S70, 2.0T, 1999.

What will be the most simplest and easiest way to boost engine horsepower?
Heard from local mechanics adding additional grounding cables does contribute but can ayone share their experience please?

Thanks in advance.

Buy a different car, one with engine torque curve, gear ratios, etc. set up for higher performance vs a Volvo (at least the non-turbos). Aftermarket modifications won't signficantly affect the performance which depends on the myriad factors which went into the basic design of the car. Expect significantly worse fuel economy.

Additional gounding cables won't do it. A better air filter, like K&N, a free flow exhaust, and a new engine computer. That's all.

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

I really don't think that grounding is the answer here. The only ways I know is a bigger turbo or a chipped or software loaded (upgraded) ECU (such as IPD's). Good luck in your quest.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

I am using 205 tyres instead of the factory recommended 195.

Will it affect my car performance in anyways?

yep if they are the same ratio it will throw your speedo out...

they should increase grip slightly and make your fuel economy worse....

assumming you have reached a level 0 tune (i.e. everything up to snuff but un modified) then increasing power depends on a few factors:-

1. getting a better spark (wil make a difference - but unless coupled with other mods probably not massive)- adding ground wires is a cheap way to maximise what you have

2. getting more air in the engine. essentiall fre flow filter (carefull this may be at the expense of engine life) removing restrictions from the air intake, turning the boost up. most volvo turbo's are capable of producing MUCH more boost that is used - carefull again overdo it and your engine is scrap.

3. ease the flow of exhasut gas. this is perhaps the easiest and most productive. basically it wont give you more power (well it might but not much!) but it WILL reduce your spool up time so the power comes in faster (i.e its usable!) custom exhausts do this - but they need to be put together by people who REALLY know what they are doing you can as easily sutract power as add it

4. add more fuel. this can only (sensibly) be done by remaping the EMU and may require replacing the injectors - then you have to increase the airflow (tweek the turbo)....


for bang for the buck your BEST bet is to make sure what you have is really really right in the first place....if you havent already done these do them first...

1. replace rotor arm & distributor cap (volvo genuine!)
2. replace ht leads (all of them!) at least volvo genuine
3. replace spark plugs
4. replace fuel filter
5. replace theromstat & coolant
6. replace transmission fluid
7. replace brake fluid
8. service and grease brakes
9. repalce airfilter with new standard one
10. clean radiator/intercooler with hose from inside and out (airline is good too!)
11. remove & clean out all turbo air ducting and the inside of the intercooler
12. remove battery clean contacts and replace in car (get a new one if its over 4 years old)
13 check belt tightness
14. check engine mounts - replace ifat all dodgy
15. clean out throtle body - especially palte nad vacume tubes
16. clean PCV tubes
17. runa dose of injector cleaner through the car
18. check all earths
19. remove all uneccessary weight from the car

now i bet that makes a difference, probably a few mpg too! and you need to do it ALL before even thinking about performance modifications

Thanks "the kick inside". Just did my 120,000 km service and had some the parts you mentioned replaced. However, like you've said, don't think I will be ready for any modifications until I have optimised the current engine/car condition.

Have you heard of people installing voltage regulators + grounding cables in their cars? Will it interfere with the car's electronics (S70, 2.0T, 99) in any way?

cant say i have, certainly extra grounding cables from the block to the chasis wont hurt...personnaly i cant see what gain a voltage reg would give you as you already have one supplied by volvo (unless that was on the fritz of course)

If your running very high power audio systems you might need better voltage regulation and extra grounding........but you would also need to look at uprated alternators multiple batteries etc....