ECU chip question.

[theblacklantern]

I would like to improve my MPG with my 1999 V70 XC. (101,xxx mi.) In addition to using a K&N air filter and premium spark plugs, I am looking into a chip upgrade as a boost in HP would also be nice.
Does anyone know about this company? www.gfchips.com/volvov70xc.aspx
They offer a product that is much cheaper than all the other services that I have come across(most require sending in your ECU for re-soldering). The website says their "module" plugs into the IAT sensor and then can "re program" your ECU. Does this sound legit? It seems too easy and too cheap to be true. ($70) Any input on this topic would be appreciated.
thanks!

[ChiNorm]

I would only consider a chip from either ARD / Lucky or IPD. You get what you pay for.

[Matty Moo]

It's bogus. Its a little box with about 25 cents worth of resistors in it that tricks the car into running closed loop all the time, essentially the ecu never sees the car warm up.... dumping fuel and running rich.

I have an ARD tune in my car. It's worth every penny i paid for it.

[theblacklantern]

Thanks all for the reply. I will look into the ARD options. I figured you get what you pay for! Anything I should be taking into consideration when doing a chip mod at 100,000+ ?
Also wondering if I can send in the ECU from my identical parts car and then stick it in my running car when it's done? Or is each ECU programmed for the individual vehicle?

[Matty Moo]

You'd have to ask lucky about the ecu swapping.

If you go that route just make sure everything else is up to snuff...as in stage zero.

[SimLyons]

In your question you begin by stating you want to improve your MPG. That's not going to happen with an increase in HP and modifying the torque curve upwards (at same stock rpm). There is another curve called the fuel consumption curve, or "bsfc, Brake Specific Fuel Consumption). Most sellers of chips won't show that. Basically the only way to save on MPG is to back off on the throttle. On the other hand, it's a lot of fun to have more torque (for climbing hills and mountains) and HP for flat out getting up to top speeds! But it will use fuel to do it!

[theblacklantern]

Thanks again for all the great info. Because some of the chip sellers market their products with promises of improved mpg, I was under the impression that this was a possible way to save some gas. I agree that backing off on the throttle is the most practical and foolproof way to this. I'm pretty happy with the stock performance of the car. It's the family car and really does have plenty of torque and speed for a midsize wagon. Some day I'll pick up a V70 R for some zip.

[JRL]

....and you have to use YOUR ECU
you cannot use one from another car (VIN matched)