We have successfully swapped a 3rd generation Haldex controller into our V50 and completely transformed how it drives. Launching off the line is insane with power going to the rear wheels immediately and the car now behaves like a true AWD vehicle.
While it's still no Evo or STI, this makes the V50 feel very similar to the Focus RS and it is rather easy to kick out the back end and hold a 4 wheel drift.
There is most definitely an improved front/rear power split. You can actually feel the car pushing you like a RWD, rather than predominantly pulling you like a FWD.
Aside from how the car drives, does anyone know of a cheap or free way to determine the new power split? I'm not looking to spend the money to put this car on a dyno.
The stock gen2 Haldex on our cars is a reactive system with a 70/30 power split.
The gen3 Haldex on the V8 XC90 (aka "Instant Traction") is a proactive system with a 60/40 power split, so the rear wheels are ready to go almost immediately like a real AWD vehicle.
All first generation V8 XC90s and some 3.2L XC90s use the gen3 Haldex controller.
Confirmed Haldex part numbers are: 5Wp33504-01, 5Wp22228-02, 5Wp33504-03, or 5Wp22228-04
Volvo part number is: 36001160
You will need to swap the DEM (differential electronic module), solenoid, and pressure sensor. It takes about 5 minutes and only 2 screws. It's a plug and play upgrade with no software required.
Important Notes:
Just because the back end can kick out so effortlessly does not make this a drift mode like the new RS. Considering the 3 piece drive shaft and tiny rear axles, I would highly discourage attempting to build a drift mode for this car with stock parts.
While this swap is successfully working, with no warning lights or errors, on a 2009 with DSTC and on my 2006 with no traction control. We cannot yet confirm this will flawlessly work on all P1 Volvos.
The real testing begins now, as we determine how this effects the fuel economy and how the rear differential holds up with the added power.
As a full disclaimer, the handling characteristics of the car will be transformed from an easy driving AWD Volvo to a rather insane AWD system. While the car is a lot more fun to drive and actually feels like a sports car, you will have to completely relearn how to drive the car. Throttle control is key, as simply mashing the gas pedal can easily make the back wheels spin.
@MooseTech gets full credit for finding this discovery in the process of successfully building the worlds first AWD C30. More details about that here: https://forums.swedespeed.com/showt...legal-and-consumer-owned-C30-AWD-in-the-world
Update: I think we have ultimately concluded that three results can come from this mod.
1. It works for instant power to be delivered to the rear wheels, making these cars behave more like an all-time AWD when you're in the twisties. My V50 is still showing the improvement after 1 year and 25k miles.
2. It works for a few drive cycles and then the car disables awd until the original module is replaced.
3. It doesn't work at all.
There does not appear to be any indication on why it will or will not work depending on model, year, options, etc. The only way to find out if it works for you is to test it yourself.
While it's still no Evo or STI, this makes the V50 feel very similar to the Focus RS and it is rather easy to kick out the back end and hold a 4 wheel drift.
There is most definitely an improved front/rear power split. You can actually feel the car pushing you like a RWD, rather than predominantly pulling you like a FWD.
Aside from how the car drives, does anyone know of a cheap or free way to determine the new power split? I'm not looking to spend the money to put this car on a dyno.
The stock gen2 Haldex on our cars is a reactive system with a 70/30 power split.
The gen3 Haldex on the V8 XC90 (aka "Instant Traction") is a proactive system with a 60/40 power split, so the rear wheels are ready to go almost immediately like a real AWD vehicle.
All first generation V8 XC90s and some 3.2L XC90s use the gen3 Haldex controller.
Confirmed Haldex part numbers are: 5Wp33504-01, 5Wp22228-02, 5Wp33504-03, or 5Wp22228-04
Volvo part number is: 36001160
You will need to swap the DEM (differential electronic module), solenoid, and pressure sensor. It takes about 5 minutes and only 2 screws. It's a plug and play upgrade with no software required.
Important Notes:
Just because the back end can kick out so effortlessly does not make this a drift mode like the new RS. Considering the 3 piece drive shaft and tiny rear axles, I would highly discourage attempting to build a drift mode for this car with stock parts.
While this swap is successfully working, with no warning lights or errors, on a 2009 with DSTC and on my 2006 with no traction control. We cannot yet confirm this will flawlessly work on all P1 Volvos.
The real testing begins now, as we determine how this effects the fuel economy and how the rear differential holds up with the added power.
As a full disclaimer, the handling characteristics of the car will be transformed from an easy driving AWD Volvo to a rather insane AWD system. While the car is a lot more fun to drive and actually feels like a sports car, you will have to completely relearn how to drive the car. Throttle control is key, as simply mashing the gas pedal can easily make the back wheels spin.
@MooseTech gets full credit for finding this discovery in the process of successfully building the worlds first AWD C30. More details about that here: https://forums.swedespeed.com/showt...legal-and-consumer-owned-C30-AWD-in-the-world
Update: I think we have ultimately concluded that three results can come from this mod.
1. It works for instant power to be delivered to the rear wheels, making these cars behave more like an all-time AWD when you're in the twisties. My V50 is still showing the improvement after 1 year and 25k miles.
2. It works for a few drive cycles and then the car disables awd until the original module is replaced.
3. It doesn't work at all.
There does not appear to be any indication on why it will or will not work depending on model, year, options, etc. The only way to find out if it works for you is to test it yourself.