[onikage]

I'm quite satisfied with my IPD motronic +, however I have heard about other chips possibly making more HP. Does anyone have any information about this? Also, how can I make my baby kick just a little harder? I want to give those wiseasses over at Audiworld's S4 forum something to worry about. Thanks.

-P

 

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Onikage, something to be careful of is your transmission. I was told by someone that I trust that 290-300hp is about as high as you want to take the 850's automatic. Chips are great, but be careful as you go higher and higher....

 

[onikage]

Is there a transmission available for the 2.3 that can handle more horsepower? Where would I look?

 

[Prospero]

Onikage,
Depending upon the year of your 850, you can tweak the wastegate actuator valve to get more kick. I have done this 20-min. tweak and have felt a decent increase in speed and power. As far as manufacturers making "more power" in their chip, I would be leery about the claim. From the research I have been doing on IPD, it seems that they are building the most powerful over-all ECU upgrade on the market. Yes, some may claim more HP, but the torque curve will suffer as will the transmission as George has stated. Honestly, the easy upgrades are done once you do the exhaust, downpipe, ECU, wastegate actuator, and some other little tricks. Realistically, where do you want to be HP wise and how much work/ money do you want to spend and do? I have heard good things about Eastern Aerospace and their products. For more power, they have the real mechanical goodies there. (Things like extrude honed throttle bodies with larger butterfly valves, polished intakes, and many other goodies.) I am doing some of these mods myself at "home", and will be going to IPD once Uncle Sam returns my money via a refund check. Whatever you choose good luck with doing it.

Prospero

 

[onikage]

Yes, I do have the Ipd exhaust as well. As for how it performs, let's just say I held my own against an UrS4 yesterday, and anyone in the know knows exactly how fast those are. Takeoff definitely feels a lot quicker than stock, almost like driving in econ vs. sport mode.

 

[Prospero]

Onikage
Just wondering what MPG you average? I have been getting 23.9-24.2 highway and 22.2-22.9 in town. With the IPD mototronic and exhaust upgrade I have heard some actually get more MPG!? I am planning on getting the goodies before summer, just contemplating the fun to be had.

Prospero

 

[onikage]

I only get around 19 mpg city/20 highway usually, but I tend to have a heavy foot. I didn't have the car unchipped long enough to judge for myself what kind of mileage I got.

 

[Prospero]

Was there a decent change in the exhaust note with the IPD system? Also, for the sake of setting a benchmark...From a dead stop and car at idle (TRACS off), pointing straight, when you mash the gas do the tires spin wildly or break free? At the moment on mine it will do this just a little on only one wheel. Also, when going from 2nd and mashing it does the front-end break free when downshifting into first? I am just trying to figure out how much of a difference I will be looking at for my hard earned $2000.00. Lastly, have you put on a high-flow cat?

Hate to pick your brain, but I am just itchy with curiosity.

Prospero

 

[onikage]

The exhaust note is much deeper than stock, which pleases me. I'd be looking for a refund if it was any high-pitched Integra-sounding nonsense. As for the cat, no, I haven't gone that far yet. The tires spin quite often when cornering or just flat out mashing it from a dead stop, though I haven't tried the 2-1 shift and probably won't after the posts above about the transmission. Don't want to have to replace anything that I don't have to. What kind of car do you have again, Prospero?

[This message has been edited by onikage (edited 02-22-2001).]

 

[Prospero]

I have a 1994 854 Turbo. It looks just like the project car but with tinted windows and no R spoiler in front. The car has 170000 miles on it and is in great condition. I have done a few tweaks to it so far, but nothing too expensive yet. I have plans for this car, just no time to do everything I want to as of yet. BTW, thanks for the input about your car. You have pretty well convinced me to go with IPD/TME.

Prospero

 

[turboale]

From what I have read about the ipd/tme chip I have been pleased with. I'm highly considering getting one as well. It seems to be the most thought out and reliability conscious chip out there, for instance right before a shift, it backs the boost off right before to put less strain on the tranny. IPD also has had a history of keeping good ties with Volvo and like making reliable performance, not just performance.

 

[Prospero]

Well said!

Funny, last time George and I spoke, we came to the same conclusion. They (IPD/TME)may cost more than everyone else, but their quality seems to have a strong following. Maybe we can put together a group purchase for a discount of sorts. What are you thoughts on this?

Prospero

 

[850Rwagon]

I can tell you that this week IPD discounted my ECU quite a bit off the $980 price. This was as part of the large "first time customer" order I outlined in another post. Every item I mentioned ordering was dropped enough to make me smile, even the sale items.

Ken is who I have dealt with and even though it's a new relationship I can tell he is very up front, knowledgeable and a volvo nut!

check it out.

 

[Bob the V]

I'm an old time Volvo owner - 122/142/144 - see my green 142S in the "Vintage" section. I got close to a deal on an S70 GLT but currently own a VW Passat 1.8T. The S60 is on my potential list along with the Saab 9-5 for future purchase and I would upgrade the chip. I'm amazed that ECU chip upgrades for turbo Volvos and Saabs cost twice as much or more than chips than chips for the Audi/VW 1.8 turbo engine! My Passat has a Neuspeed chip that gives me a 40+ HP increase for less than $200 and there are a dozen chip sources available. What's going on? IPD seems to be the principal Volvo chip source but has anybody tried Wetterauer?

[This message has been edited by Bob the V (edited 03-18-2001).]

 

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There's also the Garrett now as well from PES. The upside for IPD is that their stuff is from TME who know Volvo inside and out. I'd be interested in seeing some of the comparitive information on all of them. Garrett has a good name in the VW Audi area, and so does Wetterauer. I'm very curious how their Volvo stuff is working out.

IPD one the other hand, has a great track record and a satisfaction guarantee. It'll be interesting to see how the Volvo aftermarket evolves.

 

[Prospero]

I hope to see the aftermarket grow and mature for the Volvo products as well. I can see where it will soon. Just looking around my neighborhood I have seen at least 5 new Volvos appear since I bought mine. It seems that the price is down low enough where the average joe can now afford to have one of these sweet cars and still make house payments! Granted all of the new Volvos in my hood are all 940s and are all bone stock, it just goes to show that people are catching on to European cars! With this outlook, I can see a great market for IPD's wares and goodies. One thing for sure, it is a great time to advertise this site! Does Swedespeed plan on having a product line of their own?

Prospero