The Volvo S80 luxury sedan occupies a unique place in the automotive world. Introduced in 1998…
More Technical Details on the Volvo V8
As discussed previously, Volvo collaborated with Yamaha on developing the B8444S 4.4L V8 engine powering S80 models from 2006-2010. With an oversquare design boasting a 3.2 inch bore and relatively short 2.7 inch stroke, the 60° V-angle block utilizes compact dimensions to fit transversely while enabling high rev capability. An aluminum alloy crankcase contains cast iron cylinder liners, as valve gear consists of dual overhead chain-driven camshafts plus Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).
Additional specifications include:
- Displacement: 4369 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 84 mm x 81 mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.4:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC 32 Valve CVVT
- Firing Order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
- Horsepower: 322 hp @ 5950 rpm
- Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
This output routes through an Aisin co-developed 6-speed automatic transmission powering either the front or all wheels. In AWD variants, default torque distribution defaults to 95% front until slippage triggers transfer to the rear. Multiple gear ratios were offered dependinging on powertrain configurations, ranging from 2.37 to 3.02 for first gear and 1.57 to 2.35 for sixth gear as examples. All units included manual shifting capability via the gear lever or steering wheel paddles.
The S80 suspension design consists of MacPherson struts up front with multi-link independent rear on models not equipped with self-leveling air springs. Anti-roll bars feature on both axles, with gas-filled shock absorbers standard or active Four-C adaptive damping available optionally. Stopping force comes courtesy of ventilated discs measuring 13.6” diameter in front clamped by twin-piston calipers, with 12.6” solid discs for the rear. Regenerative braking supplements traditional friction elements to help recharge the battery pack. Owners describe brake feel as solid, predictable and drama-free during routine driving. Pedal modulation occurs easily without noticeable fade even during repeated heavy stops.
Insights on Ownership Experience
To gain expanded insights on actual ownership of the Volvo S80 V8, I tapped into several niche communities frequented by Volvo enthusiasts. This allowed collecting observations from current and past owners highlighting factors relevant for prospective buyers to weigh.
On the Volvospeed forum, several members emphasized the criticality of oil changes using full synthetic every 7,500 miles without fail. Multiple accounts of sludge buildup clogging oil passages by the 100-120k mile mark – requiring extensive engine repairs costing upwards of $8-10k – reinforce this service importance due to tight tolerances. One post shared by Goodboy982 encapsulated common views:
Used 07 S80 V8 I picked up temptingly priced at $9k/80k miles. Minor cosmetic defects but clean history. Had all records so previous owner indeed kept dealer maintenance schedule. At 90k miles though check engine light popped on for cam timing overretard related to clogged oil pickup. Compression test confirmed damage across all cylinders already. Shop quoted $12k for long block swap given parts/labor. Definitely sank initial deal sweetness so echo advice on strict oil change intervals with the Yamahaha. She sounded amazing when running right though!
While the vast majority concur on premium gas and frequent oil service using synthetic 0w-40 weights from Castrol or Mobil1, not all sing praises for the V8‘s sour note exhaust. SedanSlayer from the SwedeSpeed community offered these thoughts:
Leave the racy burble for Italian muscles – the S80 satisfyingly snarls when cracking open the twin-pipes at pace. But cold startups each morning rattle the cul-de-sac, droning loudly even couched within the insulated double-paned glass. I expected more refinement worthy of boardroom dignitaries from Sweden‘s statesmen. At least turbo whooshing masks most lower rpm resonance cruising the boulevard.
Sentiments on reliability and ownership costs aligned broadly across the various forums assessed. When maintained diligently, members note the Volvo V8 delivers a mostly trouble-free experience comparable to rivals. But skipping scheduled maintenance invites expensive disasters as intricacy multiplies vulnerabilities. Properly tended examples easily see 150,000+ mile lifespans. Thus analysis confirms the risks present, though prudent servicing greatly mitigates potential downsides if desired.
Strong Potential for Aftermarket Modifications
While many purchase the luxury S80 for visual distinction and comfort rather than tearing up backroads, the V8 still holds hidden potential to unlock. Overall modifications remain relatively rare in the grand scheme, as owners likely want to preserve factory warranty coverage. But once past that phase, common changes pursue added power, improved handling dynamics, beefier aesthetic presence or enhanced sound.
On the performance front, software changes offer easy starting points to unleash extra muscle. Tuners frequently tap companies like Polestar Performance (originally Volvo‘s in-house partner) for ECU re-mapping adding 30-50 horsepower through more aggressive spark and fuel mapping. Coupled intake and exhaust upgrades like Polestar or weapons-grade Heico Sportiv components can push output toward 400 ponies for under $5k in mods.
To further amplify primal resonance absent the notorious turbo-four warble, many owners simply replace rear mufflers for custom straight pipe or cross-linked alternatives. Stainless steel help withstand corrosion during cold winter months. Those same kinds of shops may also offer lowering spring kits dropping ride height 1 to 3 inches for improved handling and aesthetic slam. Popular sources for Volvo parts include iPd, Matthews Volvo and Flying Bricks among others catering to European vehicles.
Comparison to Modified BMWs and Audis
How might a modified Volvo S80 V8 stack up to equivalent German counterparts modified to similar levels? Based on claimed vendor results, predictions would forecast*:
|| Stock | Modified |
| ————- |:————-:|————-:|
| Volvo S80 V8 | 322 hp | 390 hp |
| BMW 550i | 360 hp | 420 hp |
| Audi S6 | 430 hp | 490 hp |
*Actual output dependent on specific parts installed
While the Swede can‘t quite catch up to the topside Audi S series sedans, it could conceivably give the 5 series BMW a run while possessing far more visual distinction. And the reliability trade-offs faced by the Volvo narrow considerably if also tuning the meticulously maintained Germans. So in the right configuration, the S80 presents legitimate value competition to the German establishment. Though finding ultra low-mileage donors proves increasingly scarce as most drift well past 100k miles at this age.
Market Options for Volvo V8 Engines
For die-hard Volvo V8 fans taken by the engine more than the S80 sedan itself, purchasing options expand slightly when considering SUV counterparts also powered by the Yamaha jewel from 2007-2010. The same 4.4L B8444S V8 featured in the XC90 crossover utility vehicle concurrently, where it gained acclaim for towing competence thanks to greater chassis weight helping traction. The V8 XC90 T6‘s heftier 4,400 lb curb weight brought 0-60 acceleration times down to 7 seconds flat – making it feel sportier despite being a family hauler.
Thus interested buyers could reasonably target either the S80 sedan or XC90 SUV with hopes of securing the V8 powertrain. The XC90 obviously provides more practicality via expanded cargo and third row seating capacity as the tradeoff. But for those desiring ultra lounge appointments, the S80 better cossets rear occupants in executive class comfort – albeit at the expense of some utility versatility. Regardless of final form factor selected, sticking to 2006-2007 model years helps sidestep early teething issues while still leaving reasonable service life remaining. Just be sure to scrutinize maintenance records closely when evaluating any vehicle.
Conclusion
The Volvo S80 V8 stands out by injecting prestige performance to the brand‘s hallmark attributes of safety, style and hospitality. For budget-minded driving enthusiasts, this unique Swedish muscle car provides an intriguing balance of coddling ride comfort and engaging acceleration. But buyer beware on assuming higher repair costs over time unless carefully maintained – with specific emphasis on strict oil change intervals for the high-strung Yamaha engine. Properly tended though, a modified S80 could surprise unsuspecting challengers just like the stealth Swedish Koenigsegg supercars!