Hi everyone. today is my first day as a 2001 s8 owner and would like some help from anyone with modifying this car. My 1995 Volvo 850 turbo was totaled a few days ago and it's very much missed. I fell into the opportunity to buy an S8 for a good price but it does not have the same performance as my turbo. It's mechanically perfect with only 65,000 miles. I miss the punch and extra push the turbo gave. This ride has 360hp under the hood, but it's a heavy car without the boooost I need. Any proven suggestions...seems like everyone owns an s4! Thanks for the help.

 

Start with a new custum piping mandrel bent exhaust. That will free up some hp. Also, im finding it hard to belive ur 95 volvo was faster, unless it was modded.

 

He needs to actually check his speedo. Because of teh size/heft of teh 8 he won'tt get the same SENSATION of speed that he had with his puny V-vo, but it's there. B'lieve dat! It's there. He cud hav his 'ol lady work tha stopwatch if he don't wannna believe his speedo.

 

Exhaust is a good start, I have been meaning to chip my 8's for some time, I have go to get rid of that governer. What ever you do keep us posted and post some pictures. Good luck

 

Mike,
Not to question your purchase but perhaps you should've looked at a turbo-ed car like the S4 2.7T or A6 with the same engine.
I guess the milk is spilled and you will learn to love your decision. I kind of felt the same way when I bought my A8 which WAS modified. Even though I'm putting out about 345 horsepower with the mods, it still doesn't feel 'quick'. This is intentional and allows for a smoother ride. However, after years of driving turbo 4s and hi-revving jap 6-cyl, it doesn't feel as 'fast' as them. If you want to prove to yourself your S8 IS faster, get out on the highway at about 80 or 90 and mash the pedal! You WILL feel the speed at that point as your car effortlessly accelerates up over 120!! THIS is what the A8 and S8 were designed for.

 

Hehe, after my 1996 Volvo 850 was totalled a couple months back I got a 99 A8 with 67K on it - weird how we had a similar "upgrade"

My 850 didnt have a turbo though....so I cant complain about the power in the A8.