V70: Modifying Japanese Imported Volvo V70R

[Cramond]

Hi, I bought a Japanese imported Volvo V70R AWD 2003 with low mileage around a year ago and have been using it happily ever since. There are a couple of modifications that I think the car needs and I thought I could tap in to the collect knowledge to get some advice before proceeding:

Speedometer - currently in kilometres and I think probably worth changing out for MPH etc. Should I go used or new?

Music System - I suspect that Japanese radio stations broadcast on a different frequency range but I can only get my radio up to 90MHz currently limited to Radio 2 if I want FM. It looks like I will be restricted to a Volvo unit due to the unusual shape? Suggestions?

Dashboard Warning Script & Announcements - I think this is controlled by the ECU ? I currently have no idea what my car is saying to me or what my dashboard messages mean as they are in Japanese. Not sure if this needs replaced or reconfigured.

Dashboard Sat Nav Hole - the sat NAV has been removed and I am thinking of just getting a grill to cover the spot perhaps there is an alternative?

Are there any other modifications that I should consider for the UK?

[CosmicBike]

Details in this thread to answer all your questions.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=324572

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Cramond

Hi, I bought a Japanese imported Volvo V70R AWD 2003 with low mileage around a year ago and have been using it happily ever since. There are a couple of modifications that I think the car needs and I thought I could tap in to the collect knowledge to get some advice before proceeding:

Speedometer - currently in kilometres and I think probably worth changing out for MPH etc. Should I go used or new?

Music System - I suspect that Japanese radio stations broadcast on a different frequency range but I can only get my radio up to 90MHz currently limited to Radio 2 if I want FM. It looks like I will be restricted to a Volvo unit due to the unusual shape? Suggestions?

Dashboard Warning Script & Announcements - I think this is controlled by the ECU ? I currently have no idea what my car is saying to me or what my dashboard messages mean as they are in Japanese. Not sure if this needs replaced or reconfigured.

Dashboard Sat Nav Hole - the sat NAV has been removed and I am thinking of just getting a grill to cover the spot perhaps there is an alternative?

Are there any other modifications that I should consider for the UK?

A volvo software language change should sort that, Volvo UK might have to write it just for your car. That is what happened to one Import from Japan on a car like yours which I was involved with . You may need an instrument panel if it is physically marked in KPH

[tonyldee]

I bought a Japanese import V70 on an 06 plate. I removed the Satnav and replaced the opening with a rubber mesh. It even looks authentic and I thought the screen was a distraction anyway. I have kept the original dash/speedo console -the main speeds are easy to convert and memorize. I installed a cheap HUU reflecting on the windscreen just under the rear view mirror which is an accurate double check. I already had this as the speedo on my previous 960 packed up and as it isn't an MoT requirement I found it very useful .Do you really need the full spectrum of the FM radio? CD is enough for me.