For those of you interested, for their phase II V40, who may want to install the OEM fender protectors. Through a great deal of assistance from my Volvo dealers parts manager, I was able to do some exploring and trying out the fendor protectors originally made for the phase I V40's. The only thing that will not fit is the rear fender mud flaps. What ever you do, don't buy the KIT Volvo sells. You can buy the parts individually...and you can either get the "THIN" or "THICK" ones (recommend the Thick ones....they are heavy duty). The front goes on with a little grunting....but the backs go on very smoothly....it just takes a minute or two to find the recipricating hole under the car for the one screw attachment there. I purchased the standard rear mud flaps (phase II) for the rear and utilized front mud flaps (phase I) that are attached to the fender protector.

Looks great too!

Also went to a friends muffler shop and had the rear muffler pulled off. He built me a matching 2.5" stainless steel pipe (made a matching flange too) cute off the tip from the OEM muffler and welded it to the new pipe....voila....less back pressure with more soup. It's not much louder then the stock and has a nice purr to it. Don't know if I'm going to have to spend the extra money for the IPD or other can.....but I've got some time to do some more experimenting with it.

So next is the IPD rear swaybar. This seems to be a real plus for improving handling. Anyone done it with out lowering their car? How did it turn out and do you still think you need to lower the car to improve handling?