Looking for suggestions on Volvo XC90

[iamnotahippee]

We just recently bought a Gen 1 HCH for my wife and kids to commute arounf 120 miles daily in. This puts me in our Volvo XC90 for my driver for now, as well as being our Sunday driver and road car. We just made a 700 mile round trip over the holiday weekend and aceraged somewhere around 20 mpg, maybe a little better. Any subtle aero suggestions on this ride? The ride height is high, so i may look into a belly pan. I was thinking front airdam, but I don't know if it would be effective because of the way the front tapers back. Any thoughts?

Here is a pic of a similar vehicle...
http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/27323305.jpg
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/...MAGES/xc90.jpg

Thanks!
Rob

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Yoy could start removing those roof rails.

[ksa8907]

Good luck my friend. My brother has one of those, 2008. There are so many aero unfriendly parts to that car, aside from major aero-modding, the best thing you can do is drive it carefully.

Pump up the tires and make sure the alignment is good.

[iamnotahippee]

The roof rail removal is definitely an option. The main drawback is the cost of the correctcaps from volvo to insure a leak and problem free removal. Driving style really is key on this ride...there is probably a 2 mpg difference between 65 and 75 mph.

[iamnotahippee]

Ksa, thanks for the tire suggestion. I just checked them. They are actually 4 ply extra load tires. That means the recommended inflation is 50 psi. Of course mine are at 30-35 psi. Tomorrow i will go air them up to the proper level. I imagine 15-20 psi could definitely gonna be a problem. I think i remember reading that 1 psi is a 1% lose in economy. Now i don't think i am losing 60% economy, but i am sure there are losses happening.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by iamnotahippee

They are actually 4 ply extra load tires. That means the recommended inflation is 50 psi. Of course mine are at 30-35 psi. Tomorrow i will go air them up to the proper level. I imagine 15-20 psi could definitely gonna be a problem.

Check the rated pressure - you might be able to go even higher than 50psi

It'll feel stiffer, but as long as the ride doen't get bouncy, you're fine.
Check wear pattern on tyres periodically.


Try a scrapyard for roofrail caps

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by iamnotahippee

I was thinking front airdam, but I don't know if it would be effective because of the way the front tapers back. Any thoughts?

Angled underbumper is likely due to Volvo giving it "good" "terrain" ability and clearance angles.
It's an XC after all ...

If you don't need terrain clearance, add an air dam, as the OEM design pushes more air under the XC, which is exactly what an air dam is trying to prevent.

Belly pan without air dam is not all that effective

air deflectors in front of the tyres - fore and aft - you'll find examples on more modern designs
remember a lot of air flows out sideways from under a car between the wheels, so help that air escape with the rear tyre deflectors (i.e. don't make an "scoop" underneath that forces more air between the rear wheels)


Ditch mud flaps, if present on your car

Ditch unneeded excess weight (7 seater optional seats , if you don't use them )

[iamnotahippee]

I will have to give a good looking over to the front for an air dam idea. I am hoping worn me driving regularly can keep some of the excess weight out of the car (junk just collecting). I don't know how hard removing y the third row would be. The seats fold into the floor, so would really jack with the cargo area, and i dont really have a safe dry place to store them. The rated psi on the tires is 50, and i actually aired them up to around 52. The rear tires are starting to show a little age, so i am leary of overinflating them right now. Before Christmas I will probably replace them, and at that time we may try a little more.

[chefdave]

Hi surprised at volvo being "dirty" underneath as my 1998 volvo s40 has a lot plastic plates fitted to floor pan to make very smooth. All factory fitted. Only "dirty" area is around spare wheel well and rear bumper.

[iamnotahippee]

I need to roll under the car for a look. It is the fwd version, so i don't have any drive line going the rear. If i could a good smooth pan, would it be better to leave the front bumper somewhat as is, with no air dam? I am pretty sure that i should be to smooth the nose up some, and gain some benefit there. At the end of the day, it is still an oversized, overweight, almost under powered behemoth. But it sure drives nice ��