Project V50: Installing Rally Armor Mudflaps

I'll let this following video give all the details on our latest modification:

Rally Armor mudflaps offer sufficient protection while also adding to that rugged off road look.

Project V50, Spare Wheel

We frequently take road trips on spirited driving roads and visit rural places with limited cell service. The last thing I want is to be stranded with a flat. Even though Volvo includes a full size spare in the trunk, the donut is only half width.

This means that you can only drive 45mph on the spare and must drive extra cautiously through the turns.

To allow myself to continue driving as normal when on my spare, I have replaced the donut with an actual wheel and tire. Of course, to keep with the theme of ProjectV50, this spare has been mounted to the roof basket. The following video briefly shows the process of building a bracket for the roof.

Project V50, New Shoes & Installing Wheel Spacers

Christmas came early with the purchase of new wheels and tires for the V50!

The following video shows off these new wheels and provides instruction for installing wheel spacers and hubcentric rings.

What Brakes to Buy?

Choosing new brakes can be a very daunting challenge. It is a moderately expensive purchase and your decision will be on the car for many miles. So how do you decide which brakes are best?

First, you must determine the application of the car. Is it being used for sporty driving, racing, or just a commuter?

Second, you should acknowledge the area you live in. Do you see frequent rain? Do your roads get salted in winter?

Third, consider cosmetics. To most people, brakes stop the car and serve no other purpose. But once you start paying attention, you'll acknowledge and admire brakes the same as you do nice wheels. Do you want your brakes to look cool?

Lastly, and most importantly, is your budget. Upgrading brakes can easily break the bank, but there are many replacement options for pads and rotors that won't hurt your wallet.

Check out my latest article on FCP Euro, comparing ALL of the replacement brake options for Volvos: Volvo Brake Options from FCP Euro.

Volvo Wheel Bearing Lock Brace

You would think that when a mechanical problem became so frequent, that it required a special part to be developed, an extended warranty/recall would be set in place to fix the issue for other cars.
Unfortunately, the rare problem with P1 Volvo hub bearings separating from the spindle is a responsibility of the owner to get fixed.

My recent article on FCP Euro goes into detail about the problems that can occur and how to install Volvo's bracket to prevent the issue from occurring: How to Install a Volvo Wheel Bearing Lock Brace (P1)

You can also watch the following video for additional information:

Project V50, Installing Hella Lights

The recent modification on our V50 has been the installation of roof-mounted Hella lights. With two wide angle fogs and three distant spots, these things illuminate everything within a 180° field of view.

The following video shows our installation process with all wires being completely hidden.

Elevate Front Mount Intercooler Installation and Review

An upgraded intercooler is an absolute must if you live in a moderately warm climate. Especially if you begin tuning your car, adding more power and higher boost levels.

Elevate makes an excellent upgraded intercooler for the P1 T5 engine.  You can read my installation guide on FCP Euro: Elevate Volvo P1 Intercooler Installation and Review, and my full review on FCP Euro: Elevate Intercooler Review For P1 Volvos (C30, C70, S40, V50).

Elevate Upper Intake Manifold Installation and Review

An upgraded manifold is not a necessity, but if you are looking to squeeze every last horsepower out of your engine, then it will be a requirement.

Elevate makes an excellent upgraded manifold for the P1 T5 engine.  You can read my full review and installation guide on FCP Euro: Elevate Intake Manifold Installation and Review.

Peg Leg

I was browsing through the junkyard and came across a Volvo S70. Not an unusual sight in the automotive grave yard these days... The S70 was built from 1998-2000, so many have been crashed, broken, or neglected.

But something about this S70 caught my eye.

It looked mostly stock. After prying open the rusted hood, I could tell it was stock. However, the seats had been snatched up by the vultures, as had three of the four wheels. The remaining tire was flat with a screw going straight through the tread.

But this remaining wheel was no ordinary alloy rim. It was a factory 18"x8" Volvo Pegasus wheel, the same wheels that came standard on the S60 and V70 Rs.

I quickly picked up the wheel and hauled it to the parts counter.

"How much for the wheel?" I asked.

The cashier responded, "$35," as she reached for a power drill. It was standard procedure at this junkyard to drill through the sidewall of tires.

I waved my hands to stop her, showing exactly where the screw had puncture the tread. Acknowledging that this tire was already damaged, she shrugged and sat the drill down.

Handing over $35 cash, I went straight to the local franchise tire shop. They popped off the tire, inspected it for any damage, then determined it was fixable and still road worthy. After patching the hole and rebalancing the wheel, they sent me on my way for no charge.

This Pegasus wheel, often called a "Peg" in the Volvo community, required repainting, but it would be the perfect full size spare.

Some slight modifications in my trunk and this Peg became the perfect addition in my C30. A full size spare means that if I get a flat while on a long distance trip, I am not limited to the 55mph donut. The 18" diameter is also large enough to sufficiently clear my big brake kit.

Only once have I needed to use this Peg leg, and it didn't look half bad on my C30!

Mishimoto Mustang Coolant Reservoir in a Volvo

I have finally finished up my aluminum coolant reservoir project.

There are a few good options for the MkII Focus RS that are directly compatible with P1 Volvos, but shipping and taxes from Europe bring it to over $300! A steep price to pay for a plug and play unit.


After some research, I discovered that the 2015 Mustang (more mustang parts for my car!) uses a similar inlet/outlet setup on the coolant tank. Mishimoto makes one of the best tank for the money, plus they have a lifetime warranty on their products.

Along with this tank, I also had to purchase a Mustang reservoir cap part# DG9Z8100A 

Unfortunately, a lot of modifying would be required to fit this larger tank in the stock location of P1 Volvo engine bays... 
Prior to purchasing the Mustang tank, also tried Mishimoto's product for the WRX, but the inlet/outlets were not the correct diameter and the tank was also 2/3rds the size of stock Volvo reservoir.

In the end, I built a bracket for the reservoir to sit in place of where my battery used to be.  The plumbing had to be rerouted, but it has been functioning properly without any issues. Now I will never have to worry about this reservoir cracking!

P1 Volvo Steering Wheel Removal

Remove the steering wheel? But why? That's kind of a crucial component...

Many Volvo owners may wish to upgrade to a different steering wheel in their car.
Volvo actually offered four different steering wheel options for P1 Volvos.
1. Vinyl steering wheel, nothing fancy.

2. Leather steering wheel, moderately basic.

3. Sport/R-design steering wheel, beefier grips and an aluminum insert, available in dark grey or beige.
4. Wood and leather steering wheel, for the fancy people.

There are also a few aftermarket options, such as the custom RedLine Goods steering wheel in my S40...

...and the custom Elevate alcantara steering wheel in my C30.

The initial steps of steering wheel removal are also required in the event that you wish to replace the air bag or add cruise control or radio control buttons.

The following video shows the removal process.

You may also read my latest article on FCP Euro: P1 Volvo Steering Wheel Replacement.

Hood Removal... Bonnet Removal for those in the UK

Rarely would the typical automobile owner find themselves in a situation that required removing the hood of their car. Unless you were replacing the hood or correcting panel gap spacing, the hood should be perfectly fine where it sits.

But for the rare instances when you do need to remove a random part on your P1 Volvo, I have likely got a how-to video for it! The following YouTube clip shows the surprisingly simple process of hood removal.

If you would rather learn by skimming through a textual tutorial, you may also read my latest article on FCP Euro: P1 Volvo Hood Removal and Alignment.

Key Fob Battery Replacemet

When the key fob battery is nearing the end of its life, you may notice that the signal range dramatically decreases. If the battery goes completely flat, the messages screen in the car will display "Remote Battery Voltage Low."

This first video shows the battery replacement process for 2004.5-2007 P1 Volvo key fobs.

This second videos shows the battery replacement process for 2008-2013 P1 Volvo key fobs.

You may also read my latest article on FCP Euro: P1 Volvo Key Fobs, Battery Replacement & Features, for additional information on what all those fob buttons do!

Project V50, 1 John 1:5

In our county, we pay an ad valorem tax at the purchase time of the vehicle. Tag renewal only costs $20 per year with no requirement of emissions or inspections; a pretty sweet deal for those who enjoy modifying their car beyond "legal" requirements.

Our custom vanity plate, "1John1:5" comes from the book of 1 John. "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
Coming from the section titled "Walk in the Light," it will be an ironic addition to this car once we finish wiring up the Hella rally lights.

The following video shows the installation of these plates with an excerpt from 1 John.

Project V50, Roof Basket

The first cosmetic modification to our V50 has been the addition of a roof basket. It might not be to everyone's taste, but it will definitely be put to full use on this car.

Please enjoy the following video, which shows the installation of this $60 CraigsList find.

Project V50, Meet Adele

Without further ado, I introduce Adele. She is a 2006 Volvo V50.

Turbo + All Wheel Drive + Manual + Wagon = Unicorn

The following video and pictures provide a proper introduction of our latest addition to the Swedish stable.

Project V50, Bringing the V50 Home

Traveling by plane, train, and automobile, we have recently returned home after purchasing our new-to-us Volvo V50.

It was quite a journey and it is now time for some rest, but I hope you can enjoy this video synopsis of our 25 hour journey.

Project V50, Introduction

Project V50 is a new video series that I am starting for others to follow along with the progression of our latest project car. Of course you can also follow along with the build on SwedeSpeed.com.

Please enjoy this first video: Project V50, Introduction

Shockingly Rough Ride?

If the ride is becoming rough, chances are your shocks and struts are in need of replacement. The following video shows how I replaced my worn rear shocks with KYB adjustable shocks.

You can also read my latest article for FCP Euro, How to Replace Rear Shocks on a P1 Volvo (C30/V50/C70/S40).

Elevate Performance Sport Exhaust

Of all the bolt-on parts on my car, many are from the Elevate catalog; my favorite being their catback exhaust system.

Designed as three pieces which clamp together, anyone can install this exhaust in their own driveway.  While it delivers a wonderful note upon acceleration, it is not too obnoxious at highway cruising speeds.  Performance gains can also be expected thanks to the high flow muffler, 3" diameter piping, and light weight stainless steel construction.  

Please visit FCP Euro to read my extensive Elevate Exhaust System Review for P1 Vehicles.

The following videos are examples of the Elevate exhaust system in action:

Stock downpipe and stock exhaust:

Stock downpipe and Elevate catback:

Elevate downpipe and Elevate catback:

Keep Calm and Keep Cool

Here in Atlanta, August is one of the hottest months of the year.  The last thing you want is a malfunctioning air conditioner!  Unfortunately, many Volvo owners will discover that their AC begins working intermittently when they try to operate it on full blast.

Most likely, the problem is due to the wearing of the AC compressor clutch.  As time goes on, the clutch wears away and the gap between clutch and the compressor increases.  What starts as intermittent problem will eventually become worse; the AC may only function for a few minutes before blowing warm air through the vents.

Luckily, it is a relatively easy do-it-yourself fix to correct the gap between the compressor and the clutch.  Please visit FCP Euro to read my recent article on How to Fix an Intermittent AC and watch the following video for my step by step tutorial.

One Mount, a World of Difference

The rear torque mount on P1 Volvos is solely responsible for handling all of the torque from the engine and transmission.  While the factory mount is designed for maximum comfort, it allows for excessive slop which greatly effects handling and shift response.

Simply replacing the torque mount with one of the firmer options will completely transform the driving characteristics of the car.  Shifts will feel smoother both in manual and automatic cars and there will be less wheel hop off the line resulting in slightly quicker acceleration.  The only draw back is that a firmer mount will transfer more vibrations into the frame of the car.  This can make the car feel rougher at idle and will also accentuate the amount of noise in the cabin.  However, if your intentions are to transform your P1 Volvo into a sporty driving machine, upgrading the torque mount should be one of the first modifications.

Please visit FCP Euro to read my recent article: How to Remove & Replace Transmission Torque Mount on a P1 Volvo (C30, S40, V50, C70)

You can also watch my video on torque mount removal:

I have personally tried five different torque mount options for the universal C1 platform cars.  Below are quick summaries of each mount.

Volvo OEM (part # 31277241): It's a sloppy stock mount, but cabin noise and vibration are virtually nonexistent.

Elevate Performance Engine Mount: Initially, the mount was very firm and transferred a noticeable amount of noise into the cabin.  It smoothed out after about one month of use, but the bushing itself only lasted me 40k miles before it needed to be replaced.

Ford eFocus (part# CM5Z-6068A): Probably the best bang for your buck.  This mount can be purchased for less than $50.  It provides all the improvements of an upgraded torque mount, but with minimal noise or vibration.

Chinese CM5Z 6068A: Be extra careful when shopping for the eFocus mount, because a Chinese company has made an knock off and named it after Ford's part number.  It is a little bit cheaper in price, so I thought I would give it a try.  While it provides all the same driving benefits at the eFocus mount, this bushing failed after only 30 days of use!

WhiteLine Bushing Insert: The WhiteLine bushing insert is only compatible with the Mazda 3 factory mount, contrary to what is listed on their website.  Having installed a Mazda 3 mount with the WhiteLine kit, I would rank this equally as good as the eFocus mount. However, it did require some modification to make it fit right, so I would still suggest the genuine Ford part over this.

P1 Volvo Axle Replacement

Replacing axles has practically become a routine maintenance item on my cars.  Especially if you drive a lowered vehicle, you may find that the CV boots quickly tear and put the joints at risk for damage.

Luckily, axle replacement is fairly straight forward.  Please visit FCP Euro to read my recent article: How to Remove & Replace Front Axles on a P1 Volvo (C30/S40/V50/C70)

You may also watch my How-To video which summarizes the key steps for front wheel drive axle replacement:

Tips for Buying a Used P1 Volvo: Meet Embre

A little back story... We have been debating between buying a 6 speed C30 or a 6 speed V50 for about a year now. The V50 became the more logical option for transporting friends and family, my wife's recent interest in playing cello, and my weekend trips to Home Depot for large random objects. 

A Flint Grey Metallic V50 showed up 12 days ago on the local Craig's List for $4900. One of the better prices I have seen for a T5 V50, plus I figured there was some negotiating room being at a private dealer. It is a 2005 with 140k miles, clean history, good service records, and in great mechanical/cosmetic condition; it has less rattles than my C30 and is surprisingly quick! Quicker than I remember my S40 ever being in stock form... The few imperfections I can easily fix/replace myself, but my intention was to use those flaws for negotiation on price. 

2005 Volvo V50

It has all the options we wanted, but it is an AW55 (geartronic 5 speed automatic)... We can live without AWD, the C30 is the race car and this wagon will never be pushed to the limits nor will it ever see harsh winter conditions. Truth be told, FWD has less parts to break, more suspension options, and it's quicker off the line, so that was not a deal breaker.  The geartronic is a step up from the 850 and we do still have one manual car in the Swedish stable. But I was not fully convinced it was the car to buy and I was prepared to walk away from it. The dealer asked me how much I would pay, I told him $3500 cash. No negotiation necessary, we had a deal.  

Without further adieu, I introduce Embre [Em-ber], the latest MNIWT P1 build. This will be a slower build than the C30, but there are some unique plans for this car.  For those who have followed my previous progression threads on the forums, you may subscribe to the latest build here: MyNameIdeasWereTaken V50 Progression Thread

With the purchase of our new car, it got me thinking...  I have now owned 5 Volvos, 4 of which were on the P1 platform, and I have viewed hundreds of cars while trying to find the perfect buys.  With this arsenal of P1 information, I have compiled a check list for future P1 Volvo owners.  Tips for buying a used car, common mechanical faults on P1 Volvos, and clues to condition based on cosmetic wear.  Please visit FCP Euro to read my latest article: Purchasing a Use P1 Volvo: Advice

Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement on a FWD P1 Volvo

Diagnosing a worn rear bearing can often be difficult, especially with how many other components on a car may be making a clunking or humming noise.  Through process of elimination, I discovered that the rear bearing was the source of noise on my car, as seen in this video:

While bearings can be replaced and rebuilt, it is generally easier for the DIY mechanic to replace the entire hub assembly.  Especially on a FWD car, the rear hub is only held on by a few bolts.  For detailed instructions, please read my recent articles on FCPEuro about How to Replace Rear Hub/Wheel Bearings on a FWD P1 Volvo.

You can also watch my how-to video here:

LED Light Bars - Revisited

Without a doubt, my LED light bar installation and review has been one of the most popular topics on my blog.

Let There Be Light! featuring my S40.
Let There Be Light! C30 Edition featuring my C30.

Please visit FCPEuro to read my recently article on LED Light Bars and Their Effectiveness on Cars, as I discuss the practicalities and legalities of aftermarket lighting accessories.

LED light bars are a very controversial topic on the internet, especially in areas where people illegally run similar setups on public roads, blinding traffic and pedestrians.  Obviously, I consider additional lighting to be a practical upgrade for off road and rural use.  What are your thoughts?

Volvo C30 with LED Light Bar

Racing Seats - Revisited

It has been a few months since I installed my Sparco racing seat.  While I have no regrets about this modification, there are definitely pros and cons for others who are interested in installing a racing bucket in their daily driver.

Please visit FCPEuro to read my recent article: Should You Put Racing Seats in a Daily Driver?

You may also read my previous article about P1 Volvo Front Seat Removal and Racing Bucket Installation.

Sparco seat in Volvo C30

Resetting the Volvo Service Light

If you are a DIYer like me, then you keep up with your own routine maintenance.  Logging mileage, recording replaced parts, monitoring service intervals, it is all part of the nerdy activities for the automotive enthusiast.

However, because I do my own maintenance, I still have to reset my own service-due light when it triggers.  As the video demonstrates, it is a simple process for P1 Volvos.

Be sure to check out my recent blog post on FCP Euro for more details about How to Reset the Service Light on a P1 Volvo. 

P1 Product Plates

What are product plates?  Product plates are plates (or stickers) which contain pertinent information about your car: where it was build, how much it weighs, what colors it came equipped with, etc.

Where are product plates? On P1 Volvos, the main product plate is locate on the right B-pillar, visible when you open the door.  There is a second product plate mounted on the left B-pillar which may have additional and/or duplicate information recorded on it.

How are these of any use post-manufacturing? While the codes can give re-sellers clues as to what options the car came equipped with, the chassis code is a valuable tool for any mechanic or enthusiast.  These codes tell you exactly which springs, shocks, struts, sway bares, and other key suspension components were originally equipped on the car.

Many people assume that their car has the exact same suspension parts as other similar make/model cars.  This could not be further from the truth.

Of course, there are springs and shocks for comfort, sport, and dynamic packages, but product details are not limited to just those three categories.  In fact, there are over 10 different front springs available for P1 Volvos.  Ride height may not appear any different to the untrained eye.  Ride quality may not feel any different to the untrained butt.  However, there is a subtle difference.
Pair those different springs with the numerous other options for shocks, struts, and bushings, and brand new cars can easily be as unique and diverse as snow flakes.

That is not to say that parts from specific trim packages are not interchangeable; you can easily swap from comfort to sport or vise versa .  Product fitment is entirely based upon makes and models.

For more information on these product plates and how to decipher the codes, please visit FPC Euro to read my latest article: Locating the Product Plate on a P1 Volvo (C30, S40, V50, C70)

Lower Control Arms - The Alignment Killer

After experiencing an excessive wobble during heavy acceleration, my first thought was that my alignment was out.  Having the alignment checked, the wobble continued...

My next belief was that my wheels were unbalanced.  A few weeks later, I had new tires mounted and confirmed that the wheels were well balanced and bend free.  However, the wobble once again continued...

I finally discovered that my problem was worn control arm bushings.  By the time I had tracked down the culprit, the bushings were so damaged that they allowed a few millimeters of play; definitely enough to make a noticeable difference through the steering wheel.

While there are aftermarket bushing options to upgrade handling, the price of those bushings, plus the need of a shop press, dissuaded me from pursuing that route.  The easiest solution was to simply replace the entire control arm assembly.

Please visit FCP Euro to read my latest article on lower control arm replacement: How to Replace Front Lower Controls Arms on a P1 Volvo

You can also watch my recent slideshow video on lower control arm removal:

P1 Volvo Front Seat Removal and Racing Bucket Installation

A few months back, I undertook the task of removing my front seats to install Sparco racing buckets.

Please visit FCP Euro to read my latest article: How to remove/replace front seats in a P1 Volvo (C30/C70/S40/V50)

For those who are further interested, here are videos on both front seat removal and seat skin replacement.

Reusing the base of the stock seat rails, I was able to build my own track for the Sparco racing seat.  The power/memory function still works with forward/backward adjustment; because it's a fixed back seat, there is no tilt adjustment.

DIY bracket on stock seat rails

DIY bracket on stock seat rails

Sparco seat installed

Volvo controls for seat adjustment

The Sparco seat sits at the same angle and level that I previously had my stock seat adjusted to.  From a commuter's sitting perspective, it feels no different.  But from a driver's perspective, the thick sides of the seat have made a drastic improvement by keeping me planted when the car is going sideways through a turn.  The massive weight reduction has also been a plus.  

At the end of the day, I do not have any intent of swapping the passenger seat.  While the additional weight reduction and symmetry would be nice, racing bucks are not ideal for all passengers.  I have to keep the car somewhat civilized.

Intermittent Door Controls

It drives me nuts when something is not functioning properly on one of my cars.  When something goes wrong, it is often the only thing I can think about.  I will lay in bed for hours trying to figure where the problem originated and how I will fix it.

My latest issue was the door control switch began intermittently working.  This was a bit of a hassle since I could not roll the windows up or down.

After some poking around, I discovered that the problem was simply a loose connection in the door harness.  A quick cleaning and greasing fixed all of my issues.

Please visit FCP Euro to see my full write up on accessing the door harness: How To Fix Intermittent Door Controls on a P1 Volvo (S40/V50/C30)

Elevated Volvos

No, I'm not talking about lifting the car; if you know anything about me, you know that I am all for the lowered lifestyle.  What I'm referring to is the Elevate performance software tune.

Aside from buying a Volvo, a performance software upgrade is the 2nd best automotive investment that you can make.  Not that I'm biased or anything...

Please visit FCP Euro to read my recent guide and review on the Elevate tune: https://blog.fcpeuro.com/elevate-software-tunes-for-p1-volvos-s40-c30-v50

Maintaining consistency with my recent posts, here is a video showing the software tune installation process.

My recent years of modifying Volvos have frequently put me in contact with the owner of Elevate, Don Nicholson.  Elevate is a faith based company whose mission is to glorify God; those Christian roots are always apparent when dealing with Don and his utmost professionalism.  His willingness to respond to my random questions and his guidance with ordering parts, while not pushing every part in their catalog, make Elevate far outshine many other performance companies.  Don has obtained my loyalty both as a customer and as a friend.

Even if you plan on keeping all stock parts on your car, I definitely recommend the Elevate tune for unleashing its potential.  Of course, if you have the money to drop, Elevate is a one stop shop for everything you need from performance and suspension to cosmetic upgrades both inside and out.

Porsche 911 Throttle Body on a P1 Volvo

I have Focus SVT rear shocks , Mazda 3 front calipers, Focus ST front rotors, Jaguar Super V8 rear rotors, a bolt pattern which is shared with Ferrari, a Mustang GT500 hood vent , a Mustang GT coolant reservoir , an Acura shift knob, and a chassis which is covered with Ford Motor Company stamping.  There is a Volvo badge in there somewhere... But why not include a part from a Porsche?

As it turns out, the 2005 Porsche 911 GT2 throttle body is a direct swap with the P1 Volvo unit.  Plug and play, no extra wiring or software updates are required!

Please visit FCP Euro to read my recent article: How to Install a Porsche Throttle Body on a P1 Volvo

For those who are modding on a budget, a refurbished Porsche throttle body can be purchased off ebay for $50-$75.  Just search part number: 98660511501

Below is a video with the step by step instructions for throttle body removal from the Elevate intake manifold.  Even if you are not installing an upgraded part, I still highly encourage removing the throttle body for a routine cleaning every 60k miles.

Camber Arms, Where Negativity is a Good Thing

My loyal followers,

I am proud to announce that I have become a paid contributor to FCP Euro's blogs!  While I will now have weekly posts on FCPEuro's website, I will be unable to duplicate those posts here in my personal blog.

However, I will continue to share links to my FCP Euro posts, so that you may continue enjoying my automotive ramblings.  It will also help feed traffic to FCP Euro's website, which I personally consider one of the best online parts suppliers for European vehicles; a statement I made long before I was one of their payees.

Without further adieu, please enjoy my post about adjustable rear camber arms: P1 Volvo Negative Camber, the Problem and Solution (C30 S40 V50)

For those who cannot read, I am impressed that you even stumbled upon this internet blog...  To keep you interested, here is an embedded video for your viewing pleasure.