My Bolt-On Experience: 2017 S60 T6 2.0 R-Design | SwedeSpeed

2017 S60 T6 R-Design Platinum
Instagram: @s60bluejay

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Original Post:
Hi All,

Not much info out there on the twin-charged drive-E motors, especially as it relates to the available bolt-ons so thought I would post my experience.

I purchased the car stock 2 months ago (Oct 2020) with the P* tune and 37,xxx miles. I’m new to the Volvo world and have quickly grown an appreciation for these cars and the history – the community has also been great. My other car is a 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo with a bunch of mods that I have long term plans for (2jz turbo swap). The S60 is the daily, and would love to “build” it into a total sleeper. The car did not come with the Polestar optimization, but I added it on before picking it up (and after test driving it). The difference in torque delivery, pull and shift points is well worth this upgrade. No other tune on the market (that I’m aware of) will alter the shift points of these cars – long term I’ll add the Hilton stage 2.

My main gripes with the vehicle were how tame and QUIET it was for being a powerful little 2.0banger. That, in addition to some body roll in corners – had me itching for more.
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April 2023 – Mod List & Prices
Approx total invested: ~$24,000
I am posting prices to help others in their build and to see what was invested. Volvo is an expensive dollar per HP platform….so expect to pay to play on the newer models. Note, none of the pricing below includes labor at a “friend rate” – so unless you’re doing the work yourself expect to pay more.
Additionally, most of these mods have increase in prices due to item shortages, the economy and other factors.

Engine ($5,550)

1. P* Optimization (1200)
2. Do88 FMIC (500)
3. GruppeM Intake (815)
4. ipd Upper Torque Mount (175)
5. Custom lower torque mount (375)
6. ipd lower mount (200)
7. KC Design Intercooler Piping (585)
8. Heico Speed Pedal Tuning (300)
9. ViVA Sport Exhaust (1000)
10. GFB Diverter Valve + (200)
11. Mishimoto Oil catch can (200)

Aesthetics & Misc ($1,835)

1. Elevate P* Winglets (200) – painted 720 blue metallic
2. Elevate P* Spoiler (300)
3. OEM P* Rear Diffuser (725)
4. Cross Country Front Grille (200)
5. Blue P* Badge (55)
6. OEM Black Side Mirrors (150)
7. OEM Mudflaps (55)
8. AUKEY Front & Rear Dashcam (150)

Wheels, Suspension & Brakes ($6,600)

1. 19X8.5 BBS SR+235/40 Continental DWS 06 (2300)
2. Koni Special Active struts (730)
3. IPD rear sway & end links (350)
4. KC Design Front sway & IPD end links (400)
5. OEM 336 Front calipers/302 Rear – Cerekote Silver (2000)
6. Dust shield & caliper assembly (200)
7. Front & Rear slotted Stop tech rotors (400)
8. Ultra Racing Lower front brace (200)

Future planned mods:

1. Hilton Tune
2. 371mm Bremo polestar calipers & rotors
3. Rotora SS brake lines
4. Stage 2 Tune (undecided)
5. TME Downpipe (on the fence…)
6. Upgraded radiator
7. Underbody braces
8. 10mm Wheel spacers

Some pix:

Product Reviews:

GruppeM Intake

Expensive, but all that’s available for our 2.0L T6 (this has since changed). Install was easy except the connecting hose is a different shape…which required creative tightening to get it to fit. Frankly unacceptable for a $800+ intake! The final look is not as clean as I’d like (will post pics later). However, the sound is unreal! (Throaty and sophisticated). I let the filter sit in some packing paper to absorb any additional oil but it came out totally dry after a few days.

Note: If you do not like supercharge whine, do not get this mod! The car whines loudly from 2K – 3.5K especially up hills, etc. I personally love it, but some may not. I did discover that if you put the car in ECO mode, the sound virtually disappears as I assume the SC is disengaged. In Sport mode – the whine increases as it holds shifts…. So, those are some considerations.
Intake sounds below:

Do88 Intercooler

I installed with a lift and a friend which made this process easier, but was still a very tight fit. My car has adaptive cruise control and no bolts needed to be shaved. Took about 2 hours in total. I believe the claim is 20hp/20tq (not sure if these dyno numbers were for the 3.0L). You can see the intercooler through the grill which is an added, subtle bonus. I do notice the turbo is still eager after multiple pulls, so it’s doing it’s job of keeping things cool.

IPD Torque Mount

Easiest to install. I was concerned about vibration so followed the advice of an earlier post on here. With the mount loosely installed, we started the car and put it into reverse (holding the brake obv) while my friend tightened it down. Then put it back into Park and shut it off. This is suppose to help with vibration, and while I don’t have anything to compare it to, the increase in overall vibration is there but minimal. If anything, I like it – feels more….raw? What is pronounced is the engine noise (especially combined with the intake and IC). You feel shifts and hear the roar, especially under WOT. Love it!

6 Month Update: Mount has held up well, very happy with this upgrade. I purchased a custom lower mount from a member on here but haven’t installed yet.

IPD Sway & Endlinks

Covered extensively before. Relatively easy to install. The car definitely has better steering response and is sort-of “pinned” in turns but still has body roll. Worth the upgrade for sure, but ultimately I will compliment with the front sway/end links and some other body bushings or w/e is available. As of now I don’t plan on lowering the car beyond it’s OEM RD height as it’s my daily.

6 Month Update: Both the Endlinks and IPD sway are beginning to corrode. I’ve heard people having issues with this but didn’t think it would happen so quickly. Disappointing and makes me question the overall craftsmanship! Just purchased and anti-corrosion spray (The Clean Garage Bilt Hamber Atom-Mac) to help combat for now…

These mods have totally changed the car and my driving experience. Under throttle there is a deep, sophisticated throaty roar as you hear the SC whine up to 3K RPM then the turbo takes over. The additional pull is PRONOUNCED and seriously fun…dangerously so. The car now cruises well over highway speed with EASE…so take that in mind if you have a lead foot. I plan to upload some acceleration videos so ya’ll can hear the sound.

Rough power estimates below.
Note I didn’t dyno it and there’s no evidence the intake adds power but I added 5h/5t to internally rationalize the cost… lol.
Factory: 302HP/295T
Polestar: 306 HP/317T
W/Mods: 340HP/352T (estimates…Intercooler: +20, Intake: +5, IC pipes and Exhaust: +10)
Weight/Power Ratio: 11.5lb/1hp
Goal is around: 375whp/400wtq.

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Edit – May 2022: Will post updated product reviews for those that were not covered.

Edit – November 2021
Installed the custom lower engine mount created by billqueenis, new plugs as well as some aesthetic parts (P* diffuser, spoiler, winglets). The car is really starting to come together visually and the only thing left for me is the brake upgrade. In terms of the mount, this thing is no joke. It significantly reduces gear play when shifting and the engine noise is increased fairly dramatically (especially if you have an intake and IPD upper mount). The lower mount will definitely increase vibration in the cabin, especially at idle – so know what you are getting into. I’d compare it to a massage chair on the lowest setting…lol. Overall though, it’s worth it if you know what to expect. I’ve actually grown to like it
This lower mount is different than the new IPD one (which I also plan to get). The car feels more raw, especially under WOT. Will try to get some clips.

Edit – October 2021
Just purchased several mods with the plan to install over the next month or so, will post results/pictures.
Engine: Hecio Speed Pedal Tuning, KCDesign Intercooler Piping, Lower Torque Mount
Brakes: Overhauling with mostly OEM parts with the plan to professionally ceramic hi-temp silver paint (+Moose logo) the calipers and new backing plate (in black). Upgrading to 336mm front calipers, stoptech slotted rotors/pads, and new oem rear calipers as well + complete brake line upgrade. With my current 19″ BBS SR, the car needs nicer brakes ASAP.
Body: RD Black Mirror Covers, CC front grille, OEM Mudflaps, P* Diffuser, P* Wing, P* painted winglets