Hello Volvo fans,

I have a XC90 from 2004 and consider to tune it up to get some more power.
Now it has 210 hp and I think about getting it to at least 250 hp.
The torque will then increase from 320 Nm to 420 Nm or so.
Will this require adjustments of the automatic transmission gear box?

Cheers, Wouter

 

No, I wouldn't think so, besides there's nothing really to adjust. going from 210 to 250 is not really going to stress out the transmission, particularly an AWD set up. The most practical way to add 40 HP is to get an ECU tune which adds boost and better manage spark timing and mixture for the added hp. This will stress out the fuel so you'd need to run premium grade. Some of the more well known chip tunes are from IPD(MTE), RICA, BSR and will get you about 35-40 HP and take about one second off your 0-60. The thing about the 2.5T is its a light pressure turbo design - meaning it has a slightly smaller turbo which spools up quickly for better low end torque. You'd be adding boost throughout the powerband so it should be a nice change.

 

Thanks for the info. Sounds like such a chip tuning is a good plan.
Do you know if a turbo upgrade is possible and applicable?

 

Volvos use Mitsubishi TD04 turbos which are all basically the same with the exception of the flange style/location and the pumping capacity of the turbo. You can install an angle flanged TD04HL-16T (budget $1200 for a new ready to install unit) which is what's on the high pressure volvo turbo models or rebuild your existing turbo and replace the compressor/impeller wheels with those for a 16T or even an 18T (I believe yours is a 13 or 14, which refers to the pumping capacity of the turbo where bigger numbers mean air volume can be pushed). Google around, I'm sure there's some rebuilds on eBay

 

Thanks! Interesting stuff. New for me.
I'll have a Google.