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CDN XC90's build thread

44K views 244 replies 36 participants last post by  CDN XC90 
#1 · (Edited)
Starting a thread to document the progress on my new to me Volvo XC90.

My folks asked me in late September if I wanted their low mileage (56k kms) 2006 2.5T AWD XC90. All original, unadulterated, and driven by a little old lady (my mom [emoji6][emoji7]).



I said sure and made preparations to sell my modded Subaru Legacy 2.5i wagon.



I didn't get any reasonable hits so removed most of the bolt-ons and reverted to selling it closer to stock at a reduced price. It was a busy time as we were also expecting our second child at the end of October.

Car was in British Columbia and we live in Ontario. I shopped around for transport and found the best option on UShip. Transporter allowed loading the vehicle interior with additional households goods which added significant value for us.

 
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#44 ·
Have now had to reschedule my install day twice with my local independent Volvo specialist, Getty Automotive Services... my fault.

On top of the scheduling fiasco, Fastco (via vendor Wheelwiz) shipped my Fast FC05 rims without tires direct to Getty while he was closed this week. Supposed to be mounted and balanced with rubber and were not supposed to ship until install day was finalized.

I'm dying to get the work done. It was a nightmare sorting out the purchase of these used HEICO springs from dude in California... but they should be dialed when combined with the HEICO custom valved Bilstein B6s I got shipped over from Germany direct. The IPD sways will only add to the effect.

 
#45 ·
IPD strut bar conversion mounts, solid vs rubber isolated.

Friggin cold out here. My [emoji481] started to freeze on me [emoji51]
 
#46 ·
How does it feel over the stock one?

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
 
#48 ·
I quite like the poly bushings that you can pick up for 9$. They seem to do the trick. I’d imagine this makes it super solid!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#49 ·
Tuxmats.

So far so good. Solid plastic under heel wear area so hopefully will prove durable.

Good coverage and appears to be water tight [emoji16]
 
#50 ·
Link for the mats?
 
#51 ·
#53 ·
The WeatherTech are good, I had them in the last car, including the one-piece second row. But when I saw that wasn't offered for the XC90, I started checking other options and actually ordered the Lloyd NorthRidge all weather mats, which were much less expensive but they don't have a lip around the periphery to contain liquids which is important for my winters here in Ottawa.

The Tuxmat are less expensive than the WeatherTech, but I can't offer any suggestion on how durable they will be longterm. The WeatherTech certainly are excellent in that regards. I am using a Weathertech cargo liner that I'm very happy with.
 
#55 ·
Got the HEICO setup installed on the front end tonight. Had a break in the weather today, close to 10 degrees Celsius and rain but it will drop back down to -15 tomorrow night and a low of -24 on Saturday again... Was fortunate to have a buddy help to get the front setup installed and got the DrawTite hitch on as well. Will leave the rear suspension, swaybars and alignment to be done at the shop next Friday. Can't wait to have it aligned and all good to go. Will try to take a few photos tomorrow in the daylight.
 
#56 · (Edited)
Trailer hitch, custom grey powder coat after it came to me brand new with scratches that I was sure would start to rust once exposed to road salts... Tucked up nicely, hard to see in the exhaust cutout even.

Looks like I may need to align it though as it appears to be slightly angled to right currently.



With only the front done so far, the stance is raked. I'll probably have a go with the rear tonight unless it's too cold already by the time I'm done with dinner and bedtime etc.



 
#57 ·
Ok, sub and amp are in. Not bolted down yet as I can't find the screws I purchased to thread into the 3rd row seating mounts. [emoji849]

 
#58 · (Edited)
Secured everything tonight. Aluminum flat stock, bit soft but should do the trick. No drilling into floor, used factory threaded inserts with stainless hardware.

 
#59 ·
I've had no complaints from my TuxMats so far. Love them!
 
#60 · (Edited)
I've got a dialog initiated with them regarding the cutouts at the center hump. My daughter's feet rest there when sitting on the booster and I've noticed moisture on the carpet below as a result. Sent them these pics, will see if they consider tightening up the pattern a bit.

There's a quarter in the first photo where I feel they could cover a bit more.

 
#61 ·
Great idea, they seem really responsive. I also have a PDF template to send to them for the RSE DVD drive under the drivers seat. Had to cut two slits in the mat to make it slide through the DVD drive L brackets.
 
#62 ·
RACING STRIPES! [emoji38]

Going to install these later today. Roll on them until alignment day in 2 weeks.

DWS06 is surprisingly good on snow but I don't commute with the Volvo and I'll put the winters back on after alignment completed.

 
#63 ·
I'll wash it tomorrow but here's some early pics.
 
#64 ·
That looks sweet man! You should track down a large emblem and fill that empty grille space.

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#67 ·
Looks great so far CDN XC90. I would recommend getting the alignment done sooner than 2 weeks. Those tires are too nice and pricey to wear down prematurely.;)

How is the ride so far? Please let us know.

I agree with oneofakind. an emblem would definitely help out the grill. Maybe do a test look with the original grill on.
Appreciate the sentiments on the grille. My last couple of vehicles ('00 Audi A4, '05 Subaru Legacy) have had similar 'sport mesh' grilles without logos so there's a history there for me. I'm good with the badgeless look, same as rear of vehicle. [emoji847]

Regarding alignment, the mechanic did want the suspension to settle in a bit but I don't daily drive it so it won't get significant mileage in the next two weeks. Couple hundred kilometers at most.
 
#65 ·
Looks great so far CDN XC90. I would recommend getting the alignment done sooner than 2 weeks. Those tires are too nice and pricey to wear down prematurely.;)

How is the ride so far? Please let us know.

I agree with oneofakind. an emblem would definitely help out the grill. Maybe do a test look with the original grill on.
 
#66 · (Edited)
I just got the DWS06's back in November for my 300ZX Turbo 25% off combining a Canadian Tire sale and Kal Tire price beat.

On the Tux Mats,
I was looking at mine today, and mine fits differently than yours... Maybe if you got the same plastic moulding as my year it would fit better?

IMG_3728 by Radio Fan, on Flickr
 
#69 ·
Yeah, I price matched the CT sale as well and also leveraged the Continental $65 rebate.

What year is your XC90? (Can't see sig in Tapatalk)

Might be easier for me to grab those covers if they'll fit. Tuxmat initially said they'd send me a new rear mat but when I said mine's a 2006, they politely said pound sand.
 
#68 ·
Deleted duplicate
 
#73 ·
I've restored that, was a holdover from previous vehicle that didn't have lower mounting points.
 
#74 ·
Cleaned up (auto car wash only, still needs proper cleaning).

 
#75 ·
^^^ That looks awesome! Any plans for S60R brake upgrade?
 
#76 ·
I'd consider it but for now, I'm happy with the semi-metallics and fresh rotors I recently put on. If I do anything in near term, would be braided brake lines from Technafit.
 
#78 ·
Yeah, a light tint is planned.
 
#79 ·
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