ramrod
Ghettobird
If you are still interested in checking out the turbo block let me know and Ill make sure Im ay Voldat on that day :D
Id start being careful with the D5s, they arent as bullet proof as people think they are,
We have had a few in the last year that have been totally fucked, and I know BMG have had a few nasty engines come through too.
The early ones pop off swirl linkages & if not dealt with and are bad enough can piss oil all down the front of the motor.
We had a xc90 D5 with a mysterious loss of power - broken rocker arm and valve assembly had made a meal put of the piston, but the car otherwise ran ok and made no nasty sounds.
Currently we have another V50 D5 in with the rattliest D5 ive ever heard. Its been serviced by the book since new too, no power & horrible bottom end noises.
The issues with the V8s are said part to be the TCMs agressive torque converter lockup protocols & valvebody, in order to meet emissions targets. the gearbox engages the lockup converter way too frequently which is said to cause premature wear of the converter.
The hard engagements & flaring are attributed by the wearing of the valvebody fluid valves & pistons - steel pistons in aluminium bores will over time wear the aluminium bores to the point where fluid seeps past & shift quality is hindered.
The transmissions are more than strong enough, just the bits that make it do its thing are kinda shitty & dont last if not cared for.
Of the V8s we service that Ive personally driven, I can think of 5 different cars (all V8) that slam gears or hang & flare on shifts.
All have had fluid flushes, most weren't even that black either.
They are nice cars and sound friggin amazing under WOT. Just a shame that after so many years volvo/AW couldn't make a fucking gearbox that didnt eat itself at the slightest hint of neglect
ALVO360
That's some solid information, Julian. Thanks for that. I'd like to check out the FT block. I'm planning a trip down your way over the next few days (th,fri), but I won't know for sure until Tuesday.
Slowbrick
I know this a Volvo forum but I think others might agree that the best tow vehicle is something that's not a Volvo. I too considered a XC90 V8 but decided against it. Instead I bought a DID Pajero and so far I think I've made the right choice. It's got plenty of power, is quite fuel efficient and is comfy as on the open road.
Just putting it out there.
PaddlerEd
I'd agree with Slowbrick - have a look at something else as well.
The XC90 is only rated to 2250kg towing, so you're right at the limit and the payload is only around 700kg (depending on spec) so you're down to about 500kg once you allow for 10% tow ball weight which that size van will run at.
Not sure how big you are, but I'd take 20% of that payload that's left... it adds up quickly...