In process of modifying my 2000 Volvo C70 HPT I found myself looking for a new intake manifold. My choices were to use one from a newer Volvo model (like C30), fabricate one, or get an aftermarket one. I ran into KL Racing from Sweden and their offering which was very well priced. I took a risk and ordered a unit. I understood I might have to modify the KL plenum as it did not provision for vacuum ports. Having said that, I was very disappointed in the overall quality of the unit. First thing that jumped at me were casting flaws. The unit is full of inclusions and casting flaws all over it, making it suspect for leaks or failure under boost. Second is the fastener mating surfaces or lack there of. The bolt holes were just drilled and left with burrs and with out proper clearance for bolt heads. Third of all the fuel rail mounting bosses have been welded at different angles and different lengths making it impossible to securely attach the fuel rail to the intake plenum. Strangely enough none of this is mentioned on the website selling these. I contacted KL Racing but they were unwilling to work with me on this. Their explanation is as follows,
“Yes, the intake plenum do have some issues.
That is why we are selling them as third-rate products.
So unfortunately the meaning is that the customer needs to modify them.
The market here in sweden has such high request for these intake plenum, so the customers still want to buy them, even though they needs to be modified. And that is why we are selling them in our webbshop.”
None of it is mentioned on the website near the plenum or anywhere for that matter. This whole experience left me with suspicion that since the shipping address was from far away, the worst of the bunch unit got sent to me with the notion that I will not complaint about the plenum. Well, I’ll never purchase anything else from KL Racing for sure… Pics of the plenum are in my gallery...