View Full Version : adding power to 2003 volvo S40


MikMan86
04-07-2008, 03:05 PM
Does anyone know of any parts that I could purchase for my S40 that would add horsepower? I know a computer chip would do a lot, but does anyone know of any specific brands or anything that would be a good buy... also if anyone has any other suggestions I would really appreciate any help

S70driver
04-07-2008, 06:21 PM
Welcome to the forum.

I am not a knowledgeable person of the s40's. So is your s40 turboed or not turboed?

1. You want to do a STAGE ZERO firstand that means bringing your car up to par in stock form.

2. What is your budget?

3. What is your Hp goal?

I highly suggest you read these two threads as they will give you a lot of information and places to start searching. Below are the links.

http://www.volvoforums.com/m_65537/tm.htm

http://www.volvoforums.com/m_38606/tm.htm

The second one will greatly help you.

S60 R
04-07-2008, 08:24 PM
ORIGINAL: MikMan86

Does anyone know of any parts that I could purchase for my S40 that would add horsepower? I know a computer chip would do a lot, but does anyone know of any specific brands or anything that would be a good buy... also if anyone has any other suggestions I would really appreciate any help


Are you just looking for a little extra oompf or alot of boost, and what's the money you want to spend?

S70driver
04-07-2008, 09:09 PM
The most common mods are intake, downpipe (If your turboed), catback system and ECU upgrade.

You will see the most Hp gains from a downpipe (If your turboed) and an ECU upgrade.

I would recommend that you do the intake, downpipe (If your turboed)and catback system before you do an ECU upgrade as the ECU will take into account all the other mods you have done and it will benefit you more in the long run.

Again STAGE ZERO should be done before any mods are done.

MikMan86
04-07-2008, 10:24 PM
It does have a turbo and my limit for spending on total parts is 2000-3000

S70driver
04-07-2008, 10:57 PM
ORIGINAL: MikMan86

It does have a turbo and my limit for spending on total parts is 2000-3000


2-3 thousand is a good start and you can buy some nice parts for that money.

I will warn you though that...

1. You could spend $1k+ on just a downpipe.

2. You could spend $1k+ on just a catback system.

3. Your going to spend around $1k for an ECU upgrade.

4. An intake is going to run you a good $200+.

You could try to have a downpipe and catback system made locally which should cost you less. When you do you want both to be mandrel bent. 3" mandrel bent downpipe to a 2.5"-3" mandrel bent catback system with a free flowing muffler such as a BORLA or Magnaflow.

mcguij1
04-10-2008, 09:19 AM
ORIGINAL: S70driver

ORIGINAL: MikMan86

It does have a turbo and my limit for spending on total parts is 2000-3000


2-3 thousand is a good start and you can buy some nice parts for that money.

I will warn you though that...

1. You could spend $1k+ on just a downpipe.

2. You could spend $1k+ on just a catback system.

3. Your going to spend around $1k for an ECU upgrade.

4. An intake is going to run you a good $200+.

You could try to have a downpipe and catback system made locally which should cost you less. When you do you want both to be mandrel bent. 3" mandrel bent downpipe to a 2.5"-3" mandrel bent catback system with a free flowing muffler such as a BORLA or Magnaflow.


s70 is right as far as the exhaust upgrades, but the ecu tuning you can have done for around 500-600 if you can find an Upsolute dealer...that was the price I was quoted, but again dont have your ecu chipped until you upgraded everything else unless the chip tunning is all your interested in....

S70driver
04-10-2008, 12:44 PM
Yes you can go with cheaper ECU companies, but you aren't going to get the best ECU tune from them. The top three ECU tuners for Volvo's are...

BSR PPC, RICA and IPD USA

The cheapest ECU tuners for Volvo's are...

SpeedTuning USA, Upsolute and Inmotion