What can be done to increase performance of a V-90 2.9 6

RCR · Post by **RCR** » 09 Oct 2009, 19:50

I see all the stuff for the turbos like the 940,850 or 740 but is there anything that will boost the performance on my 98 V-90 with the non turbo 2.9 liter 6??
She is a good cruser but I want more!

Post by **tjts1** » 10 Oct 2009, 20:36

You can swap 92-94 960 cams for an extra 20hp top end, fix your airbox thermostat and add a larger funnel to the airbox.

RCR · Post by **RCR** » 12 Oct 2009, 07:45

Already blocked the airbox flap full open to the cold air side. What about a chip? Do they really help in non turbo cars? If so who do I go to for one?
The cam swap I have already looked at but that is a LOT of $ for 20 hp. Are there any aftermarket cams out there? Headers and exhaust mods? I'm used to working with older US stuff and this is my first Volvo.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 12 Oct 2009, 10:51

Before you look at a chip, install a full exhaust system and make a better air intake. Then chip the ecu and you will see some nice gains. The 2.9 littler 6 was designed to be a more low end car so you need to free it up to gain the top end back. Also, the trans is not the best in the world so keep that in mind.

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 12 Oct 2009, 11:15

Who sells a ECU upgrade for the 2.9? No so easy without a turbo.

RCR · Post by **RCR** » 12 Oct 2009, 18:24

FCPGroton wrote: Also, the trans is not the best in the world so keep that in mind.

Hmm I thought the trans used in these cars was a tough unit?? Is not the issue with those units the lack of servicing? Volvo never recomends doing a full service just a drain and refill which is NUTS!!! First thing I did when i got mine was a full flush and filter change!!!
Toyota and Lexus used that same basic unit and it was bulletproof. The only difference was they recomended full regular servicing!

Post by **tjts1** » 13 Oct 2009, 18:02

960 has a very strong automatic transmission. It just needs a fluid change every 5 years or so. There are millions of toyotas on the roads from the LS400 right down to tacomes with the same basic transmission.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 14 Oct 2009, 12:40

You know what, you're right about the transmission. I was thinking about the FWD trans like in the S80 T6. Sorry about that.

Post by **tjts1** » 15 Oct 2009, 10:16

No worries. Actually if you ever find a prestine 960 with a 'bad' transmission on CL BUY it. Chances are it has a sticking solenoid from the nasty 'lifetime fluid' that has never been replaced. Flush the AFT a couple of times and it should free itself up. If it doesn't you access the solenoid valves from the side of the transmission. Any Aisin/Toyota solenoid valve from the same model year will work.

9394volvo850s · Post by **9394volvo850s** » 26 Dec 2009, 23:52

set the cam timing also. I beleve the exhaust cam is retarted a bit. the cam gears are adjustable so no worries.