Looking at FCPEuro's web site, I see that there are 87 C, 90 C and 92 C thermostats for my car. I don't know what temp is in there now but the temp gauge never past vertical and is usually half a tick below that. I'm thinking that a 92 C thermostat will let my heater keep my toes warmer and also possibly provide more fuel efficiency.

What says the hive mind?

 

If you have a 2002 there is only one choice - and Volvo only sells the thermostat in a housing - 2001 and earlier use a different housing - and the 92 degree thermostat for that housing can be bought be itself for $12.

 

I don't think that I have that funky one. My engine looks like this and I believe that the t-stat is right there at the end of the upper radiator hose.

 

Ah yes - the non-turbo engine still used the older style thermostat - I see that replacement throttle module - Ouch, hopefully that did not hurt much!

 

Yeah, it was painful. The shop bought it from Volvo and insisted that their computer could program it. They couldn't get it working so they paid to tow it to Volvo and paid for the programming. Still expensive.

I looked at a video of how to change out the new style t-stat and I wouldn't want to mess with it. I really wonder why they change things like that.

 

You can always call up FCP and give them your VIN and they will tell you exactly what you need! They even have a live chat too if that's your thing.

 

I know what I "need." I'm wondering about what I want. Neither my V70 nor my S60 blew really hot air on max heat. I'm wondering if the 92 C t-stat will keep my feet warmer.

 

Nice weather yesterday so I replaced my thermostat with the 92C one. Amazingly easy to do. I clamped off the hose to the expansion tank so it wouldn't try to drain out.

The temp gauge indicates about a half a tick higher than it used to. I'll have to wait for cold weather to see if it makes a difference for keeping my toes warm.