing spark will require going to premium 93 (US) 98 RON (UK) fuel. A better idea is to put some after market sway bars, better rims/tires etc.

 

S60 2002 Volvo......change 5 ignition coils - like magic - runs like a dream

I went ahead and change spark plugs - it was time to do both never ran better

 

good move. doing a "stage 0" tune up can give you a good idea of the condition of the engine. On the older pre-2000 models that would include plugs, wires, rotor, cap, filters, oil, and perhaps an inspect/clean of the intake air tube and MAF. On the models with coil packs,you may also want to inspect the wire harness to the coils and its connectors which can crack. I also recommend plugs appropriate to your year - when in doubt go Genuine Volvo. More expensive plugs are not always better for an older ignition system design.