Hey, i just bought a 2000 volvo s40 and i was wondering what to do to the engine. The car is an automatic and i was wondering what can i do to get 200+ wheel hp while keeping it an auto.

 

You should be able to get 200 HP with a few mods (assuming you have a 1.9T)

1. Get the ECU reprogrammed. Check out RICA Tuning to see one such vendor. Others are out there - don't buy bolt on resistors etc. Expect this to cost $$$

2. Add a larger downpipe. You should be able to find a 3" downpipe and perhaps a free flow CAT. full 3" exhausts are also available but that adds to the $$

3. Add a fresh air intake. Not sure how restrictive the OEM is, this probably has the least return on investment so you may just opt for a K+N filter in place of the paper filter.

4. upgrade the turbo. S40s use a fairly smallish core - it is possible to rebuild the turbo to use a larger core like a 14T (found on some euro models). If your goal is 200 HP this may not be needed but if you can find one it should improve top end (smaller turbos like the 12T spool up faster for better low end, bigger turbos can push more air better for top end).

5. Upgrade other odds and ends. You can start shopping for after market parts that can include larger injectors, better coils /wires/plugs, plumbing improvements to the piping (that improve flow from the turbo to the intercooler to the intake).

If you just do the ECU recurve and KN filter you should be close to 190 and 200 with the downpipe... the rest will improve throttle response, fatten the torque curve and perhaps add another 5-10 HP.

 

For the cat I found this? And the down pipe. http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Exhaust/Magnaflow-49-State-Direct-Fit-Catalytic-Converter?set-vehicle=1. http://www.vivaperformance.com/3-performance-downpipe-s40-v50-c30-c70-fwd/ Then I should be able to go to an exhaust place and have them install it and finish off the rest of the exhaust?

 

The Viva downpipe is for the Gen 2 (T5) S40 not the 1.9T. Check out BSR Tuning's site for a US distributor of their 3" downpipe. I don't think 3" cat back prefab exhausts are easily found but BSR and others show 2.5 inch free flows which is a good choice for the 4 cylinder turbos. The Magnaflow is an OEM replacement - with a standard pipe size. keep in mind you get the most value out of the downpipe as it helps evacuate the turbo and helps keeps temps down. The cat back exhaust can add some top end and some sound but for $1000, it doesn't have a great price/performance ratio IMHO. I'd build in this order - 1) reprogrammed ECU 2) free flow intake 3) downpipe/cat 4) intake tubing 4) ignition/injectors 5) catback exhaust. I'd also consider new suspension bits somewhere in there - 1) 16/17 inch wheels (I have OEM 16s from a 2003 and 205/50s) 2) fatter rear sway bar - ie IPD's 3) struts/springs in that order. Note that the 2000 model switched suspension design mid year so you may need to check your VIN/build date to get the right parts for the front struts.

 

I was thinking about getting some 16/8 XXR rims and lower the car with new suspension upgrades as you mentioned.

 

VOLVO S40/V40 2.0T PHASE I 160HP 1995-2000 what if I just get that kit that bsr sells. It puts it At 205 hp. http://www.bsr-tuning.co.uk/products/t1010/

 

check out kalmar-union.com too. They sell a 3 inch downpipe/ cat (expensive at $700...) The stock downpipe on the Gen 1s has a flex pipe section which is prone to failure (just replaced mine) so it may be worth looking at.

 

Don't confuse the 1995-2000 UK models with the 1.9L North American models. You may be the test case for fitment if no one else has tried it. Maybe call them first?

 

BSR shows both 1.9 and 2.0 on their website.