1998 V70 XC ARD Tune

Post by **mtd240** » 15 May 2014, 07:44

Hey guys,

Car is a 1998 V70XC. Full stage 0, all preventative maintenance is current.

I have been thinking about getting an ARD tune - just the lowest available (no hardware upgrades necessary). I am looking for higher fuel economy, but a little power/torque boost wouldn't hurt

Any opinions/reviews? I have read some bad reviews on his high performance tunes (see Volvospeed and Swedespeed). Certainly seems like a small group who really hate ARD and are bashing the company (including Lucky and his wife) at all costs.

Anyway - does anyone on here have the "lowest level" tune? If so, what is your experience?

diggler30 · Post by **diggler30** » 19 May 2014, 15:30

I don't know why anyone would bash them. I have had nothing but good experiences there. I went in for the low tune but ended up with the Green tune instead (one step up). I don't have any mods except my homemade intake. He was very friendly, very knowledgeable, and I have had no issues with my tune. That was a few months ago and I still love it every time I step on the gas. I have had a minor improvement in fuel economy (about .7 mpg) but I am on the gas a lot more. I am sure as time goes by I will drive a little more civilized and see a better improvement.

I would ignore anyone out there without a legit reason for hating ARD. Lucky has a nice shop and friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Good luck!

Derek

Post by **Matty Moo** » 19 May 2014, 20:18

I have two tunes through ARD, plus Lucky made a desktop diagnostic unit for me. Essentially, it's a few cars that act like cars but don't actually move.

ZERO issues at all.

Post by **mtd240** » 21 May 2014, 11:35

Thanks for your input! I ordered it, and will post back when it's installed/running.

Post by **850 LPT** » 21 May 2014, 13:43

I can't wait to hear about your experience with this tune. I have the same car as you, same stage 0 and I've been debating if I should get a tune for it from ARD.

Good luck with the install!

Dirk

Post by **Ben850** » 21 May 2014, 14:56

I had purchase one of the "White tune" ECUs from e-bay. The seller had assured me that Lucky was easy to deal with and could re-flash the unit at any time.

Shortly after, I also picked up a 628 R designated ECU and I am happy with its function.
That was fun and here is a link to that one.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =5&t=60659

I may have Lucky re-flash the unit for me if I decide to do anything drastic as far as other modifications, but will hang on to the unit regardless. I have no reason to worry at this point.

I have heard not a bad word yet, and I had also seen the unit that he built for MattyMoo involving his ABS endeavors. Very cool stuff.

Enjoy.

Post by **matthew1** » 21 May 2014, 14:59

So the White and the 628 are comparable?

Post by **Ben850** » 21 May 2014, 16:11

matthew1 wrote:So the White and the 628 are comparable?

Oh, yes Matt. Everything is playing well together.

I must say, I was prepared for the worst, but was pleasantly surprised.
The only thing that happened was, I blew the intake hose off the throttle body while leaving a stop light the day I dropped in the 628.
Tightened the clamp.
So I must say, if that was the worst of my problems at this point, I'm doing alright.

I also did tighten the waste gate actuator rod two full turns. That's likely why the boost blew off that hose. By the end of that day, I believe the 628 ECU had learned all it needed to know.

Not a problem since. Huge smiles. Trying to keep tire smoke to a minimum.

Post by **matthew1** » 21 May 2014, 17:24

Good to hear the 628 works well.

Let me rephrase my question: is the performance from the White tune (hp) similar to the performance of the 628 (hp)? Or did I misread your post yesterday, and I'm confused?

Post by **Ben850** » 21 May 2014, 17:46

matthew1 wrote:Good to hear the 628 works well.

Let me rephrase my question: is the performance from the White tune (hp) similar to the performance of the 628 (hp)? Or did I misread your post yesterday, and I'm confused?

I thought you had meant the white injectors with the Bosch "628" ECU from the R.

As far as the white tune ECU goes, It is presently set up for E85 and cat delete. I currently am not doing either. Also, the "white tune" is designated for manual boost, which I am also not doing.

So unfortunately, I have no usable feedback for the ARD White tune ECU that I have on hand. I am glad to have it on stand by in case I become more irrational.