Volvo 940 Estate
Big turbo incoming – time for some supporting mods
1997 VOLVO 940 ESTATE
As previously mentioned in these pages, one of my goals for the 940 is more power. One of the easiest ways to achieve that on a forced induction engine is by increasing boost pressure. I’m at the limit on the stock turbocharger currently, so the next logical step is to upgrade it, but just as one does not simply walk into Mordor, one also cannot simply bolt a larger turbo onto an engine and expect results. At least not safe, longlasting ones.
A whole host of supporting mods need to be considered before we even get to choosing a replacement. Two of these considerations are the fuel and air supplies, both of which need to be improved to cope with the extra power. Here, we’re looking at the latter. More boost means more heat and more heat requires better cooling, which in turn, among other things, means a larger and more efficient intercooler than the factory unit currently installed. But again, replacing just the intercooler isn’t enough; the interconnecting pipework must also be upgraded in preparation for the power increase. So after a brief foray online I found myself a few quid down and with a bunch of stainless pipes and silicone joiners strewn about the garage. The bespoke kit in question was supplied by Swedish company Do88 and it’s top-quality stuff. It significantly improves airflow over the stock piping and is designed to handle high-pressure, hightemperature applications, which makes it perfect for my 940 plans. It’s a direct replacement too, so there’s no fettling involved. I simply removed the factory pipes and deteriorating rubber hoses and, making a note of the orientation of each part, installed the new kit with fresh jubilee clamps. I did, however, almost have to pen a stronglyworded email complaining that there was a silicone bend missing, until I found it at the bottom of the stairs. I was in such a rush to get it all fitted to the car I hadn’t noticed dropping it on the way out of the house, such was my excitement for new parts.
Not only will this kit improve air flow and help keep everything cool, but it has also dramatically improved the look of the engine bay. Things were admittedly beginning to look a little tired under the bonnet but this pipework, along with the previously installed intake piping, has really given things a lift. I may even treat the whole area to a proper clean at some point, but the next step as far as air supply is concerned is to get the new intercooler installed. Then I can turn my attention to the aforementioned fuelling.