Expert help needed 1999 v70r-2000 V70r

[chaosrob]

All, I currently have a '99 V70R I rescued from a field and am process of putting back to health. It is of course an automatic and my heart always desires a third pedal.

I just purchased a 2000 v70R that someone had previously done a M66 AWD manual swap on and then the engine spun a bearing wiping the crank. The car has an IPD tune on it that is for the manual trans swap plus some extra I guess.

My questions;

A tuner had previously told me that it would be best to switch to the 2000 control system over the 99 as it is easier for tuners to work with. I would assume these ecu's are vin locked, so I couldn't just swap eco's, correct? What else would need to be grabbed from the donor car to make this control system swap a reality, or is it even needed?

Any parts outside of the swap parts and interior I should grab?

Any information would be much appreciated

[abscate]

Both the 1999 and 2000 use ME7 control system - I dont know why a 2000 would be easier

I believe the list of things VIN locked are..

ECM
CEM or DIM (display module)

Possibly 2/76 lock control module
Possibly immobilizer module

TCM does not seem to be VIN locked