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From Swedespeed.com Technical Features This past fall Swedespeed put to test the two most popular dual exhaust upgrades available for the 1998 through 2000 AWD V70. The OEM Volvo 2000 V70R dual exhaust and the more aggressive IPD/TME 2-1/2" all stainless system. Size, sound and performance differentiate these options.
The 1998 through 2000 AWD V70 models have a dual muffler system with a single exhaust outlet exiting from a cut-out in the right rear bumper. The "second" muffler is hidden behind the left side of the rear bumper cover. There is an exhaust outlet bumper cut-out for the left muffler but it is covered over with a plastic "patch", held in place by two plastic rivets. To achieve a clean factory look on the drivers side bumper cover cut out, carefully trim the finish lip off of the patch cover and glue it into place with a quality trim adhesive. All U.S. market 1998 through 2000 V70s that do not have AWD exit exhaust from a single outlet on the left, and a different bumper cover that does not have a right side cut-out.
For the very limited production model year 2000 V70R AWD, Volvo engineers added a dual-outlet exhaust system. Superficially it appears as though Volvo's dual outlet system is the single-outlet AWD exhaust system with a hole punched into the left muffler and a flange attached for a second exhaust tip ("end pipe"). However, the internal configuration of the mufflers on the 2000 V70R AWD is changed: it is "tuned". On the Volvo single outlet system the right muffler has a "straight-through" design, and the left muffler is baffled. The arrangement of mufflers, baffles, mineral-fiber packing, and piping provide excellent sound damping with an authoritative growl under wide open throttle (WOT). The single outlet system on the 1998 V70R AWD sounds tame, unnoticeable, except under WOT. The dual system on the 2000 V70R AWD is still modestly civilized under normal driving--exactly the kind of note a sophisticated Volvo owner would appreciate, but it is definitely a bit louder and lower in tone--a distinctive "rumble" at idle.
The IPD system takes the dual exhaust look to the next level. With large circular chrome exhaust tips, the V70 AWD rear looks more aggressive. Under WOT it's like a Mahler crescendo: thrilling, bold, and intense. Throttle response seems more immediate, and the upper RPM range feels more spirited and longer-legged. The flow from the cat is split by a "Y" section to the two "straight-through" design mufflers which are packed with a sound-absorbing mineral fiber. There are no baffles. This system is engineered for a less restrictive post-cat flow, and with it's polished dual mufflers and large bore bologna exhaust tips it's attractive without being slutty.
The kit comes in three pieces with all the clamps you'll need. The build quality is excellent, and when the installation instructions are followed to the letter, it fits perfectly and looks fantastic. With a set of ramps or jack-stands and some mechanical experience, the IPD system can be installed in one to two hours. To remove the stock exhaust system you'll need penetrating oil and a rubber/wood mallet, probably a torch, and certainly some band aids, safety glasses, and lots of patience.
During assembly it is critical that you force the sections of the IPD exhaust all the way in to their stops. The pipe flanges need to fit completely together for proper alignment. If you are sloppy during the assembly steps you won't get enough clearance between the over-the-axle pipe and the aluminum rear suspension sub frame, and then you'll be plagued with a loud clunking noise over bumps or rattling at idle. Additionally, the tips won't sit evenly in the bumper cut-outs.
Use some lube and a rubber mallet to massage the fitment. The stock rubber hangers can be reused if they are in good condition. Before you go messing around bending the metal hooks and changing the rubbers--check that you have the sections fully seated. You'll be surprised how much an eighth of an inch here and there messes with the alignment. Try to remember that after you test-drive the pipes are hot. Don't believe the claims: nobody gets this exactly right on the first try.
Performance Comparison 2000 V70R Stock: 0-60 - 7.170 seconds 1/4 mile - 15.202@93.8mph. 172.2hp with 160.6 ft/lbs 2000 V70R with IPD exhaust 0-60 - 6.944 seconds 1/4 mile - 14.881@97.00mph. 184.2hp with 171.0ft/lbs.
The times were recorded with a Gtech Pro Competition between 11am and 3pm on the same day on the same road with temperatures in the mid 50s. The goal of our test was to see if we could document a performance improvement between the two systems and we are confident there are a few more ponies and the V70R is quicker.
The IPD dual exhaust system sets the foundation for maximum performance when combined with ECU reprogramming and a three-inch down pipe. TME claims the 2000 V70R can achieve have close to 320hp at the crank, up from the stock 261hp. U.S. owners can contact Scott Hart at IPD and European owners can contact their local TME reseller.
More info: ipdusa.com
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