C70 must-have mods and accessories?

Post by **kcodyjr** » 14 Jun 2016, 17:35

I'm in the process of buying a 2012 C70 with just 31k miles. It's being shipped and will take a month to get here.

It's also loaded, a Platinum with the climate package and, it seems, part of the dynamic package (steering wheel and active headlights but no 18" wheels). It's black on cranberry.

From what I've read, I've already concluded I'm going to want the IPD rear sway bar, the OE aluminum sport pedals, and one of the available engine tunes. I've opened another thread asking for comparisons between Polestar and IPD's ECU flash. I'm also considering having the dealership put that unobtrusive little OE lip spoiler onto it.

Are there any other must-have mods or accessories for these cars, either OE or aftermarket?

It's my first P1. I'm coming from a 97 850 GLT.

This will also be my first-ever convertible (why yes, 40 is just around the corner, har har).

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Jun 2016, 11:53

Maybe a boost gauge? Is it a stick or auto? Post pics when it gets there!!

Post by **kcodyjr** » 18 Jun 2016, 13:24

It's the 5-speed whackadoodletronic automatic. I was under the impression these didn't come in stick.

My hesitation with the boost gauge is that a cop can see it on the pillar through the window, and so can a thief. Unless there's a kit that puts it somewhere more discreet? Still, I don't see the need for that until/unless I start doing heavy mods.

I'll be sure to post pics when I can!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 Jun 2016, 08:23

kcodyjr wrote:It's the 5-speed whackadoodletronic automatic. I was under the impression these didn't come in stick.

My hesitation with the boost gauge is that a cop can see it on the pillar through the window, and so can a thief. Unless there's a kit that puts it somewhere more discreet? Still, I don't see the need for that until/unless I start doing heavy mods.

I'll be sure to post pics when I can!

You may be right that it didn't come in stick (although earlier versions did)... I have boost gauges on most of our Volvo's...self-installed and btw, I've never had trouble with cops (or thieves- maybe I'm lucky?) and they're on my A-pillars in full view. Others put them lower, like you mention- like in the dash area or even a modified left side vent. My reason for the gauge is not so much to see how much boost I can make but it is very helpful in knowing the shape of my turbo and vacuum lines, and depending, the engine. When the boost comes on and I take my food off of the gas, the vacuum better come on strong and sink quickly down to about -20. If it doesn't, or goes slowly or settles down but comes back up without accelerating again, this tells me a whole lot about what might be wrong, including low compression in one or more of the cylinders, a vacuum line leak, etc... I think they look pretty cool too!

Post by **kcodyjr** » 02 Jul 2016, 18:33

I just posted pics in the photo thread.

And, I've already fitted the aluminum sport pedals. 10 profanity-laced minutes to get them in.

I'm thinking my first real mod is going to be a lower torque mount. There's a noticeable and irritating tap-forward feeling when I let entirely off the gas. I'm pretty sure it's engine movement.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jul 2016, 20:20

I think all of the P1 cars including mine and yours use the same type of lower torque mount. I put in an E-Focus mount...back in the day when Ford owned Volvo and these cars came to be, they shared many of the same parts between Ford, Mazda and Volvo. Although the other two companies took off in different directions, some things stayed the same. Let me see if I can find you what I got and if it would fit your car. It was a great savings and it certainly tightened things up- over on Swedespeed this was one of the more recommended mounts for that position.
-MIJ

Post by **kcodyjr** » 02 Jul 2016, 20:37

Thanks.

If you can't dig it up, or if it won't fit, Elevate sells a suitable mount, though it might transmit more vibration than I might like.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jul 2016, 20:40

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... rque+mount

I see a lot of discussion there in the C70 forum but only see mentioned up to 2011. Not sure if your car was different for this mount in 2012 or not.??!?

Anyway, here is what I ordered - if it would fit your car, I highly recommend it!
http://www.tascaparts.com/oe-ford/cm5z6068a
I now see it over on Amazon for even less $$ https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Focus-Eng ... automotive

Post by **kcodyjr** » 19 Jul 2016, 15:13

Just to follow up, having driven the car for a few weeks, I don't think I'm going to touch the rear sway bar. It seems to handle just fine to me.

That being said, I don't know if it's already got a bar in it. A previous owner put silvered bulbs in the corner, so they could have done other things too. I haven't had a chance to get it up in the air and take a caliper to it. I plan to do that in another 6500 miles, when it's ready for its first service under my stewardship.