So some of you will remember when I posted asking how to pimp out my mom's ride. The car looked like this the day I got it:
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She came packing with misfire codes, rough front seats, a blown speaker and some serious hygiene issues.
We've come a long way. Ignition system, timing belt, & air filters were tackled. I've deleted the SAS pump. Reconnected the radiator that had a missing main bolt, fixed the throttle cable. The new Stereo Head unit works a treat, along with dynamat treatment in the front doors and rear shelf. SE models came equipped with the same amp their R cousins were outfitted with, just no dolby. If you want to see all of it it's right here: http://forums.swedespeed.com/showth...o-pimp-out-your-mom-s-old-ride&highlight=pimp
So this is where the fun begins. The T5's have always lived in the shadow of their R counterparts. No AWD, smaller turbos in some years, slower, lamer interiors/exteriors. So where do we start with getting on track to being a proper "R" rival? Firstly, She has to look the part on the inside:
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The front seat skins were fully replaced, I miraculously found some SE covers and that was a bitch of a job. Theres about 50 hog rings on each seat that you have to remove in order, then in exact reverse order replace and tighten properly (I used zip ties). The new leather looks incredible. Here's a before and after of the driver's seat:
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Here's how she sits right now:
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Don't worry! The R bumper is on it's way. Currently it's silver, and the paint is in **** condition. My good buddy and I will be refinishing and painting that ourselves. Then will be new wheels, Volans or Comets, with appropriately new tires.
So here's what I would like from you fine people. I have a list of a few things that I wan't your opinion on:
Tires: Performance all seasons? I can drive my all seasons all year with no issues, even in the snow here because we get minimal snowfall. I put winters on when I have to travel over passes to other cities a few times in the wintertime, and I have winters that are nearly new. Would love recommendations for good all-around tires.
Intake: Stick with stock airbox? What pieces can I get that would both refresh and even improve performance in regards to the intake?
Exhaust: Would like it to sound better when pushed, like how the R exhaust seems to do it. Possible to retrofit an R exhaust, or better worth to go custom?
Suspension: Need to replace my spring seats and strut bearings, it seems. Should I only use OEM volvo? While at it, sway bar end links perhaps? I'm open to options on this, I know IPD HD gets recommended lots, but I do not want to stiffen my ride very much.
Motor Mounts: I get quite a bit of excess vibration, especially with a cold start. Top engine mount is due for replacement, lower right side motor mount I'd imagine is also due, and probably the tranny torque mount too. Now.... Which mounts do we buy here. I remember hearing that the Poly mounts transmit MORE engine vibration, especially with automatics. There are also very inexpensive offerings in terms of motor mounts, with a huge difference in price between the OEM spec and aftermarket. Is it unwise to purchase aftermarket in these cases?
For the tranny torque mount: Better to replace the whole assembly, or purchase the rubber bushings?
Onwards and upwards!
She came packing with misfire codes, rough front seats, a blown speaker and some serious hygiene issues.
We've come a long way. Ignition system, timing belt, & air filters were tackled. I've deleted the SAS pump. Reconnected the radiator that had a missing main bolt, fixed the throttle cable. The new Stereo Head unit works a treat, along with dynamat treatment in the front doors and rear shelf. SE models came equipped with the same amp their R cousins were outfitted with, just no dolby. If you want to see all of it it's right here: http://forums.swedespeed.com/showth...o-pimp-out-your-mom-s-old-ride&highlight=pimp
So this is where the fun begins. The T5's have always lived in the shadow of their R counterparts. No AWD, smaller turbos in some years, slower, lamer interiors/exteriors. So where do we start with getting on track to being a proper "R" rival? Firstly, She has to look the part on the inside:
The front seat skins were fully replaced, I miraculously found some SE covers and that was a bitch of a job. Theres about 50 hog rings on each seat that you have to remove in order, then in exact reverse order replace and tighten properly (I used zip ties). The new leather looks incredible. Here's a before and after of the driver's seat:
Here's how she sits right now:
Don't worry! The R bumper is on it's way. Currently it's silver, and the paint is in **** condition. My good buddy and I will be refinishing and painting that ourselves. Then will be new wheels, Volans or Comets, with appropriately new tires.
So here's what I would like from you fine people. I have a list of a few things that I wan't your opinion on:
Tires: Performance all seasons? I can drive my all seasons all year with no issues, even in the snow here because we get minimal snowfall. I put winters on when I have to travel over passes to other cities a few times in the wintertime, and I have winters that are nearly new. Would love recommendations for good all-around tires.
Intake: Stick with stock airbox? What pieces can I get that would both refresh and even improve performance in regards to the intake?
Exhaust: Would like it to sound better when pushed, like how the R exhaust seems to do it. Possible to retrofit an R exhaust, or better worth to go custom?
Suspension: Need to replace my spring seats and strut bearings, it seems. Should I only use OEM volvo? While at it, sway bar end links perhaps? I'm open to options on this, I know IPD HD gets recommended lots, but I do not want to stiffen my ride very much.
Motor Mounts: I get quite a bit of excess vibration, especially with a cold start. Top engine mount is due for replacement, lower right side motor mount I'd imagine is also due, and probably the tranny torque mount too. Now.... Which mounts do we buy here. I remember hearing that the Poly mounts transmit MORE engine vibration, especially with automatics. There are also very inexpensive offerings in terms of motor mounts, with a huge difference in price between the OEM spec and aftermarket. Is it unwise to purchase aftermarket in these cases?
For the tranny torque mount: Better to replace the whole assembly, or purchase the rubber bushings?
Onwards and upwards!
Funny thing, even for how much cheaper they seem on IPD or FCP, when you tack on shipping and exchange, it was almost the same. Damn you Canadian import laws!!
