Engine ECU Flash Performance Power Upgrade Tune for Motronic 7 Turbo Models 1999-2009

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 1994 we have partnered exclusively with MTE SWEDEN to bring you the world¹s most effective and reliable upgrades. We work with engineers from 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 publish higher horsepower specs 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 with smooth linear power delivery.

Still not convinced?

Here's an unbiased excerpt from an article by Dave Coleman that appeared in Sport Compact Car magazine titled "Below The Curve":

"We, the collective of car geeks, tend to get entirely too wrapped up in peak numbers, especially horsepower." Then the debates start. "Peak torque is more important than peak power." "Peak power is more important than peak torque." The battle rages on and more precious Internet bandwidth is wasted arguing one misconception against another. The truth, as usual, is that the engine with the most area under the curve, either the horsepower or torque curve, is the one that will be faster. Ah, ha! Now you see why the area under the torque curve is the most important of all."

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 car¹s 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 two decades of experience in upgrading the Volvo 5 and 6-cylinder Turbo models have made our upgrades the most respected and successful in the industry.

Stage Zero?

When upgrading, it seems logical that you would want to make sure that the engine is in top tune, but this is often overlooked in the quest for instant performance gratification, which often results in poor performance from your upgrades. The increased loads can cause misfiring and other unpleasant issues. We ran across the Stage "ZERO" idea on volvospeed.com and concur 100% that you should perform these steps before making upgrades to the engine in your Volvo if it is more than 5 years old or has more than 50,000 miles on it.

Stage ZERO Tuning List:

• Spark plugs
• Air, fuel and oil filter service
• Trans fluid flush
• Inspect & replace vacuum lines and IC piping rubber
• Upgrade to silicone hoses where possible
• Test / replace 02 sensors
• Verify proper fuel flow using a fuel pressure tester and replace fuel pumps if needed
• Clean / replace injectors
• Clean intercooler / intercooler plumbing
• Compression and cylinder leak down test

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.

Sending Your ECU To Us For Upgrading

The ECU in these models is digitally serialized to the car. This means that unless you instead opt for one of our remote tunes, you will need to remove it from the car and send it to us. 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 (see recommended products tab). For more information on installation give us a call.

Disclaimer: Performance products sold by IPD have not been tested or approved by any international, federal or local governing agency for street use, thus are designated for non-road or race track use only. Although every effort is made to maintain or improve upon the emissions standards and safety of your Volvo, some of our products may not be legal for street use in your region. IPD makes no claim of fitness or certification for such use and leave it up to you to research the laws of your region.

Additional Technical Information

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.

Note on Automatic Transmission Torque Limiting

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. Contact us for more details.

Power Graphs

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.
 

Potential Product Fitment Issues

This tune requires that you send us your Engine Management ECM as it must be plugged directly in to a flashing socket to alter it's programming.

After buying a tune, please call IPD at 1-800-444-6473 during regular business hours to confirm a programming appointment window before sending us your ECU.

Keep business days in mind when shipping, as IPD is not open on weekends. We strongly suggest shipping methods with insurance and tracking.