Performance difference between 480GT and ES

[glasgowjim]

" I can't enter the topics forum. I click on the topic line and nothing. I was wondering if there is a time delay before the forum allows me to peruse. "

Anyway, 2 questions

We have 3 480's in the family, namely ES, GT and Turbo. My wife's ES goes like ...... from the word go and has 220k on the clock and the red dipstick. I have the GT and the green dipstick and air con. Supposedly, the engines are exactly the same apart from the oil cooling she has under the pistons. My car GT, seems to be a gear behind hers ES. Once I get to 3000, then it picks up and goes. In a race she can't pull away but I have to push harder. Any ideas? There is a difference in the engines for sure but where? Her fifth gear is very good even from low rpm, mine lags a bit, I have to change down if I want to keep up. I have had the timing checked, ok but the plugs are very light coloured, almost white. I get extremely good fuel consumption. I wonder if I am running lean for some reason! Have you heard anything like this from anyone else.
Secondly, my turbo gauge only get just into the yellow by a quarter to a third, is this normal and what is the running pressure for a normal car supposed to be? Is there anything I should check apart from the boost system leaking to make sure the Turbo is producing it's best performance.

posted up on behalf of a new member GJ

[glasgowjim]

Read this thread ...

http://www.volvo-480-europe.org/forum/v ... 19&t=18781

[glasgowjim]

Look up this page and have fun....

http://www.volvo-480-europe.org/volvo480/specs.php

[m616tls]

Thanks GlasgowJim. Seems my quest is still on. I can only think it must be the air con compressor taking a bit of power off the engine response.

[doingitsideways]

Could be, but unless the clutch is seized and the system is constantly running, there should be minimal drag from the compressor.

Hello btw
Yes, myself and Jamesy knock about around here too sometimes

Oh, forgot to mention:
The recirculating valve can go south over time, causing a few boost/vacuum related issues.
The original part is bobbins and hasn't been available for many years anyway, so many have upgraded to the VW/Audi 710 jobbie with good results

Do a search for 710 valve.

[jamesy12345]

Recirc valve is a good call!

Here is the link for the VAG upgrade

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Audi- ... xysstSaCVd

Gone up a bit in price tho from what i remember

[m616tls]

Thanks Doit... and Jamesy for your help. Nice to see you on this site as well!!! Is it possible to check the dump valve or is it a fit a new one and see. Is it straightforward to fit or do I have to remove every part of the engine compartment to get at it.

[jamesy12345]

It's a pretty straightforward fit mate, rear left of the engine bay just down from the turbo, although better if you can find someone with small hands (such is life )

[doingitsideways]

better if you can find someone with small hands

Sadly, Mrs Sideways does not have small hands

[m616tls]

Need 2 new springs for my 480 GT alongside 4 shockers.........who's the best for these? I have decided to raise the GT at the front. It looks good wedgy, 40mm nose down but oh gaud the English roads are sooooooooooooo bad. Can't be doing with the brain ache any more.

[jamesy12345]

Need 2 new springs for my 480 GT alongside 4 shockers.........who's the best for these? I have decided to raise the GT at the front. It looks good wedgy, 40mm nose down but oh gaud the English roads are sooooooooooooo bad. Can't be doing with the brain ache any more.

I was planning to use the place below mate

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/ind ... =2_160_862

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/ind ... 25_154_435

[jamescarruthers]

The original shock absorbers are made by Monroe. You can still‎ order the fronts at Volvo (or could about a year ago).

I'd suggest starting your search on their website and then seeing who sells the appropriate part number.‎

[m616tls]

Thanks Jamesy and JamesC. I'll look at the sites and check for Monroes.