S70 T5 - What's special beside the engine?

[Eddystone]

Speaking in terms of a 1999 S70 T5 Automatic, what parts are different on these compared to the standard S70? I know the engine is different, but is the suspension stiffer? Different springs? Struts? Is the auto trans upgraded for the extra power? I gather the T5 has 16" wheels and the standard cars have 15" wheels, so the aspect ratio of the tires must be lower.

What else? Are the parts that are more difficult to source aside from internal engine parts?

Please clue me in.

(Background: I love my non-turbo V70 and have been looking for a second car with a bit more ooomph. Simply buying a turbo might be sufficient. I've seen a T5 advertised locally.)

[abscate]

In 1999 the T5 comes with the high pressure turbo, you are slow off the line but pass everyone after 3000 rpm

T5 with a stick shift is Ultimo

[Eddystone]

In 1999 the T5 comes with the high pressure turbo, you are slow off the line but pass everyone after 3000 rpm

T5 with a stick shift is Ultimo

Well, I knew you'd say that.

Do they have the standard suspension or is it up rated? Is the ride harder?

[scot850]

Volvo has an array of spring rates and shock options. I would consider a 1998 V70T5 the best option of the P80's along with the 850 R and T-5R. They are easier to maintain but other than the chipped keys and ETM issues the 99-00 should not be ignored.

In Europe the T5 had 250bhp (225bhp? in NA) and the most powerful 'R' models only had 265bhp but had to lug around the extra weight of the AWD system. With an auto the trans are rated to only 320bhp so manual models are considered the best of the best as they can be taken way beyond that number (like the TWR modified one in Scotland I knew of with close to 500 bhp!).

I believe (but am happy to be corrected) that the V70T-5 came with larger rotors (302mm v's 280mm). Slightly stiffer springs and better interior and options.

Neil.

[Eddystone]

I believe (but am happy to be corrected) that the V70T-5 came with larger rotors (302mm v's 280mm). Slightly stiffer springs and better interior and options.

Neil.

I saw a spec sheet online that said the T5 had 16" wheels, so larger rotors would make sense.

My non-turbo V70 is a '98, and I am told that the engine management software from '99 on was more problematical. I am also aware that '99 was when the variable valve timing came in. I used to work on a friend's 2000 S40 and am not a fan of the variable valve timing. It's a hassle and that solenoid is a problem. I think all it did was reduce emissions a tad. I do tend to look for 98's when I search, but there are not a ton of them around. I might be satisfied with just a low pressure turbo, but then I would never measure up to the ABSCATES of the Volvo world! (joking)

[Rattnalle]

The VVT enables a broader ranger of power. It's a good thing mostly. And they're not too much of a problem either as long as oil changes are kept up with decent oil.

And even though it might feature a sportier chassis it's a standard fit if you're having trouble locating the specific parts later on.

The brakes should be a size up in front but the only two parts that are different is the disc and the brake caliper mounting bracket.

[abscate]

In 1999 the T5 comes with the high pressure turbo, you are slow off the line but pass everyone after 3000 rpm

T5 with a stick shift is Ultimo

Well, I knew you'd say that.

Do they have the standard suspension or is it up rated? Is the ride harder?

I’m not sure but I put in IPD heavy springs into my T5 so I’ve got a stiff ride I like as I roll down I87 in the slow lane.

The only time I go fast is when I’m following June and watching BmDubs’ R shrink in my rear view

I’ve got the 302 mm disks on the front of My 99 FWD. I have to say with Steele’s and snow tires I don’t miss AWD even in New England winter.

[erikv11]

... The only time I go fast is when I’m following June and watching BmDubs’ R shrink in my rear view ...

You might want to drive a P2 R sometimes. Your T5 manual (or auto or w/ever) will not seem very fast on the highway.

[abscate]

Yeah, I think Im giving away about 50 HP to a P2 R if I remember the specs.

BMWDUB has to get his running first, though.

[Rattnalle]

Yeah, I think Im giving away about 50 HP to a P2 R if I remember the specs.

BMWDUB has to get his running first, though.

You're a few hundred pounds lighter though. A P2 R with awd and stuff weighs a bit.