Aluminum Details

From 2004 through 2012, the S40 was the entry level sedan in Volvo's lineup.  The design was fresh; wide shoulders, projector beam headlights, "floating" waterfall center console.  Even Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson raved about the the brushed aluminum details throughout the car.  

2004.5 Volvo S40 interior

When compared to other makes and models, many consumers complained about the S40's lack of features.  But in my opinion, the P1 Volvo platform was the final Swedish car which provided a simplistic driving experience.  The radio has a volume knob and a tuner dial, the air conditioning has a blower intensity knob and a temperature control.  No bluetooth or aux-in during the early years, just the basics for a enjoyable, distraction free, drive.

I personally adore that there are no frivolous gadgets.  Not once has a guest in my car mentioned that it lacked in technology, most are just astounded when I tell them the car is ten years old.  The icing the cake lies within the subtle aluminum details throughout the car.  The brushed center stack and door handles, the shift knob insert and sport pedals, even the key fob and ignition slot add a touch of aluminum to the otherwise ordinary dashboard surface.  

This past week I added another subtle detail by swapping my air vents with the 2010 air vents from a Volvo C30.  Though it's only a small aluminum insert on the directional control lever, it's another metal piece which reflects the true quality of timeless Scandinavian design.

Facelift airvents with the aluminum directional control lever

Let there be LIGHT!

LED Light Bar continued...

This weekend, I finally finished installing my Eyourlife LED light bar.  A picture is worth a thousand words, so please enjoy this 7,042 word blog post.

Custom bracket bolted to bumper

LED bar mounted

Reasonable clearance with the front mount intercooler

Bumper and lower grille modified

Bumper and lower grille modified

All put back together

Toggle switch to control power

It might look a little tacky, but the light output is magnificent!

Emissions-Free County Problems

Growing up in a county that required annual emissions testing put a huge restraint on how extensively I could modify my car.  Even a software tune was detectable by their OBII reader tools, meaning I had to annually revert my car to stock performance prior to testing.  Although, I shouldn't complain when considering what my German friends go through with the TüV.

This past year, I moved to an emissions free county. "Lucky you!" you might say.  It is true, renewing your registration without submitting any emissions documentation is a liberating experience.  Plus, it saves you $15 and 10 minutes every year!  However, I have recently discovered a slight issue with living in an emissions free county.  There are endless possibilities for your exhaust!

Maker Motorsports rear diffuser and custom quad exhaust tips

Just 3 weeks after moving, I ordered a 3" catless downpipe.  Hooray for hurting the environment!  My dad recently bought a hybrid, so that should balance out my family's carbon footprint... Right?  After installation, I upgraded to a Stage 2 tune and really began to enjoy the improved sound and performance.  But the post-"cat" cutout now results flames UNDER my car.  This is where my first world problem begins, straight pipes are too loud for a daily driver, but the restrictive factory muffler loses 2psi of boost when the cutout is closed.  Therefore, more money must be spent $$$.

Here's how my car previously sounded with the Magnaflow cutout partially open:

After pondering the decision for a few days, wanting to maintain a similar throaty tone, I settled on a 5" round Magnaflow muffler.  This will go in place of the cutout and the factory muffler will soon be deleted.  Stay tuned for progression pictures and sound clips!

5" Magnaflow muffler

3rd Annual Volvo Dragon Slayers

Volvo Dragon Slayers is a small group of Volvo enthusiasts who gather at the Tail of the Dragon every autumn.  Last weekend was our 3rd annual meet; only consisting of 9 cars and 11 people, the small group allowed for a more intimate experience as old chums caught up and new friends were made.

Volvo Dragon Slayers on top of Fontana Dam, North Carolina.

While the Tail of the Dragon is always the highlight of the trip, with it's 318 curves in 11 miles, there is always a side trip to explore the sights near the Blue Ridge Mountains.  This year's trip ventured an hour and half to observe Dry Falls in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest

Hiking behind Dry Falls.

Just one mile beyond Dry Falls was the infamous Bridal Veil Falls, the only location in North Carolina which provides visitors with the opportunity to drive behind a waterfall.

Driving behind Bridal Veil Falls.

It's not just locals who attended this exclusive Volvo event.  The 855R (seen below) came all the way from California!  

The evolution of Volvo wagons.

If you're interested in other South East Volvo events, please subscribe.  Details of upcoming events will all be posted here!

See more pictures from the 3rd Annual Volvo Dragon Slayers.

Steering Column Gauge Pod

I have many S40 projects going on at once.  Yesterday, another one arrived in the mail!

Transmission Oil Temp and Air/Fuel Ratio gauges

A few years back, I was a pioneer and created a P1 Volvo A-pillar gauge pod.  (P1 Volvos include the C30, S40, V50, and C70)  Unfortunately, my design could only incorporate two gauges, and I now have need to fit two more.

Current pillar pod

Many people have created gauges pods in the factory gauge surround bezel, but these often cover important warning lights, if not part of the factory gauge cluster itself.  My next project is to create a steering column gauge pod.  This will be a simple design, but the end result should be a clean solution which will still provide full visibility of the factory gauge cluster.

Test fitting

LED Light Bar

Not everyone is going to like this... Some will say I have a flame suit on... But if you were with C30s Conquer the Dragon in the spring, and you went on the midnight run, you will know how much of a difference this actually made for the lead car.

I have a 70 mile commute to work one way, 30 miles of that are two lane mountain roads without so much as a soft glow from distant city lights (at 5am). This purchase is out of a growing necessity when simply upgrading headlights and fog lights has not sufficed. 

12k lumen LED bar, this will get the job done.

Eyourlife 126W 12600LM LED light bar

It will be a while until I have time to take the bumper off, but I did a quick test fit last night. To answer the upcoming question, this does effect airflow over the Intercooler, but not enough to truly make a difference (especially with my upgraded Elevate IC).

Test fitting the light bar

Modeling it after what AlconeC30 did on his C30.

2014 Carlisle Import Meet, Pennsylvania

See the completed project here!

Introduction

Hello world!

From a growing demand, I am finally starting a blog to follow the progress of my automotive projects.  Rather than just seeing the finished product on the forums or youtube, you can follow along with my journey from concept through creation.

A little bit about me?  My name is Michael and I drive a Volvo.  Many of you may recognize my username, MyNameIdeasWereTaken, from youtube and the car forums.
Wait...  Did I just say Volvo?  Yes, but it is no ordinary Swedish brick.

My 2004.5 S40 T5 has a turbocharged 5 cylinder engine.  I've done a lot to it, more than I'm willing to list in this post.  But if you're truly interested in seeing all I've done to my cars, please check out MyNameIdeasWereTaken.com.

At the base of Fontana Dam in North Carolina

Bailey, my fiancèe, also drives a Volvo, a 1997 850 GLT.  With nearly 200k miles on the clock, we are currently completing a Stage 0 on her car.  (Stage 0 is the process of replacing fluids and parts until the car is practically brand new.)

Many changes are still in store for both the S40 and the 850.  I'm also in the market for a new project, a six speed Volvo C30, which will be converted into a track car / daily driver.
I hope you'll subscribe and follow along with my endless automotive journey.