The quickest, easiest and most economical way to improve the performance of ANY RWD Volvo is to do a V8 conversion! My preference is with the Ford 5.0 engine and the T-5 5spd tranny. (You can do a Chevy small block V8 if you like being nickeled and dimed todeath.) You can buy the needed parts from a salvage yard, or better yet get new stuff from FRPP/Motorsports, IPD USA, Reider Racing and use Converse Engineerings' kit or services to do the job. You can get a new Ford 5.0 crate motor at 345 hp and well over 300 ibs.-ft. torque for only 3 grand!. You can spend 5-7 grand on this conversion for a very fast super reliable car that will deliver
sub 7 sec 0-60 times and still have a very streetable car that will get 23-25 mpg! It will take about 10 grand to get anywhere close to this performance by modifying your present powertrain, plus you will still be stuck with expensive maintenance/repair/replacements parts and service costs. Comprende?

On a n/a engine like the B6304, you actually can't do that much without major work. In opposite to the iron cast fours, this engine also is an effective design from the start - a significantly complicating fact.

I think there basically would be three modifications you could try:

1) better air filter (K&N or similar) and possibly a relocation of the air intake for better flow/colder air.

2) wider exhaust with straight-through mufflers, probably will have to be custom made but a side benefit will be the fantastic sound effect produced - inline six song is nothing but music to the ears :-)

3) chip tuning. Yes, there a-r-e chip's available for the 960/90 out there. Superchips (UK) maybe hasn't got the best reputation but are widely spread/used. A bunch of tuners sell/sold 960/90 chip's but my guess is they all originate from Superchips. Don't expect hundreds of wild horses to rush out, though - on a n/a engine the effect at it's best would be slightly improved responsiveness and maybe a higher set rev limiter. Usually, specs promise a 10-15 hp gain. High octane gas is a must.

Air filter and exhaust would increase the sound level, though - carefully think about this before modifying the car. If a high performance killer is your goal - buy a turbo car or turbocharge the six (yes, it's been done too) instead. Those are no low price mod's, though...

/Martin
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65 121, 73 165

Nothing, get some classical CDs and enjoy the ride, it is a awsome ride.
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1996 960 124,407

Use the "S" choice on the transmission mode selector. Use Premium gas. Make sure everything is working with clean synthetic lubricants. Get some good "V" rated tires on 16" wheels. Get some metalic brake pads if you use the brakes hard. That's about all you can do. There is no real market for 960 performance items so no one had made any products.
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'96 965 with 16" wheels at 92K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.

I found this ad for you. The guy is overseas, but I'll hook you up when you are ready. Be sure to get the trailer hitch modified first....

"RollsRoyce Conway Mark 550B engine, suitable for Douglas DC-10, prospective buyers to contact via email. Photo's and serial numbers are available."

In the long run, it will be more economical than trying to keep it running stock. It also solves the problem of tailgaters.

For improved reliability and longevity, drop in a B230FT. For improved performance, turn the boost up to 12psi, port and polish the head, throw in a Unitek cam and an aftermarket exhaust. You'll have better than stock 960 performance with this setup, and with a Mitsu. turbo the "lag" shouldn't be too bad. Probably not as smooth or refined as the 960 motor, but unless you lay a patch at every light, it will last twice as long.

Pretty much, your outa luck. Virtually no performance parts are available for it. No market for any.

For continued existing performance though, make sure all hoses are good, use Volvo coolant, change the timing belt at the proper interval and use good gas.

Happy motoring.
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Warren Bain - '86 744Ti M46 >290Kmi, '99 V70Glt > 45K mi, '96 965 >100Kmi Wifemobile near Manassas Va.. Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu.