We Bought A Civic Type R Killing Volvo C30 For Only $5,300 - 1 Year Ownership Report

Time really does fly by, it seems like only yesterday I purchased my 2008 Volvo C30. She has come a long way from the stock little commuter car I purchased nearly 13 months ago. The C30 is a completely different beast and in today's video I recap how we got there and what we still have to do to get her ready for battle!
Merch ▶ teespring.com/...
Support ▶ / hshiftinglanes
Subscribe ▶ / @shiftinglanes
For business inquiries email us:
[e-mail]
Follow us on social media:
/ shiftinglanes
drivetribe.com....
/ shiftinglanes
/ shiftinglanes
Intro - "Bow and Arrow" - T-Mass
ncs.io/BowandAr...

[@Airbornealltheway88]

Can you please add a list of the mods you have done and where we can buy thanks. And great video

[@Zephyr8086]

Who knows what will happen with the type R. All I know is I like 5 cylinders and a c30 has to be both lighter and more responsive (smaller car shorter wheelbase)

[@ShiftingLanes]

In theory, I am currently lighter and more powerful than a Type R. Type R has that magic front dif though so it has the advantage in traction.

[@TekkenBones]

What is interesting is if you look under the hood of the Polestar C30 (specifically the Jay Leno video) the engine bay looks almost completely stock..... but it has 451bhp (the polestar engineer in the video specifically states it's running 451bhp)

[@HakeemKaree]

I agree with 4 out of 5, but I'd do brakes over wheels on most cars.

[@thrashingjustin]

Eh. If you drive like a maniac, have horrible brake timing, or hit the tracks then yeah.

[@justinnation9793]

I just got a c30 r-design and I was surprised how well the brakes work just squishy. They do the job really well unless you want a track car.

[@nickgale1642]

Stop being bummed about winter and just go AWD already lol.

[@buildingsweatequity]

PM me if you need to know how. Should be pretty easy as you are already manual. I did auto FWD to manual AWD with a 2005 donor for my 2008. Pretty much the most complex you could attempt. She goes good :)

[@NorthernChev]

The only downside I have found to owning a C30 T5 is you "get used" to the power. Which makes you want more. So, you add a tune and give it 25 more horse. Which, eventually, you get used to, so you want more. Then you add an exhaust which ups it maybe 8-15 more horse. ...which you eventually get used to and want more. It never ends. I now need/want a turbo recommendation.

[@Eastcoastcarclub]

NorthernChev have you maxed out your stock ko4 turbo? After that you would be looking at the k16 turbo

[@israellopezperez6656]

true. traded R for a scat pak now satisfied na v8

[@Dubst3pT3ch]

Skip the K16 and go to a GTX2860R gen2

[@waltervila33]

@@Dubst3pT3ch what’s the difference and did you have to shim the block

[@RichieRouge206]

Great video dude - the stock intercooler has a habit of blowing the plastic ends off so an upgrade is definitely good! These are such cool cars for tuning

[@ShiftingLanes]

Thanks!! And they are very unique machines with a lot of potential.

[@paststeve1]

Really, really enjoyed this video! Thanks!

[@ShiftingLanes]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@HirooKoslov]

I'm surprised you don't have the factory strut brace on your c30. They come with the r design cars (mine didn't since it's an SE Lux), and I picked mine from a V50 R design that was being parted out for about £20. It gives you extra feel through the steering wheel and through your arse, and stiffens the car a little. It's a subtle difference, but you'll definitely feel it, and it's a quick and cheap mod. When you're getting yours, don't forget to take the top strut bolts off the donor car too, since you need the double sided bolts to fit the brace to the strut.

[@reelfasteatbass5897]

picking up a s40 T5 with lots of maintenance for 3500$ today🤞 can’t wait

[@miavonni]

You addressed the little missing piece under the headlights, what is that for?

[@blockthis08]

Love this. Those annoying civics.

[@nurzrachit7133]

I'm thinking about picking up one of these to keep my hands off my new car, so I don't void my warranty like a dumbass. I actually test drove the Veloster N and I loved the stock power, sound, ride, etc etc etc... Figured I could live with it and enjoy the warranty of 10/100000. Now it's all I can do to not start modding the damn thing! Thank God I've kept myself under control with tasteful... In my opinion... Cosmetic changes, but I'm starting to lose my grip Man. Short story long, I Saw one of these bastards tootalin around this morning and a light bulb went off in my head! I totally remember these Volvo's, they were always extremely attractive to me as I've been a hatchback freakazoid since crx, yeah I'm old. In all truth my Mom had a 1983 Civic hatchback 2 door 5 speed that I halfway learned to drive on. That Honda Civic was pretty slow but versatile. Honestly I dig the looks for some reason.. I'm weird but I actually prefer the looks out of all body styles. I had a midnight blue Mazda protege 5 back in 2003, and it was one of the most beautiful vehicles id ever seen IMO. Even though that car wasn't terribly powerful, it was balanced and handled terrific. Like a fool I sold it when I picked up a Saturn ION Redline in 2005. I fell for the supercharger on the redline and bowed to the power.. course that was an ugly coupe so I only kept it a year... Well I'm back in my hatchbacks now and I really think that I would like to take a look at the c30. I've been watching reviews and they seem to need a good bit of tuning parts to make them quick, which is okay with me. I actually think I need something to work on, to get me off the other car like I said. Appreciate your videos, I'm going to have to go check out the others. You seem enthusiastic about the car and that is pretty telling. Thanks again

[@ShiftingLanes]

Thanks for watching!!! That is all awesome. These cars are little rockets you just gotta free up the power. I definately went full bore on mine. The only thing missing is the bigger k16 turbo and an lsd. Hit me up @chennedy83

[@thrashingjustin]

Get rid of the korean junk and get a golf r or ctr.

[@thekaganator9121]

Trick for taking off the air box- put a jack under the oil pan, remove the passenger and driver side motor mounts, have someone push the engine towards the firewall. This gives you more than enough room to pull the stock air box without “excessive force” hahaha

[@89kyleeb]

That's a lot more work that you need to do. Just need to rotate the left side and out.

[@recyclespinning9839]

Anyone know what a 2008 c30 manual, with 75k goes for ? Im looking at one.

[@ramoncast465]

Kit Bilstein Coilovers B14 Pss9/pss10 it goes right to the volvo c30 t5 2008?

[@ZibbyZabelka]

Looks like your in a grounds keeping garage at a golf course. I would know cause I worked at one this past summer as a seasonal/side job. But sweet C30, I'm very interested in the Volvo car culture and you guys seem to be one of the bigger Volvo channels. Good stuff!

[@peterlindvall7671]

They should name it Caddyshack.

[@VTLIFE-so4dc]

$270 hot air intake. Literally right behind the cooling fan outlet. Wonder why the Volvo factory air box gets fed from the grille where the air is 100 degrees colder ?

[@ShiftingLanes]

You're 100% correct. The stock intake is better at making power. But the aftermarket does make access to the oil filter, thermostat, intake manifolds much easier as the stock intake can be quite tricky to remove. But in hindsight I do wish I stuck with the stock box.

[@keithroberts9869]

Thought about doing the Elevate intake. Looks like keeping the stock box with K&N filter that I have set up right now is the better way to go.

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

Noted, guess I'm staying with the stock intake for now

[@robinhdjsm]

You forgot to mention the brake upgrade. You can put the 320mm brakes from a v50/v40 t5 awd on a c30. Its a direct fit. You only have to cut the plate behind the brake disc a bit. Also braided brake hoses for a better brake response.

[@Michael.OJackson]

Do you know any interchangeable parts that will bolt onto a 2012 v60?

[@robinhdjsm]

​@@Michael.OJacksonnope.

[@Michael.OJackson]

@@robinhdjsm bummer man 😔

[@jiimmyboi12]

ahhhh I love this video. I just bought this car with 170k for $2500 09 t5r i can wait to do all this maintenance.

[@Crimzify]

if you want to mod it i would make sure it is in the best condition possible. Which basically means a lot of money and/or time

[@jiimmyboi12]

@@Crimzify oh yes! im not spending a dime on performance until im sure all regular maintenance is done.

[@boosthappy2338]

Can these cars run e85 ? Are they port or direct injected ?

[@worldhello1234]

@2:58 No, because power is nothing without control. 😊

[@firstprivate2087]

Hi CHAD i just got my C30 im learning all about working on this Car slowly was it easy installing that rear chassis brace?

[@ShiftingLanes]

Kinda. It's a cramped space and you need to cut some of the upholstery so that can be a pain. In hindsight I would have gone rear sway bar over the brace.

[@coreygrace4856]

I wander why the xc70 is so much easier to work on.

[@charlesswift6554]

I had to replace my subframe on mine, and turns out the c30's are the same exact specs as a mazda 3 speed. Also go's for any chassis mod's fyi

[@adam4n1um]

does this include the struts and everything? Do you just pick the same year as your volvo , but a mazda 3 speed?

[@UltralydvaskingLillehammer]

1 stiffer anti roll bar in the rear, makes these car less understeering and gives a more focus rs feeling, braces are not doing anything. 2 bigger intercooler 3 bigger downpipe with metal cat 4 motor tune 5 poly bushings gearbox support and torque reducer bracket 6 some "hotter" brakepads

[@NorthernChev]

The 1552s do not, actually, look good on this car. They really distracted from the clean, sporty looks and made it look like a teenage hooptie. One man's opinion. I understand where you were coming from, with the "retro Volvo" vibe to the rims, but they most definitely did not work on this particular model. This body is too sleek and modern-looking to pull off old-school.

[@rosslockhart2079]

C30 volvo drive shafts pls recommend the right shafts . Just added 2 new front right clicking allready after 3000k. I don’t drive hard at all but having drive sgg he aft problem is there any better than good ones . Thanks . Ross Aussie

[@Nimno74]

Hit me up if you ever want to sell this car.

[@SteveDave29]

I like elevate. What about Ferrita??

[@SteveDave29]

This car came with the Polestar tune. Would you leave it alone, or go with shark?

[@kellyshelton8733]

Chad, did you do the Polestar Optimization? My understanding is, before you mod anything else it already takes you to 250+hp. I'm thinking of doing that to mine...any thoughts? I'm going to dyno it first to see where I am currently. Then get the optimization and put it on the dyno again.

[@keithroberts9869]

I had the Polestar flash done at the Volvo dealership right after I bought the car. $1000 including NJ tax. Definitely a nice bump in performance.

[@thrashingjustin]

If you want to keep the car completely stock, yes get the polestar. But if you have aftermarket mods, definitely get a real tune, not what Volvo offers lol

[@thegreendoormx4441]

The torque steer on these t5s is fucking HORRIBLE!

[@BurittoSandwich]

What size wheels are your Konigs and what is a good tire size for the C30?

[@thegamingsnake7198]

More power = more fuel consumption ):

[@esthergennn]

Oh well. Volvo C30 fuel economy kinda sucks anyways

[@StackBundle]

Not really. Factory tunes on Volvo's are garbage. Mainly because the AFR is determined at the MAF. With data logging and a proper tune you can increase power and gas mileage.

[@Bebito2890]

Chad did you upgraded the torque mount? I don't remember if you did in other videos, but if you haven't you'll be surprised how different the car feels

[@ShiftingLanes]

Not yet. Eventually.

[@Bebito2890]

@@ShiftingLanes Alright man. By the way it's super easy like 20 min at most. I didn't even change the whole thing I just got the insert from Powerflex and it did wonders.

[@Eastcoastcarclub]

ShiftingLanes you guys should do that ASAP. It’s not too expensive I have the elevate one and the shift times are almost cut in half on the auto

[@markkibbe1802]

@@ShiftingLanes You have to do that ASAP. Did it to my V50 - is the best thing you will ever spend money on for your car. Shift times are way faster, much easier to drive, and even sounds better (kinda rattles the car at idle, but not too bad). Absolutely love it and would do it first thing to any P1 I buy.

[@cadilacdesert]

Thank you for the vid, I just bought one in Salt lake

[@williamthomas8135]

what is the difference between a "coilovers" and a regular strut?

[@joewatkins1667]

awesome vid :)

[@lenghtofpull]

The intake is worth just being able to work on the car with out that damn air box

[@romank1099]

Surprised brakes were not mentioned once in this video. Especially the "top 5 mods." Despite the weight, stock single pistons on a modified car can cost you one...

[@markveith9468]

Hey what axles did you buy and where did you buy them to replace the old ones ?

[@davidgrant1142]

Something tells me your reading a script

[@bayronvalenzuela2045]

What c30 is this? is this a t5? or a 2.4i, 2.0 ?

[@ShiftingLanes]

The T5 was the only option by in the States

[@chrisnipple3469]

I'm getting a custom 3" exhaust on my c30 with a borla xr1 muffler and a mazo downpipie with a highflow cat welded on

[@nurzrachit7133]

Did you do it yet? I'll bet that set up would sound pretty crispy 😋.

[@txrcher]

What size Konig's did you put on?

[@markkibbe1802]

Any of you guys know how to fix the rev hang and lousy throttle response on these things? Biggest thing I want to fix on my V50. Thoughts?

[@FastlifeTodd]

I’ve got a Polestar C30 and after doing some research it looks like the Focus RS front brakes are a bolt on . Have you guys had any experience with this?

[@ShiftingLanes]

I have not. But I know the 320 mm rotors and subsequent calipers are a direct fit

[@_kyle_paton_8742]

To be fair a type r is like £2500 in the uk and the same Volvo would cost like £7000

[@ShiftingLanes]

We're talking about the brand new one. Not the old Type R.

[@CirocObama.94]

Before I did the b5234t3 swap on my c30 10 years ago I also had to replace the tcv

[@firstprivate2087]

HI CHAD who can i purchase the rear chassis brace from ?

[@jameswb8873]

Hey great vid. What size are the wheels on this?

[@BusySnoozing]

Missing a cover on my front number as well! Please point me in the right direction for a new one that is painted!

[@ShiftingLanes]

Ipd or viva performance

[@MrHawaiian5]

There is a company that sells a kit for this car. Basically it's direct Bolton parts from a rs500. Comes with a tune also. 400+ hp

[@waltervila33]

Do tell who it is

[@MrHawaiian5]

@@waltervila33 elevate performance. ( I think ) it's been a while. Pretty sure the 400+ hp is bhp. I could be wrong.

[@renerichards5666]

Wrote everything down

[@NorthernChev]

So, what's a "Civic Typer"? as your title states? Is Honda now making typewriters? Are they fast?

[@ShiftingLanes]

Dude, Honda makes the fastest typewriters in the world. Everyone knows this.

[@Ahmadft1]

Hi, i installed before bilsten b14 but i was suffering from shaking on acceleration and tearing tires from inside.. did you face any of these? Thanks

[@Ben-Rogue]

Those wheels sit quite nice with those coil-overs. What offset are they? Are you using a spacer at the rear?

[@ShiftingLanes]

I have adjustable camber arms. Just haven’t gotten around to lowering the rear.

[@legambaz]

Depending on which R are you trying to beat in the Civic lineup. I recon you have already over killed on the power side. Chassis design and a matching set of suspension, steering rack and not least - the Driver, are key factors. Don't forget those Rs and Ms are factory setup right from the drawing board. Over here, we just plastic surgery things on. I won't feel bad in anyway if these Volvos don't beat the 2 targets on twisty roads. Keep in mind, Volvos were "NEVER" designed for twisty roads. But you stand a very, very good chance of beating them on a straight line, rolling challenge or a drag. Just a quick question, does that Elevate TCV make a lot aofdifference compared to stock? Assuming you did get to driving the car before the stock went bad.

[@ShiftingLanes]

You make very good points. Couldnt have said them better myself. Actually the stock tcv was on it's way out when I bought the car.

[@Crimzify]

ShiftingLanes how do you know when your TCV is going out? Would a boost gauge determine that?

[@hiro_tom]

Hey, what bolt pattern, offset, etc. did you buy the Fifteen52's in?

[@ShiftingLanes]

18x8.5 +42 with a 63.4 center bore.

[@hiro_tom]

@@ShiftingLanes Just saw you made a video about them ... haha thanks for the quick reply!

[@MoonpieMagic10]

One of the must have mods which is very important, is the block mod / shim specially if you are getting your timing belt done.

[@fodolocraigo8426]

What a block mod?

[@MeefMoaf]

@@fodolocraigo8426 a Myth.

[@caidenpeterson8272]

Would recommend and elevate tune or an iPd one?

[@ShiftingLanes]

I dont have experience with ipd's unit but I was very pleased with the Elevate unit.

[@JohnCena-rm8sm]

Typer lol

[@KyleEU]

what type r are you referring to

[@ShiftingLanes]

Civic. The new one. It’s in the title of the video.

[@spannersautoandcomputerser1649]

I would love to see a list of cost and prices you have spent for these improvements

[@ShiftingLanes]

I'm working on that. I kinda don't want to know though.

[@simonprescott590]

ShiftingLanes lol

[@tgtg2945]

Hi, surely not more than coffee and doughnuts money. Lol

[@jonnohood123]

Did you ever fit the elevate turbo control valve?

[@ShiftingLanes]

Yes. And then replaced it with a stock tcv when I went to the shark stage 3+ tune.

[@jonnohood123]

@@ShiftingLanes did it ever make any difference?

[@ShiftingLanes]

From what I could tell... no. I'm at 15ish psi now and then OEM tcv is working fine.

[@jonnohood123]

Ahh okay, would you do the wastegate as well?

[@ShiftingLanes]

Do you mean the cbv? The wastegate is integrated into the turbo. I did adjust the spring, but put it back to stock to play nice with the tune.

[@THEBurningangel22]

Great vid, will look into suggested mods, but what about look? I have summum version with black plastic under bumper, fenders and sides and I am looking for more agressive look, your car looks amazing, any suggestions on which manufacturer or website to choose? I live in EU.

[@Yenko1992]

Really considering getting a 2013 type R which one down here in Houston red black interior really considering getting it for a toy 68,000 MI just trying to consider if these are pretty reliable cars or I'm going to have to thump A bunch of money in it to keep it going

[@klaspeppar5619]

5. After market wheels : Check 15” Enzo with Hankook winter tiers... 4. Front mount inter cooler: No my engine all ready is cool enough 3. Suspension: maybe sometime maybe 2. Tune: no I don’t want to kill my injectors and as everyone knows 109hk is way more than most race cars any way so........ 1. Exhaust: maybe an new tail pipe, but other wise my (D4164T) 1.6D Peugeot diesel 4-cylinder sounds good enough all ready...

[@theopener2936]

Enjoyed the video, thanks. You mentioned the front axles being a weak point on these cars, which specific parts and related issues are you referring to? I ask as I have an 08 T5 which has had steering/body vibrations for years that I can’t shake off despite all the usual jobs done and several garages looking at it :(

[@rubenyoranpc]

Bit late, but the front right axle is known to become unbalanced. You'll feel vibration, especially when under acceleration and braking