D4 Automatic remap - what about the torque?

[ymc30]

I've just recently bought a C30 R-Design D4 Automatic which is - hopefully - a big improvement over my stock 2.0 litre 136 HP Peugeot powered C30 SE Lux

Mind though, I have never felt the lack of punch in the PUG engine but ever since I've used a V50 D4 automatic (for a few months) I wanted a C30 with the same power train. For once 130 kW is better than 136 PS but most importantly I am dying for the sound of that 5 cylinder Volvo engine

When I looked into the D4 specs I've noticed that the torque is reduced to 350 for the auto from 400 of the manual version.

If I were to do a remap - which will increase not only the power but the torque as well - how would that effect the longevity of my automatic gearbox?
Has anybody got relevant experience?

[phil1968]

I looked into this on my C70 D5 Geartronic as the torque is reduced from 400 to 350 as on yours, not only that but the torque is further limited in the first 3 gears. Someone told me that they had a remap & the torque limiter removed from the first three gears but the clutches burnt out on his transmission within a month. So the consensus appears to be to get a remap but keep the torque limiter in the first three gears, which means that you'll only be getting the full benefit of the remap in the top two gears.
Personally I didn't investigate that avenue any further as they're not the best transmissions in the first place reliability-wise, wishing I bought a manual now lol.

[ymc30]

Well exactly my thinking...

Although as far as I remember the two gearboxes are not the same on the D5 and D4 but I reckon the end result would be the same.

I have to open the ECU anyway as I have to deal with the dpf issue (has 100k on the clock) so I've thought I could upload something while I am at it

[phil1968]

Yes I think your later auto is a 6-speed? I can't comment on the reliability on that particular transmission but you do have to ask why Volvo chose to restrict the torque on those as well

[Tannaton]

Yep the earlier 5-speed AISIN WARNER cars have torque limited to 350 Nm in all Volvo platforms I think and this is because of the gearbox rating.

The later 6 speed gearbox (also AISIN WARNER) is much stronger and is even used in the XC90 V8.

The D5 engine in the C30/S40/V50/C70 platform I believe is also slightly de-tuned for cooling reasons.

If you get such a car chipped - suggest change transmission fluid every 36k.

PS: The 136 BHP 4 cylinder engine is in fact a Ford modified PSA engine which dates back to the early 90's (Ford added the 16 valve head etc.) apart from some Ford cost cutting around sensors and wiring I actually quite like it and think it suits the S40/V50 platform with "adequate" power. Remember it launched in 2004 and was up against the VW TDi 130.

[ymc30]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

The D5 engine in the C30/S40/V50/C70 platform I believe is also slightly de-tuned for cooling reasons.

But surely you mean cooling for the engine (due to the small bay) and not the gearbox...

Originally Posted by Tannaton

If you get such a car chipped - suggest change transmission fluid every 36k.

But still the torque needs to be limited, doesn't it?