Hi everybody,

Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum along with my first Volvo. I’ve always been a huge car person and while my I’ve flirted with the usual Falcons and GTI’s one might do when younger I’m now on my way to becoming a Volvo nut for sure.

Always had a huge thing for the C30 and think it’s about time I get mine out there a bit more now I’ve had her for a little bit and start doing some tweaking as I’ve done with all my cars in the past.

Nothing to major as it’s a daily driver but just the simple stuff such as the induction system right through to the exhaust to help it breath. Wheels and some handling improvements wouldn’t go astray and defiantly a brake upgrade as personally I believe the standard brakes are the weakest part of the T5’s package.

Currently stock with the polestar upgrade and has a polestar exhaust but I’m unable to find much information on this and while sounding sweet I would think a complete system would sound and perform better. However, don’t really want to lose the “polestar” on the exhaust tips.

Been looking at a lot of Elevate parts but alternative suggestions, ideas and advice would be greatly appreciated along with any advice on what to lookout for on these cars.

Also, if anyone knows of any trusty good Volvo or mechanic workshops in the Newcastle area that know their stuff that would be great.


Thanks, everyone


Welcome! Nice ride. There​ are several people on here who will be able to advise you on upgrades and tweaks
love it, nicest colour for a C30
I agree about the colour. The colour led to the only downside of this car in being an auto. I was looking for ages for a late model low km manual but they are pretty hard to find and when this colour come up well……..
The 320mm front brake package from S40/V50T5 AWD models and LS-LV Focus XR5 is a direct bolt-on, will fit behind your wheels and will result in a nice improvement in stopping power. Combine those with some decent pads and the difference is huge.

Rear swaybar from a Mazda3 MPS (25mm) is also a direct bolt-on replacement for your standard (probably 21mm) factory rear bar. Front swaybar change isn't necessary. The big rear bar will really help it feel more nimble and help with change of direction.

The platform is well-supported in the aftermarket too, so you have a good number of options.

Welcome aboard!
Dean;6466 wrote Nothing to major
I always say that too. Before you know it, it will be rocking new shocks/springs, chassis mods and a fully tuned engine. :-) If you choose to go down that path, I'd get Eibach springs and Bilstein B8's.
Dean;6466 wrote defiantly a brake upgrade as personally I believe the standard brakes are the weakest part of the T5’s package.
+1. As mentioned, I'd swap them out for the bigger front set that is found in the V50 or Focus. I used to know a guy with that exact same model as you. When we'd go for cruises along the spur, his brakes would be smoking and you could hear the fluid boiling. I've never seen anyone drive a car like he could. It would feel like it was dancing on the road but he was in total control.
Dean;6466 wrote However, don’t really want to lose the “polestar” on the exhaust tips.
You can get the Milltek system and still retain the tips.
In saying that, it is recommended that if you go a larger diameter exhaust, such as the Milltek at 3inches, then you should also get a tune, as with the stock tune, you'll get boost spikes.
You 'might' be OK though with the Polestar tune and larger exhaust.
Dean;6466 wrote Been looking at a lot of Elevate parts but alternative suggestions, ideas and advice would be greatly appreciated along with any advice on what to lookout for on these cars.
Elevate products are fantastic and very well built. For some reason, especially amongst the Swedespeed crowd, there is a lot of hate out there for Elevate products. I think it is because of Don, Elevates owner, attitude. He can be a little abrasive at times.
-Their CBV is the best
-Their TCV is the best
-His intake is the best
-His RARB is great, although there is heaps of alternatives
-I have never heard of anyone having issues with an Elevate tune. I have heard of issues with other tunes. The Elevate tune is very safe.

This engine really comes alive with some breathing mods and a tune.

Do88 is another very good alternative to Elevate for parts such as the intercooler and turbo intake pipe.....Especially the turbo intake pipe. This is probably the only Elevate part that I couldn't recommend.

One of the most common mods for the C30 is replacing the rear engine mount. Elevate make a great product, but the Focus E-mount is probably better.

C30 Crew is a great forum for C30 owners. I'd check that out if you haven't already.

As mentioned, because this car shares a chassis with the Focus, you'll find plenty of cheaper parts locally. For example, the Milltek exhaust on my car is the one for the Focus. I saved about $600.

Hope the above has been of some help.

AshDVS;105672 wroteThe 320mm front brake package from S40/V50T5 AWD
I could be completely wrong, but I'm 90% sure the front brakes in my FWD V50 are 320mm. I vaguely remember reading that Volvo upped the brake sizes in the updated models. I CBF Googling.
cubic25;105743 wroteI always say that too. Before you know it, it will be rocking new shocks/springs, chassis mods and a fully tuned engine. :-) If you choose to go down that path, I'd get Eibach springs and Bilstein B8's.
Thanks for your time and effort in that great feedback Gabriel. Yeah I always say nothing major but that’s mainly for the misses and before I know it ;-p

That’s great info on the elevate gear. I’m learning heaps every day, doing plenty of research and I’m determined to do this right over however long it takes me. I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated on the progress and no doubt as I like to tackle some jobs myself I’ll be on here asking for advice when I hit problems lol.

I have been looking at the Do88 turbo and intercooler intake pipes. Can I ask your reason why you prefer these over the elevate ones? I would assume you recommend the Do88 pipes with the elevate air intake? I’m even considering upgrading the intercooler itself to and from what reading the do88 might be the way to go.

Cheers

Dean;105750 wroteCan I ask your reason why you prefer these over the elevate ones?
I have the Elevate one. If I did it again, it would be do88. The main reason for the Elevate intake pipe dislike is because of fitment issues. It is a massive PITA to fit, and on cold mornings, it knocks the AC lines. Not ideal.
Dean;105750 wroteI would assume you recommend the Do88 pipes with the elevate air intake?
Yes. Or, alternatively, have a look at my V50 thread. I made my own intake that was heavily based on Elevates. I didn't like the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on what is essentially a very short pipe with a filter on it.
Dean;105750 wroteI’m even considering upgrading the intercooler itself to and from what reading the do88 might be the way to go.
Either product is excellent.
My intake temps dropped dramatically after the intercooler install.
Another vote for the do88 intercooler

Suspension wise.... so very very many options which are all good options
I have the B16 kit on my S40... its full race spec and despite the most excellent traction... It gets annoying in a car park effing quick
sucksqueezebangblow;105769 wroteThe 3 of us with autos need to get a group buy on a zip kit / built auto...
Is it really that necessary if the limiter isn't removed in 1st and 2nd? There's guys in the States​ running k16's with the limiter removed the have had no issues.
cubic25;105760 wroteYes. Or, alternatively, have a look at my V50 thread. I made my own intake that was heavily based on Elevates. I didn't like the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on what is essentially a very short pipe with a filter on it.
Checked out your V50 and man that’s a very nice ride. I’m keeping a lookout for a R-Design V50 for the misses. It should be a nice upgrade from her focus and give us some useful space.
Great work on the intake and of course heaps more info on your thread.
@Dean is your late c30 5 or 6 speed auto? I noticed the v40 5cyl turbo has a 6 speed auto, not sure if it's the power shift version though.
@sucksqueezebangblow its only a 5 speed auto. Haven't seen or heard of a 6 speed auto in the C30's.
Yeah I wasn't sure if they overlapped production with the v40 or gained their better (or perhaps worse) box
That one's the Ford turbo diesel with 6 speed PowerShift (DCT/DSG)
Not a great box.

You can always have a custom exhaust made and keep your exhaust tips as well. It may even fit better than bolt on mass produced parts. .
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