Does ARD Tuning = 850 Turbo Fuel Economy Boost?

SUNRG · Post by **SUNRG** » 12 Jan 2015, 07:07

I recently called ARD Tuning and they claim that on my stock 1995 850 Turbo, if the car / engine is in good health, that their base level tuning will result in a 2-3mpg increase minimum. He estimated that after the tuning the car will get 30-31+ mpg highway.

In fairness, he did also say that most people do NOT realize this fuel economy boost because horsepower also jumps from 222 to 255 as a result of the tune and most can help but enjoy that power increase

Has anyone here had their ECU tuned by ARD Volvo 850 best performance parts, and been able to keep their foot out of it, AND seen the claimed 30+ mpg result?

Post by **mtd240** » 12 Jan 2015, 07:23

I have a '98 V70 XC. It has the low pressure turbo, which I believe means it has the same powertrain setup as your '95 850 Turbo.

I got the base ARD tune (~$400) in Spring 2013. It definitely gave a nice torque/power boost, but the fuel economy improvement was minimal. Our car "improved" from 16/22 mpg city/highway to 17/24 ("keeping my foot out of it"). I SQUEEZED 26 mpg out of a 200 mile trip once, but that was a pretty lousy experience

We have AWD, and it's a wagon, so we started with a lower baseline than you. I think the tune is worth it for the "free" performance increase (no loss of fuel economy), but it would take over a decade for the fuel economy "improvement" to pay off the $400 cost.

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 12 Jan 2015, 09:48

I used a IPD/TME chip in my 96 854T5 and found the mileage increase to be true. Based on my previous business dealings with Robert Arnold, I have no reason to doubt his claims for his tune. I believe he offers a refund if you are not satisfied. He also offers a mileage, instead of performance, optimized tune for these motors if you really want to maximize economy.

Good luck.

Post by **FLXC90** » 12 Jan 2015, 14:36

Post by mtd240 » Today, 08:23
I have a '98 V70 XC. It has the low pressure turbo,

FYI this is not the same engine, the LPT is about 190 HP. The HPT motor put out 225-235 HP in the 8/70 turbos, even more in the V70R.

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 13 Jan 2015, 14:16

The LPT motor responds very nicely to a tune, I would not hesitate to upgrade. As long as your motor is presently up to stage zero, of course.

Good luck.

Post by **scot850** » 13 Jan 2015, 16:23

I had a 98 V70 T5 and a 1998 V70 XC. I preferred the low end torque characteristics of the XC over the T5. The T5 liked to spin its front wheels too easily (in Europe those put out around 250 bhp). The XC could easily use more go. Would you get better economy? Probably un-likely as you will drive it harder, but as someone who is running a 2000 V70R with Rica tune (approx. 310bhp and 300ft/lb torque) it does fly! They also claim 'possible' fuel consumption improvements, but realistically I would be happy breaking even. Car was fitted with the software when bought, but as I have the Rica soft-loader, I can return it to standard, but don't have a reason to. You may get better economy on longer runs with a lighter peddle if the engine can utilise the greater torque to reduce gear-changes.

Either way, go and buy it and have some fun, life can be too short! Higher mpg unlikely, shorter tire life definitely!!

Neil.