New guy here.

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 30 Sep 2013, 10:43

Hello,

I am new to this site, but I have visited several times before for info. I am new to turbo cars. I am kinda familiar with how forced induction works but I have always been a nitrous guy. I am used to larger cubic inch small blocks with nitrous. I know, I know. Call me a caveman.

Anyway, about three years ago I bought a 2004 S40 1.9T from a friend because it was a well kept nice car and it gets good fuel mileage. It is my daily driver but it was only a matter of time before I got the modding itch. This past weekend I installed a boost gauge and I noticed that the car only makes 8 lbs of boost at peak and holds at 4.5 to 5 lbs. Is this correct for this car? Also, what is the best, easiest, and most cost effective way to increase boost pressure without programming? The only other mod that I have done so far is removed the stock air box and replaced it with a higher flowing cone filter. I do all of the maintenance myself which included changing the timing belt in my driveway. I have added pictures of the gauge install. If they don't show, forgive me.

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 30 Sep 2013, 10:45

Also, don't judge me on my dirty motor or the top left corner of the gauge install. I got trigger happy with the Dremel tool.

Post by **JDS60R** » 30 Sep 2013, 11:01

The stock airbox really helps keep the air intake temps down. You should be able to measure it on your OBD scanner and see which works better. I am in TN and its hot. We have lots of cars come in with the idea of performance and first on the list is usually removing an exposed ( not sure if your is) cone filter and putting back in stock airbox or slightly modified stock airbox.

For performance you will want to perform a Stage 0 maintenance so all sensors, fluids and filter are up to par. The next step is a tune. Many prefer ARD (www.ardideas.com) or IPD www.ipdusa.com.

Have a conversation with them with your final goal in mind and they will advise on the best exhaust and turbo choice to get to your goal.

Also- I see you did the timing belt and hope you did the tensioner, idler pulley and water pump as well.
The belts are strong - its the pulleys/pumps that go.

Hope that helps,
John

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 30 Sep 2013, 13:19

I appreciate the input. I need to check with the two tuning companies about turnaround time for tunes as this is my daily driver. It sounds as if you have experience with Volvos on a regular basis. Does the stock boost pressure that is stated in my first post sound about right or is it low? My vacuum looks to be about right for a car with higher mileage. Also, would you suggest a boost controller for a few more psi?

Post by **JDS60R** » 30 Sep 2013, 20:23

Boost seems ok to me. No boost controller needed as tune will handle all of the issues. On a Saturday you can upload the tune and install a downpipe. - Then enjoy. If you can weld, you can make your own downpipes and save some money.

Call "Lucky" (Mr. Robert Arnold) the owner of ARD. Cool guy, and he will guide you through it all.

FixXxer6 · Post by **FixXxer6** » 30 Sep 2013, 20:41

Excellent! Thanks for the advice!