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FCP Euro Service Kits

FCP Euro Kits

With many European vehicles, adding option packages can almost double the price of a vehicle - anyone who has ever played with Porsche's car configurator can attest to this. Option packages can transform a low end car with cloth seats into a leatherbound concert hall on wheels. Unfortunately in most cases, adding options to a car after it is built is sometimes very tedious or impossible depending on how the vehicle was wired or configured. Luckily, the 98-00 Volvo S70/V70 line is very option-friendly, allowing nearly every base model to be upgraded to top-spec trim. Here's a few of my favorites.

302mm Big Brakes

rotorsIn 2000, the V70R was in its third iteration - each year since '98 getting a power bump and minor change in interior appointments. This "go hard or go home" version put out more power than the previous two years, had dual exhaust, and had larger, ventilated brake rotors at all four corners. Luckily, these front brakes can be fitted to any 94-00 P80 chassis vehicle for very little money. The slight increase in diameter over the factory 280mm rotors means it they take longer to exhibit brake fade, and require less pedal pressure to stop. In other parts of the world, these are spec'd as the Police brake package - they're really quite good for factory brakes, and show a definite improvement over stock.

Here's what I usually recommend:

2x Zimmermann 302mm Front Rotors - 272276

2x Volvo Caliper Bracket (302mm Rotors) - 8251319

1x Akebono Euro Volvo Front Brake Pads - EUR783

For under $250 you can say your car has a big brake kit - and it even reuses the stock calipers!

(Requires 16" Wheels, except "Persus" style)

 

Dolby Pro-Logic Audio

IMG_5431The standard CD player SC-816 audio system in these vehicles is more than a competent performer for most. Those looking to increase sound quality and output may wish to upgrade, but what if you're not looking to install a gaudy looking aftermarket headunit? Volvo's premium SC-901 sound system is your answer.

What the SC-816 lacks, the '901 makes up for in elegance and purity. Not only does it look better, but it features a fully adjustable equalizer and 3-disc changer built-in. Unlike the SC-816, there is no amplifier inside the unit - it routes its preamp audio to an external amplifier that is located under the passenger seat in V70R models. All 98-00 S70 and V70 models have holes tapped for installing the amplifier - just bolt it in and route the wiring down the side of the console up to the radio.

sc901As an added bonus, a center channel speaker can be installed with a compatible dash pad, providing full Dolby Pro-Logic effect to the front soundstage using a Pro-Logic decoder hidden under the dashboard.

Screen-shot-2012-09-19-at-11.09.05-PM-180x180As for the '901's mandatory external amplifier, adds a bit more punch to even the stock paper cone speakers. Those interested in sound quality will notice a huge difference in overall sound from an '816 equipped vehicle. Of course, audiophiles will want to upgrade the component speakers in the doors at a minimum, but for most, this "great for '98" system will suffice.

The SC-901 kit usually goes like this:

  • SC-901 Headunit
  • 4x50W Underseat amplifier & harness (required)
  • Optional center channel speaker & harness w/upper dashpad
  • Dolby Pro-Logic decoder box

 

Power Passenger Seat

seatWhen I got my S70 in 2011, it made me sick seeing my passengers struggle - pulling levers, turning knobs, and generally being overworked and tortured to simply change their seat position. It was awful. It didn't help that the passenger seat in my car had a ridiculous range of adjustment, there were so many directions to go and no way to do it conveniently.

That was the last straw. I went to the junkyard and found a matching charcoal leather power passenger seat out of a 1999 V70 Cross Country. The wiring for this seat was already in my car, it was just a matter of hooking it up. 4 bolts, and the seat comes out, with a large torx bolt holding in the seatbelt. (Remember to remove your battery before disconnecting seats or you'll get an SRS airbag light.)

But wait! The seat still didn't work. It took some internet sleuthing to realize that cars with a manual passenger seat lacked a fuse in the underhood fusebox for that circuit. So, I went back to the junkyard and bought a little metal fuse to stick in the fusebox, powering up the circuit.

seatfuse The bottom right slot receives the blade fuse for power passenger seating

With the new fuse installed, the seat functioned, and my passengers were now basking in the comfort of pure luxury. What a relief, and an easy installation at that.

Other options

These three options don't even scratch the surface. The 98-00 range of S70 and V70 models had a huge list of market-specific options and features that differed all around the world. In Sweden, an S70 with rear heated seats might not be uncommon, but in the United States it's much more rare. In no particular order, here's a list of other bolt-on options that exist for this chassis that can enhance the styling and/or comfort:

  • switchesVarious leather/wood steering wheel and shift knob combinations
  • Leather e-brake handle
  • V70R Leather Door Panels
  • Bolt-on rear spoilers (wagon/sedan)
  • Antenna up/down switch
  • 03-04 C70 Jewel Headlights
  • Webasto gas-fired preheater (Outside US)
  • Front fog lamps
  • '00 V70R Dual Exhaust (AWD Models only)

 

Shop Volvo at FCP Euro


About the Author: Alex Fiehl

AlexIMG_0896 is FCP's Blog Editor and a Desktop Engineer from Endwell, NY. He has over 9 years of experience working on a wide array of import makes, but has found his home with European cars. With a Volkswagen and Volvo at home, the garage is always busy.


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Written by :
Alex Fiehl


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