ECU Upgrades

ECU Computer Upgrades 101:

Upgrading the engine management software and exhaust on your Turbo Volvo is the most effective way to improve output. You can expect to see realistic and measurable gains from 33 to 53 HP depending on the model. Since the beginning of our engine management upgrades in 1994, we have partnered exclusively with the Swedish firm TME/MTE SWEDEN to bring you the world’s most effective and reliable upgrades. We work side by side with engineers from TME/MTE to develop performance calibrations optimized for the North American market that retain full factory functionality, drivability and emission levels. If you spend much time on popular Volvo performance enthusiast forums, you might have noticed that we are occasionally referred to as being too conservative in our tuning since some Volvo tuners make more horsepower than we do. Some of our competitors do make a couple of more peak HP, but if you do your homework, you will find that our upgrades provide superior real world performance and the reason is because we focus on developing the most area under the power curve and smooth linear power delivery. It’s our goal to provide you with software upgrades that deliver maximum power levels as advertised as well as being reliable without overstressing the car’s powertrain. It might be possible to squeeze a few more ponies from certain models by running a bit more boost, but careful research and development combined with over a decade of experience in upgrading the Volvo 5 and 6-cylinder Turbo have made our upgrades the most respected and successful in the industry.

No Chips! No Soldering!

We have been flash upgrading Volvo ECUs since 1994 and we are still the only company that can offer you the security and reliability that flash upgrading provides. Just like the factory, no soldering, no wire cutting or piggy back connectors required. Even though our upgrades sometimes cost more than our competitors, the performance, quality service and convenience we provide allows us to outsell our closest competitor by 10 to1. You get what you pay for with ipd ECU upgrades.

Below The Curve?

If you spend much time on popular Volvo performance enthusiast forums, you might have noticed that we are occasionally referred to as being too conservative in our software tuning by people who simply compare peak #’s as some Volvo tuners publish performance specs showing more peak horsepower than we do. However, if you do your homework you will find that our upgrades provide superior real world performance and the reason is because we focus on developing the most area under the power curve and smooth linear power delivery. The dyno charts on this page show that even though one of our competitors does make more peak HP, there is no comparison when it comes to area under the curve. On high output models like the S60R and V70R our tuning methods develop over twice the power increase as can be seen in the dyno graphs at right.

The Upgrade Process For 1999-07 Models (ME7 & ME9):

There are two ways to upgrade your car. Click here for information on loading the car yourself with ipd's Softloader. If you would like to upgrade your ECU more economically you can send it to us for flash programming!

Sending Your ECU To Us For Upgrading:

The ECU in these models is digitally serialized to the car. This means that you will need to remove it from the car and send it to us if you don’t go the softloader route. The whole process can usually be completed in 3 days. Your car cannot be driven without the ECU. A special tool (part #T7) is required to remove the ECU, which we provide to customers (a $150.00 refundable security deposit is required). This tool includes a secure shipping container and instructions for ECU removal. For more information on installation give us a call. The following table of data is a brief listing of the performance and approximate gains you can expect when upgrading to an ipd ECU and exhaust. Although upgrading the exhaust is not required, it’s highly recommended for best results and to prevent overheating of the turbo when upgrading the engine management system (ECU), especially if you are a hard driver or you will subject your car to sustained high loads such as when towing or track conditions. If you choose not to install the sport exhaust, deduct 10 units from the HP and torque specs shown below. The 0-60 times are based on tests performed on automatic transmission models using a G-Tech performance meter. A capable driver in a manual transmission car could possibly improve these times by approximately 2/10ths of a second.

Special notes for S60R and V70R owners:

We have a few options for R owners to consider. Torque limiting on S60R and V70R Geartonic models. (auto trans) 2004-05 S60R and V70R models with Geartronic automatic transmissions are torque limited to 250lbs/ft of torque in 1st and 2nd gear. This severely reduces the standing start performance and results in a 0-60 time that is almost two seconds slower than the manual transmission version. Two seconds may not sound like much, but at 60 mph it’s over eight car lengths. Our standard ECU upgrade for these models retains the torque limiting, so 0-60 performance is essentially stock, as our upgrades to the software for this model do not take effect until the car shifts into 3rd gear. At the urging of customers, we developed a non-torque limited version that provides full power in all gears. While testing the non restricted version, we recorded a 5.4 0-60 time, which is an improvement of 1.3 seconds. Huge. What’s the risk? Our Swedish partners at MTE that developed the upgrade have customers who have been aggressively running the this version for over 24 months without any problems, however, we don’t want to imply that it’s risk free. Therefore we require that you sign and return a simple waiver (indicating that you understand the potential risks) before we will install this software. Understand that a car manufacturer has to consider all the possible uses and abuses its products may be subject to and that is why there is torque limiting. It prevents overheating of the drivetrain under extreme conditions such as max GVW towing over mountain passes in the heat of summer, etc. The ECU upgrade with torque limiters removed is $895 or $395 if you already have Stage I.

Model/Year	HP (Stock/ipd)	Torque (Stock/ipd)	Boost PSI (Stock/ipd)	0-60 Seconds (Stock/ipd)
S60 AWD 2.4T 2001-2002	190/230	210/275	8/14	7.8/6.5
S60 2.4T 2001-2003	190/230	210/275	8/14	7.8/6.5
S60 T5 2001-2007	247/280	243/320	10/18	7.2/6.2
S60 AWD 2.5T 2004-2007	208/245	236/310	8/14	7.6/6.4
S60 2.5T 2004-2007	208/245	236/310	8/14	7.6/6.4
S60 R 2004-2007	300/335	295/340*	14.7/19	6.2/5.4

 

* Torque limited to 250 lbs/ft in 1st & 2nd gear (2004-2005 models only) in Stage I ECU upgrade for models with automatic transmission. We offer a non-torque limited version but, if you are an aggressive, lead-foot type of driver, you should stick with Stage I to maximize transmission life. See above or call us for more details.