from aw5551 to tf80sc

[nicod5]

hello everybody,

I'm brand new here and it's my first post, I own a 2004 v70 d5 awd(italian market) with a 5 speed aw5551 and am very pleased with everything about the car but the transmission: I would like to upgrade it to the newer tf80sc.
looking at the wiring diagram I found that it would be relatively simple to build a custom wiring to connect the new transmission to my electric system but I'm concerned about the compatibility of my 2004 engine ECU with the new gearbox ECU: being connected by the CAN system I'm afraid they won't understand to eachother.
when Volvo installed the tf80sc they used a new engine ECU also and I do not know if they did it because the new aisin ECU on the tf80sc is not compatible with the previous engine ECU or just because they had to integrate the FAP managing or the new common rail system ecc.
another option would be to install the new gearbox with the 2006 wiring and engine ECU: this way the transmission should work fine but again I'm afraid something like ABS, airbags or dashboard could be not compatible with the new ECU.
do you know if anyonelse did it before or do you have any good suggestion about this topic?

[jimmy57]

Unfortunately the swap will not be easy at all. First off you will need a TF80 with torque converter for diesel engine. THe high torque made at low revs on diesels requires a torque converter with the correct K factor.
The TF80 was never offered on the 04 down models and the CAN language is different 05 up vs. 04 down as well as the data bus speed is twice as fast on the later. The effect would be like trying to get Windows 2000 program to run on a 2011 MAC pc.
If the Torque converter issue was solved the computer compatibility would require some serious work if it is possible at all.

Have you have transmission breakdown or just do not like the shifting of the 5 speed?

[nicod5]

I do not like the shifting of the 5 speed, but maybe it could be solved with a software upgrade.actually I'm not happy with the aw5551 for its final gear ratio:I would like it to be longer and a six speed transmission would be a better choice if I decide to put inside it a differential with a longer ratio.
I could do the same mod to the aw5551 but I would end up with a very long ratio transmission and a slow acceleration or difficult start when driving uphill:I live on the hills near Florence and drive uphill everyday, but also drive regularly for long trips to other countries and need a longer final gear.
it would not be difficult for me to find a tf80 for diesel engine as here in Europe diesel powered cars are now preferred to gasoline cars and Volvos are normally D5 model here, the hard part is to have it working under the bonnet.
my second option is to upgrade my engine ECU to the 2006 version:do you think it would not be compatible with ABS system and other stuff?

[JRL]

I guess you don't want to listen
The 05s and newer have a completely different electrical system, nothing will /can match up or communicate with each other

[jimmy57]

Yep, JRL is right. There is no electronic parts interchangeability between 04 and older and 05 and later. Also there is not interchangeability with many electronic parts within the 04 down and 05 up ranges.

Some times only a newer car will get you the newer features.

[nicod5]

thank you guys for the kind answers, a newer car is the 3rd option but I wanted to explore n°1 and 2 before.

[Partybot]

What about swapping a tf80c into a 2005 v70r? Is the issue the electrical of the 2004 and older models? Mine has the torque limited to 250ftlb and I'd like to build up the performance. Replaced a lot of running gear, drive shaft, and bevel gear so simply buying a 2007 has draw backs.

[precopster]

No such trouble for this guy or was he just lucky? http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?t=273114
Admittedly he didn't go up to the TF80SC, just a sideways hop to a later year.