Hey guys,

I am totally new to the world of Volvos. My previous car was a 87 Saab 900s so this is like apples and oranges to me. My 940 is a totally stock intercooled turbo model. What should I expect from it? Can I get more power from the turbo (boost controllers, boost gauge, a/f meter)? What about the suspension. I know she's rear wheel drive but that's about all I know. The car feels comfortable and stable at just about any speeds (I've only taken her up to 90) and the wheels are the stock 15inchers. I'm planing on adding 17inch rims this summer with summer tires attached. What about sway bars, do I have them should I change them? Who is the competition, BMW? Saab? Audi? Sorry for the multitude of questions but like I said I'm new to the game and before I modify anything I'd like to know where I stand. thanks for dealing with the new kid.

Mike

Start by reading until you memorize 700/900 FAQ here at Brickboard. Then, go to Turbobricks website where you will learn about stages of tune for your car. You can get plenty more power increasing turbo pressure up to about 12 pounds. All it takes is turning a nut on the wastegate actuator arm, preferably after you put in an accurate boost gauge from www.gauges.com probably in an A pillar pod. Before you do any of that, make sure the car is up to factory specs. If so, the car will be powerful, smooth, reliable and durable. Careful with 17 inch wheels and tires that will likely present clearance problems and/or ruin ride. Stock wheels may be enough with a set of new top quality tires. This will preserve a good ride. Otherwise, 16 inch wheels may be a wise choice. Check Tire Rack website for summer tires like 205/60/15 Continental Contact and Pirelli 6000 and 205/55/16 Bridgestone Potenza S03, S02 and RE730. I can vouch for the Bridgestone RE730 and it is a bargain to boot. By all accounts, the Bridgestone SO3 is very superior. Carefully compare specs, warranty and price. For suspension modifications, check IPD. I strongly recommend first and foremost preventive maintenance and keeping the car up to factory specs. Put in synthetic lubricants and fluids like Mobil 1 all around. Then, maybe increase boost carefully and gradually, at most to 12 pounds. Easy does it! Comparison shop tires at Tire Rack. Perhaps put them preferably on Volvo rims. You probably can get Volvo rims cheap, used but good, from Erie Volvo in New York or Voluparts in Georgia. Best regards.

Mike,

If it helps your ego to know that you have my 'target' car already, OK.

I've got an 850, and a 740 Turbo, and am now looking for a 940 turbo wagon.

You chose wisely...

Flinch

Congrats! You've got one of the best engines Volvo ever produced! My first step with any used car is to replace all the "consumables": all the fluids, check all the seals, PCV system, tune up, timing belt... check out the 700/900 FAQ on this site.

More Power?: If everything else is in working order, (oil leaks, wiring etc...), get a calibrated (numbers instead of "yellow")boost guage then check out www.dawesdevices.com. $30 and 10 minutes later, you've got more boost. (10-12 psi is a good place to start.) then check out www.mvpvolvo.com or someone similar for an exhaust upgrade.

Better Handling?: Once you're satisfied that all the bushing/balljoint/tierods are in good order, visit www.ipdusa.com for swaybars and/or springs... (get the sways first, and decide for yourself if that's enough....)

You should be able to "take" a BMW 325i... :)

What is your car?

Your engine is refered to as a B230FT, and you have the latest/greatest iteration of it.

Your turbo is most likely a Mitsubishi TDO4H-13C.

Transmission should be an AW71 automatic 3spd+OD.

you probably have the thickest brake disks Volvo offered on the 700/900 series, so they're less prone ot warpage.

Have fun! You've got a great car! check out www.turbobricks.org for more help of "hotrodding" your brick...

-PAul Demeo

1990 780T

Can I add the Mitsubishi TDO4H-13C to my non-turbo 93 945?

Al