ECU upgrade feedback

Post by **MNCO1** » 16 Jan 2010, 18:17

I have been a busy bee getting my '97 850 T5 up to speed. I plan on flushing my transmission tomorrow and doing the timing next weekend and soon after the PCV kit. I am understanding that by simply upgrading my ECU I can go from 222hp to maybe 275hp. So I am wondering if I should. Its a 13yrold car but with only 129,000 miles on it. Is my car too old? too many miles? and a second question: if all it takes is an ECU upgrade to have some fun why wasn't this offered with the car to start with? Thanks

Post by **misha** » 16 Jan 2010, 18:36

MNCO1 wrote:...if all it takes is an ECU upgrade to have some fun why wasn't this offered with the car to start with? Thanks

Probably because the fuel economy will suffer.

Post by **Glencoeteen** » 16 Jan 2010, 21:41

Well back in the day your car was one the fastest rides on the road with out having to buy a major European sports POS. sounds like your pretty much doing a Stage 0 tune. I Recommend IPD for a ECU upgrade! they are priced slightly higher that some others out there but in all honestly you get your moneys worth and then some! oh and trust me you will be having some FUN one you install one!

they are based here in Portland and are the only place i go to for my Volvo part needs! heck they are cheaper for OEM and German parts than the Discount Import suppler in town!

MNCO1 wrote:I have been a busy bee getting my '97 850 T5 up to speed. I plan on flushing my transmission tomorrow and doing the timing next weekend and soon after the PCV kit. I am understanding that by simply upgrading my ECU I can go from 222hp to maybe 275hp. So I am wondering if I should. Its a 13yrold car but with only 129,000 miles on it. Is my car too old? too many miles? and a second question: if all it takes is an ECU upgrade to have some fun why wasn't this offered with the car to start with? Thanks

Post by **MNCO1** » 17 Jan 2010, 07:36

I like IPD too. I'll keep heading in that direction. Portland is fantastic. I should be living there.

csbrianp · Post by **csbrianp** » 17 Jan 2010, 09:55

I chipped my cars when they had 150K+. The benefit for you and the rest of us is the check engine light doesn't come on anymore. Oh yeah, the extra power is nice too.

You could also try buying a manual boost controller. They are about $40 and allows your car to pull more boost which makes more power and is the reason your car is fast.

If you like the way it drives with the boost controller, then buy the chip.

Brian