ECU Performance Softloader for 1999 - 2007 Turbo Models

Our new Softloader hardware allows you to flash our software upgrades directly into your car using the OBDII diagnostic port for access in about 10-15 minutes. It requires a USB equipped laptop or PC running Windows 98 to XP (not yet Vista ready). If you don’t have an e-mail account, our software files can be transferred by disc. The Softloader upgrade comes supplied with cables that connect with a USB adapter on one end and OBDII on the other. In between will be a communication adapter that allows your PC to communicate with your Volvo. The hardware is driven by our softloader application and is included on the CD with the hardware. The hardware can be used on multiple cars, so you’ll only need to purchase the software to upgrade another car after the initial purchase.

The first step of the upgrade process is to use the software and hardware to read the details from your car and then forward those files to us so we can provide you with calibrations developed specifically for your car. We realize that this may sound cumbersome, compared to some other similar solutions currently available (where this step is skipped). However, there is a significant difference in performance that comes from our method and that is why we have developed this superior solution.

Once we receive data from your car, we can usually provide 48-hour turn around on the creation of the performance calibrations specific to your model. We’ll return these back to you via e-mail to be loaded into your Volvo’s ECU. We could bypass this step and provide a more generic tune for the base engine family but our testing has proven that our wide scope calibration method provides the ultimate in performance and trouble free operation.

New Upgrade Option!

Now you can rent a softloader for 30 days for only $100! That’s considerably less than it would cost you in overnight shipping fees to send your ECU in for upgrading, plus you won’t be without the use of your car for 3-4 days. Contact our customer service department by phone or e-mail (800-444-6473 or info@ipdusa.com) for more details on this program.

*When upgrading from Stage 1 to Stage II.

Our ECU software upgrades generate a lot of questions. We have additional information in the performance sections of our website and our staff is also an excellent resource in helping you to select the upgrade solution that best meets your needs, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit our website.

We recently saw this post from a customer who purchased our soft loader and it pretty much sums up the reason why it has been so successful. We contacted him and asked if he would mind if we shared his comments and he graciously gave us permission to do so. Please see them below.

“I’ve had ipd’s Stage I tune installed and been driving with it for about 3 weeks now with a new K&N air filter and wanted to post my impressions of the upgrade and also of ipd. In a few words: a great company of people who offer a phenomenal product. Do it - period.

Pre-buy activities: I’m leasing my S60 and didn’t want to go any further than a Stage I and air filter because Volvo is going to get this car back with the stock ECU tune at the 4-year mark. Scott, Lucky, and Ken each offered email comments, details, data, and on-the-phone discussion in answer to my questions, and to set my expectations for what life would be like with the Stage I installed. We talked on and off over the course of two months leading up to my purchase. These folks exemplify professional customer service. In everything they do you come away comfortable that you’re well supported.

Purchase and shipment delivery: Called Ken and did the transaction over the phone. Got a tracking number by email in an hour or two, and watched it make its way across the country to arrive on the day it was supposed to.

Installation: In oh, maybe 6 seconds after the box arrived I had reviewed the instructions one more time and had a flawless software install experience. Flawless. Hooked up the battery charger and plugged the notebook PC into AC power and followed the software on-screen prompts to get the read-out of my stock ECU tune saved as a text file to my Desktop. Flawless. Emailed that file as instructed and got a “We got your file” email back the next day to let me know the process had initiated on ipd’s end. Expectation was set at 3 to 4 days to receive my Stage I tune file.

Stage I tune turn-around: 4 days. As expected.

Installation of Stage I Tune: Unzipped the file, installed the software, hooked up the battery charger and AC power to my notebook PC and ran the program. Following the on-screen prompts it took about 12 minutes to upload. Unhooked everything as instructed and started the car - all the instrument panel lights came on and off normally. Shut it down and installed the K&N air filter. Backed the car out of the garage...

The maiden voyage with ipd’s Stage I tune: OMG! Butt-dyno heaven. Others have said it right - this is how Volvo should have built and delivered the car. I had previously owned an S60R as a point of comparison. I can say from personal, first-hand experience that the engine of my S60 T5 performs way more like the engine in my R than it did before I installed ipd’s Stage I tune. ipd’s tweaks to HP and torque deliver as advertised, and the R comes stock with higher numbers. Okay fine. It’s apples and oranges. When you’ve had an R and now have an S60 and add ipd’s Stage I tune your butt-dyno says don’t care much for fruit, anyway - this engine performance is way better than the stock S60 was. Responsive all the way up, pulls really strong all the way up, accelerates with real authority. In a word: powerful.

Fuel economy: Remember reading about how after you get your initial “I’m just getting used to it” jollies out you could expect a bit better gas mileage with this? Well, I am blown away with how much better my fuel economy is now. Numbers below include and account for the occasional “need” to accelerate firmly at various opportunities - er, um...I meant those particular moments when employing critical defensive driving techniques are appropriate. City: was 19 to 21 - now I’m getting 23 to 25 Highway: was 23 to 24 - now I’m getting 27 to 30 (yes, you read that right - and I re-ran the highway test three times because I didn’t believe it either) Mixed: was around 21 - now I’m getting 24 to 26.

Cost: You may have read in some posts where folks comment on price comparisons between ECU tune providers that some say ipd’s solution is pricey when compared with other offerings. Here’s my really basic analysis: at say 15,000 miles a year and $3.25/gallon driving city and highway mixed I would have spent $2,324 for 715 gallons of fuel. With ipd’s Stage I tune I’m projecting to spend $1,950 for about 600 gallons of fuel to drive the same 15,000 miles of city and highway mixed. That means I’m projecting to save $374/year and have a lot more fun driving the car doing it. I’ve not read one post from anyone who bought and installed an ECU tune from an ipd competitor and talks about improved fuel economy after the upgrade. Cost? I call it savings with a stellar bonus from ipd.

Payback on investment: Saving $374/year for 4 years ought to save me just about $1,500 at $3.25 a gallon across the life of the lease. Price out ipd’s Stage I tune with a K&N air filter for your S60 and include shipping to your door. The charge on your credit card will be less than the $1,500 I’m projecting to save. This investment is paying for itself and delivers a lot of butt-dyno fun per mile on top of that already good deal! And as the price of premium fuel continues to go up, so accelerates your savings and payback.

Good people who care, a product that installs flawlessly and delivers what it claims with a whole lot more, and your S60 becomes an R wannabe in 12 minutes.

Do this, and do it with ipd.”

Hugh S.

for 850 Turbo and All Turbo Models 1994-1998

Volvo began using a fully integrated engine management system beginning on the 1994 850 Turbo. The Motronic engine management system by BOSCH was the first to control fuel and the ignition as well as managing the turbo charger. The high tech system provides excellent power and good fuel economy, but from a tuning standpoint the most exciting aspect is that it allows custom programming for significant increases in performance. Most models realize about a 40HP increase with an ipd Motronic ECU (engine control unit) upgrade, an ipd sport exhaust and or down pipe can easily add another 10 Ð 20 HP depending on the model. ipd Motronic ECU upgrades range in price from as little as $695 for 1994-1998 models to $895 for 1999-2008 models.

Since there are so many variables and options to consider, we highly recommend that you call our staff and spend a few minutes to ensure that all of your questions and concerns are addressed prior to placing your order. ipd employs eight customer service & product specialists with over 40 years combined experience helping Volvo owners with ECU upgrades for their turbo charged Volvos. Also, recently there has been a significant rise in the amount of misinformation and hype in the market place. Our knowledgeable staff can quickly help clear up the confusion with useful resources and information to help you get the best value when upgrading.

We are in the process of simplifying the ECU sections of our website, but in the meantime you can access pages of helpful information from “How To Remove Your ECU” to “Performance Specifications” in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) documents currently on our site at www.ipdusa.com.

ipd Performance ECU Upgrades for most 850 and 70 series Turbo models (1994-98) $695.00 exchange(1)(2)

(1) You can also purchase outright with an additional $500 ECU core charge, which will be refunded if you return your original ECU in good working condition within 30 days.

(2) Stage III software for use with 18T turbo is $895.

Sport Exhaust Systems by TME 2-1/2” free flow pipe can increase your car’s torque by up to 12 ft. lbs. and adds up to 10 horsepower. Noticeably improves throttle response, too. ipd silencers work by absorption; no power robbing baffles so back pressure is minimized. Our sport exhaust offers a pleasant deep note, so you can drive all day without audible discomfort. When accelerating, you can now hear the engine responding with a pleasant exhaust note. Easy-to-fit, the system bolts directly to the catalytic converter. Installation requires no modification and takes 1-2 hours with common hand tools. Sport exhausts are heavy gauge 409 stainless steel pipe with 100mm polished stainless steel tip and come with a two year warranty. B.A. Stainless Sport Exhaust for Turbocharged Models A. 850 Turbo sedan & wagon, S70 and V70 1994-2000(1) MS-2100 Reg. $695.00    Each A. C70 all 1998-2005(1) MS-2100 Reg. $695.00    Each B. S60R, V70R all models 2004-07(2) TME MS-5255 Reg. $895.00    Each (1) Not for AWD models (2) Dual tip on these exhaust systems (see photos)