Hey guys. I'm new here and have been looking at this 04 s60r. The guy selling it says when he bought it he was told it was a stage 3. Is there any way to tell? http://stlouis.en.craigslist.org/ctd/4119671240.html

That's the link. Any help is much appreciated.

 

Well it's been modified. Stage 3 is specific to the modifier's "levels" of performance modifications. It could be different depending on who's system was used. IPD has their own levels. I think ARD may have some stuff.

Obviously it's got a body kit. Their pictures don't really do much to show off the modifications. The stock charge pipe suggests a stock turbo and I think that modified it maxes out somewhere around 350HP at the crank. It does have a different airbox I can tell. Their pictures do not show a turbo gauge, but one of those would be nice. They cut the A-pillar out of the shot so you can't see if one is added or not. It could have a stiffer clutch, bigger sway bars and springs too, but really unless they list what has been done to the car, saying stage 3 is like me saying my car has the double dutch special done to it. They didn't get a picture with the tail pipes, so you can't see if that is stock and the didn't get a good engine bay pic so you can't see if there is a modified air intake, like a Snabb. The intercooler may be a better aftermarket type, but you can't tell in the pics.

I'd call him up, ask some questions, like who's stage 3 job is it. and get better pics. I just checked out IPD's website, and they don't really organize things well to make it understandable what they mean by stage 3.

So just find out what has been modified.

 

I just found what I was looking for:

ipd Stage III kit 2004-2007 S60/V70R updated thread 6/7/2012

That's just about IPD's stage 3 kit. They went for a custom made larger turbo. My general opinion of IPD is pretty low. Their customer service is bad (and that's what they say makes them unique). My R is 100% IPD free.