Thinking about an ECU form IPD

Post by **srnkanator** » 26 Jan 2007, 10:56

As I have been slowly modifing my 850 I am coming to the realization that I will probably be wanting an ECU upgrade from IPD (what's the point of everything else I've done, right?). Before I do so I'll replace my hoses with Samco's and do a stage 0 maintanence.

MIJ, how do you like your ECU from IPD? Is it still a daily driver? I've heard that it still acts pretty tame unless you unleash the software by having a lead foot. Any problems with the CEL? Do you use a different octance (I use 93 anyways) Does it still pass your emission tests (I've heard it won't). Is it added stress on your tranny? Do you keep it in sport mode all the time?

Any other maintance I should do before I commit to the upgrade (different plugs, bigger brakes, timing belt, etc . . )

Again I've got a 95 turbo with 70,000 miles . . .

BTW I'm a Principal too, great minds must love Volvo's!!!

Post by **JRL** » 30 Jan 2007, 20:18

I have them in all my Volvos, great chip, nice, smooth and very drivable

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 30 Jan 2007, 20:37

I agree with JRL... no problem at all on with my IPD ECU...no CEL's and no noticeable strain on the transmission. It drives like it isn't upgraded until you push down on the gas and then it zooms. Yes, it's my daily driver- 100+ miles round trip to my school and back. I love it! And, it was well worth it.
Educators unite! LOL

Post by **Auburn T5** » 11 May 2007, 11:36

I'm thinking about getting their ECU for my 98 T5. If I were to get this before any other mods are done, if I then later upgrade to an aftermarket exhaust and downpipe, would I have to send it back to them to have the ECU reprogrammed for these mods? Or would the computer just take care of everything automatically?

Because getting a cat-less downpipe I assume would throw the 02 sensors off and turn on the CEL. Mabey I could just tell them to do that from the start?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 May 2007, 15:41

You can go ahead and ask them to upgrade the ECU as if you have all of the other upgrades...just be aware of this when you step on the gas. However, let me caution you that unless you do stage-0 first, all of your car's weaknesses will be revealed (and to a huge and frustrating degree) when you do this upgrade. Get the basic maintenance done first, including the PCV system BEFORE you upgrade the ECU.

Post by **Auburn T5** » 11 Jun 2007, 10:56

You mean replace all the parts in the PCV system? I've seen the $117 kit from FCP but everything was checked over and no leaks, clogs or cracks in the tubing.

Other than that, a full stage zero has been done.

Anyways, I've got a 3" turbo back exhaust now with magnaflow race cat.

Boost gauge is peaking at 13psi in all gears but 1st obviously and the power delivery seems to be much smoother and linear rather than abruptly with the stock exhaust. It almost feels slower but racing my wife's 99 S70 T5, it pulls away harder than it used to.

So next, I'm planning a FMIC install and then either the IPD, RICA or speedtuning ecu.

I've heard good and bad regarding all 3 of these ECU's but speedtuning's lowest price and from what I've gathered, great service and fast turnaround for re-flashes makes it most attractive.

I'm going to have it dynoed before and after the FMIC to see what the A/F is doing and use that data to send to whoever is going to do the ECU so it can hopefully be tuned specifically for what my car is doing.

Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Post by **matthew1** » 11 Jun 2007, 12:29

With less backpressure the turbo is able to spin up faster, giving you more down-low power, which in turn makes the acceleration more linear. My theory.

Auburn T5, please keep us up to date on your decisions. This is always interesting to me, and I'm sure, many others here. Photos are always welcome.

Post by **Auburn T5** » 11 Jun 2007, 14:24

I cant get to photobucket from work (stupid firewall) but I can link to the VS forum thread regarding the exhaust install.

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... 78019&st=0

Lots of pics.

I'll take plenty of pics as well of the IC install, parts used, etc.

I'm going to be using one of those Ebay IC piping kits... probably this one. I have it on good authority from several VS members that the hot side of the piping can be 2.5" but the cold side tube should be 2.25" to avoid clearance issues coming back up to the TB.

ebay link

Along with the Precision turbo 300 hp IC.

http://www.nolimitmotorsport.com/prod/AS1021

A friend of mine runs a dyno shop in town and is really skilled at welding aluminum that will be helping with the dyno testing before and after and welding the aluminum if needed.

bhales · Post by **bhales** » 05 Sep 2007, 14:48

anyone have the ECU upgrade for S70 LPT? Worth the money?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Sep 2007, 15:28

Mine is a HPT but from what I've read from those doing the ECU upgrade on the LPT, the results are even more dramatic and very well worth it. The LPT has better low end. You'll retain that and still have more torque through the mid-range and the high end....it's a win-win situation with the LPT.