Wanted to say Hi to everyone and say thanks for all the info I've gleaned from the site already. Been looking for a good "family" car as my wife would put it; as i've been driving a truck ('01 Dakota) for the last 12 years and that doesn't go well with three kids. I scoured this site as well as sweedspeed and MVS researching volvos (never owned anything but "American") for the last month or so, and just picked up a 2001 Volvo s60 2.4T w/ 144K miles. I got a what I think is a deal ($1000) as the owner didn't know how to take care of it and just wanted to get rid of it a little over a year after purchase because of minor problems and not having the cash to get it fixed (luckily i'm pretty handy). The price should allow me to start upgrading right away - after Stage "0" that is.
So far i've:
- Changed the Oil/Filter
- Change Transmission Fluid (Drain and fill 3 times, will probably need to another 2 or 3 times as it keeps turning Brown/Gray - this was one of the issues, started slipping during shifts once warm - seems to be correcting itself with new fluid)
- Replace all Tie-Rods (left inner was bad during safety inspection so figured I would replace all)
- Cleaned Top to Bottom
- Inspected Timing & Serpentine Belt (look good from what I can tell)
- Previous owner just replaced Radiator (need to check and make sure HOAT Coolant was used)
Still Left for Stage "0"
- Front O2 sensor (have a CEL showing code)
- Clean MAF Sensor
- Silicon Vaccuum Hoses
- Plugs (picked up some E3's as they work great on the Dakota anyone try them before?)
- New Coil Packs (probably will go with IPD)
- Silicone Boost Pipe Couplers
- Minor Exterior Refresh (Windshield Trim, Wiper Arm Nut Cover, Etc)
- Check the PCV System
- Poping/Creaking Noise from Driverside Front Wheel (need to figure out if it's the Spring Seat/End Link or maybe a worn Control Arm Bushing)
- Local dealer has some kind of "Open House" going on with Free Inspections, so will probably stop by for that and find out if they have any service records
Quick Upgrades (Plan to do with the Stage "0")
- IPD TCV
- K&N FIlter (I know there is a debate going on if this is good or bad)
- Snabb Intake
Future Upgrades (Depends when "The Boss" will let me spend the money)
- 3" Downpipe (Any recommendations?)
- 3" CAT Back (is it needed/worth the money?)
- R Manifold (Direct Bolt on for my engine?)
- Blue Injectors
- Turbo Upgrade (Would like to use ARD's 19T conversion setup, but is it too much/would I need forged Rods?)
- ARD Tune (Green or maybe Blue if I upgrade to 19T)
Other suggestions are greatly appreciated!
