Post 657870 by RobbieH on 2013-11-03 18:30:49
Rummaging through a bunch of photos recently made me think of chucking up a thread on how the ol'barge has changed over the years. So here we are.....
Bought the car in Jan 2007 after several years with BMW 320d estates with work although I'd had Volvos previously. But never in all those years would I have thought I'd have done something like this will detail.
Redundancy at the end of 2006, a change of career (at the time, but that's another story) plus prior history with Volvos meant a 54 plate V70 D5 appeared on the drive in early January. One previous owner, 47k on the clock, full main dealer history (oh really LOL, hindisght is such a wonderful thing).
First things were a full set of mud-flaps and a Parrot 3200LS-GPS to talk to my (then) Nokia phone and Axim PDA for sat-nav plus Snooper (all powered via multi-plug hidden inside the faux-leather pod on the side of the centre console). Also fitted was luggage net in the rear load bay.
flash makes the colour difference more than it really is.
Then bonged a rear wheel going over the Snake Pass a bit quick. Never was far of the Amalthea wheel design so cue a set of 5 Orestes (with GY Eagle F1's) via fleabay which also gave me a full size spare.
And added some moose badges (worth, oh I don't know 5hp at least, everyone counts with a diseasel)
March
Genuine spoiler with the high level brake light spliced into the existing one meant the rear end didn't look so naked.
June
Eibach Pro springs, Sachs Supertouring front shocks and Boge rears, IPD front drop links, std rear drop links and new front spring mounts. 30mm drop all round.
Also polybushed wishbones; turned out that the front (oil filled) bushes were totally knackered and the rears weren't far behind.
Before
After
A "tight northern type" mod to the engine stay bar helped stiffen up the front end as well.
All this retained the long distance comfort but made going round corners much better. And it sits much nicer than than up on stilts (even for a non-Nivo equipped car).
September
Set of rear passenger windows and load bay genuine blinds rather than tints took care of the undesirables being able to peer into the back.
October
On go a full set of re-built T5 calipers (shot blasted, painted, new seals), 305mm front carriers, new discs and pads all round (305mm fronts replacing the original 286mm fronts). Braided hoses all round and new fluid.
This thing now goes round corners well (proven earlier in the year in the Alps) and stops better (could have done with this in the Alps LOL). So it would be rude not to complete things as planned:
November
MTE remap
And the first "smoke-out"
191 moose and 433 torques, a useful up from the stock 163 and 340 quoted figures.
Full writeup
"Smoked chrome" on the left, original Volvo "Bright Silver" on the right
Courtesy of another of Shems unfinished projects plus a trip to a very sunny and warm Coldville IPD arbs fitted. Plus a boost gauge and a knackered exhaust hanger replaced.
July
Bad move of the year - went down to Castle Combe. Tingy and Redbrick in their D5's give me bad ideas.
August
Thanks to Redbrick, black mesh grille tidys the front end up. Too much chrome on the original grille.
October
The interfooler had been confirmed to be on it's last legs earlier so off we go to Coldville for a transplant and the "monster" FMIC - overkill? I don't think so to date. Given I'm planning to keep the car for a few more years I reckon I'd be replacing the stock one, if used, at least twice in the time. And this one does seem to breath so much better. Horns were relocated from behind the grille as well so hidden away better.
Full thread and pics
Small box of tricks plugged into the back of the HU for MP3 playback.
June
A quick trip to Coldville pronounces the barge healthy and ready for...
July
Another D5 tries to smoke out the opposition at Castle Combe. Fortunately the damp weather helps keep the air clear
October
Courtesy of Don's special offer during the earlier trackday a Ferrita cat-back goes on. The original outlet really did resemble a cut-off piece of scaffold pole.
Dad got rid of his older V70 2.4 so the tow bar got transplanted at the same time.
More pics
195 moose and 450 torques. I'm happy enough.
facelift
July
Another blast round Combe. Bagged a set of Thor alloys earlier in the year just for Combe days (can't get all that nasty brake dust over my shiney Orestes).
October
S60R front door cards plus HP speakers fitted to front and passenger doors.
November
Genuine sub fitted.
July
Combe agin and it was dry!
New (XC90) front rubber spring mounts/cups fitted by MRG. Old ones were totally fubar'd.
October
Facelift centre console fitted with silver mesh trim to gear surround. Neatens thngs up.
Also fitted LED bulbs (CANBUS friendly where needed) to all interior lights (front, passenger and load bay headlining plus footwells).