Re: Anyone heard of Upsolute ECU Tuners? (funglenn)

most members are going to poop on you like everyone who asks about upsolute...

i was in contact with them last year and they are a good company. their tune is not as specifically tuned to the R as it could be, but is still a good upgrade.

i do not think they can take away the torque limit on 04 and 05 R GTs.

 

Many 850/70 series guys have done the Upsolute (or speedtuning). I had my S70 done by Speedtuning and the power increase and price were great. It was done via chip soldered to the ECU board.

This type of tune is okay but I wouldn't do it to my R. The RICA/IPD is the only software I would consider for my baby.

 

Here is a blurb from the website specific t0 tuning thr R

Yes.

We do this car.

Normally Aspirated cars see 10hp to 20hp peak.
Single Turbos see 35HP to 45HP
Twin Turbos see 80HP to 100HP

The torque is also increased dramaticaly.

Injection timing
Injection quantity
and
Charge pressure control are the typical targets for tweaking

 

Re: (fergs60r)

Is there a reason why NO ONE seems to consider the Hieco HOP as a softloader?

Everyone seems to love IPD/RICA/etc.

 

Re: (colos60r2007)

My question is why are these somewhat unknown companies that run ECU's with similar increases in HP/TQ cost so much less than the highly recognized/respected IPD/EST?

Is it name brand? Is it the proven results over so many years? Just curious....

 

Re: (colos60r2007)

Quote, originally posted by colos60r2007 »

Is there a reason why NO ONE seems to consider the Hieco HOP as a softloader? Everyone seems to love IPD/RICA/etc.

How much is the Hieco one? I assume more than IPd since they are usually pricey....

 

Re: (colos60r2007)

Quote, originally posted by colos60r2007 »

Is there a reason why NO ONE seems to consider the Hieco HOP as a softloader? Everyone seems to love IPD/RICA/etc.

When I looked at Hieco they were the most expensive option, and I am a cheap bastard...

 

Re: (NappyR)

Quote, originally posted by NappyR »

My question is why are these somewhat unknown companies that run ECU's with similar increases in HP/TQ cost so much less than the highly recognized/respected IPD/EST? Is it name brand? Is it the proven results over so many years? Just curious....

I think you need to consider the R&D costs associated with releasing a reliable and effective software upgrade. While I can't speak to Upsolute's speciic R&D efforts, I know that they utilize an older approach to load new software to the ECM; take the ECM out, physically removing the old EPROM, and solder a new chip with the upgraded software.

In today's world where ECM's are VIN specific, and dealers can easily reflash ECM's when new downloads are available from Volvo, I'd prefer to not physically modify the ECM, and like the convenience of flashing the ECM via the OBD-2 port in a matter of minutes http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

As a comparison, RICA has invested considerably in R&D. A dyno is available at each of their 3 R&D facilities in the Netherlands. Their main site in Wateringen, NL has a brand new MAHA LPS3000 AWD dyno (one of the best load dyno's available). Many SS'ers have visited this site for custom tuning sessions on the dyno, including Johann and DE_V70R, to name a few guys. RICA has also specialized in tuning Volvo software for many years now, with RICA software upgrades available through dozens of Volvo dealers in the BeNeLux region.

IMO, you should be considering more factors than the "price" when deciding on which ECU upgrade best fits your needs. I'd also include the tuner's experience, "delivery" of upgraded software (reflash via OBD vs. solder new EPROM chip), testimonials from existing customers, objective dyno results, etc. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

 

Re: (Edogg218)

That is good to know. I did a quickie search and this is what I came up with for pricing.

IPD: 1295.00
HIECO: 1290.00
RICA: 999.00
BSR: 995.00

They all seem to be in the same "ballpark". But you are right that IPD and Hieco are much more expensive (30%).

Any thoughts on why?

 

Re: (colos60r2007)

I had an upsolute tune on my S60T5...see sig.

Never any problems with it, ran smooth and strong. I have not seen or riden in an R w/ their tune though.

 

Re: (sniz)

I am sure that Upsolute knows what they are doing, but they do not have the R&D that the other brands offer. Being able to reflash back to stock is an excellent option, but is it worth the extra $300 to some people?

Who has the gonads to get it done and share results?

 

Re: (George @ ViVA)

Quote, originally posted by George @ ViVA »

I think you need to consider the R&D costs associated with releasing a reliable and effective software upgrade. While I can't speak to Upsolute's speciic R&D efforts, I know that they utilize an older approach to load new software to the ECM; take the ECM out, physically removing the old EPROM, and solder a new chip with the upgraded software. In today's world where ECM's are VIN specific, and dealers can easily reflash ECM's when new downloads are available from Volvo, I'd prefer to not physically modify the ECM, and like the convenience of flashing the ECM via the OBD-2 port in a matter of minutes http://********************/smile/emthup.gif As a comparison, RICA has invested considerably in R&D. A dyno is available at each of their 3 R&D facilities in the Netherlands. Their main site in Wateringen, NL has a brand new MAHA LPS3000 AWD dyno (one of the best load dyno's available). Many SS'ers have visited this site for custom tuning sessions on the dyno, including Johann and DE_V70R, to name a few guys. RICA has also specialized in tuning Volvo software for many years now, with RICA software upgrades available through dozens of Volvo dealers in the BeNeLux region. IMO, you should be considering more factors than the "price" when deciding on which ECU upgrade best fits your needs. I'd also include the tuner's experience, "delivery" of upgraded software (reflash via OBD vs. solder new EPROM chip), testimonials from existing customers, objective dyno results, etc. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

I agree 100% with everything you said. However, when comparing the RICA and IPD there seems to be similar investment of time, research, development, etc. Obviously, price shouldn't be someone's first concern. When you have companies that are as highly regarded and respected as the two mentioned it makes for a difficult decision. Even with these two companies you still see a price difference. From what I've read on SS far more people have been problem free than the alternative with regards to both ECU upgrades. I guess, in the long run, you just have to make a decision and live with it.

I appreciate the educated, polite response! Thanks George! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

 

Re: (colos60r2007)

Quote, originally posted by colos60r2007 »

That is good to know. I did a quickie search and this is what I came up with for pricing. IPD: 1295.00 HIECO: 1290.00 RICA: 999.00 BSR: 995.00 They all seem to be in the same "ballpark". But you are right that IPD and Hieco are much more expensive (30%). Any thoughts on why?

i dont know about heico, but IPD for $1290 you will get more things that just a software, you will have dataloging and a few feactures more. For me it worth every penny, is amazing what you can do with the information that an ecy can give you with parameters reading. BSR will give you just the PPC that you will tune or detune your car and erase t. codes, like rica.

 

Re: (colos60r2007)

Quote, originally posted by colos60r2007 »

That is good to know. I did a quickie search and this is what I came up with for pricing. IPD: 1295.00 HIECO: 1290.00 RICA: 999.00 BSR: 995.00 They all seem to be in the same "ballpark". But you are right that IPD and Hieco are much more expensive (30%). Any thoughts on why?

Just to clarify-

Our base software upgrade starts at $895

Base software with softloading capability is $1145 and with Data logging and Diagnostics it is $1295

 

Re: (NappyR)

Quote, originally posted by NappyR »

My question is why are these somewhat unknown companies that run ECU's with similar increases in HP/TQ cost so much less than the highly recognized/respected IPD/EST? Is it name brand? Is it the proven results over so many years? Just curious....

They can claim what they want, but how many people have reviewed their products?

It is very easy to just "make more power".

However, it is not easy to make a car with "more power" that:

a) starts and idles reliably
b) drives smoothly
c) doesn't run excessively rich or lean
d) doesn't pose any danger from c) to the cat or blowing a piston.
e) runs in all weather without stuttering / hesitating / etc.
f) Won't throw codes all over the place.

This is some complex code going on. It is easy to butcher it and cause you WAY more headaches and, in the end, more money trying to fix the problem than if you had bought a reliable tune in the first place.

Now, I'm not saying that their tune does all these bad things. But I'd be wary until I heard a number of positive reviews.

 

Personally, I'll spend the money on a proven ECU upgrade before I risk destroying my engine to save a couple hundred bucks.

 

Re: (Scott Hart)

but it still doesn't work w/ the newer version os the world's leading OS provider.....we here at work have concluded it is a USB driver/dll issue...
still, IPD is the best....they just need to catch the softloader up..

Quote, originally posted by Scott Hart »

Just to clarify- Our base software upgrade starts at $895 Base software with softloading capability is $1145 and with Data logging and Diagnostics it is $1295

 

Re: (ctronzo)

There is a LOT of stuff that doesn't work with Windows Vista.

 

Re: (Needsdecaf)

Re: (ctronzo) (Needsdecaf)

There is a LOT of stuff that doesn't work with Windows Vista.

Like computers....

 

Re: (sh8kdwn)

actually; EVERYTHING I have thrown at vista works.......except one application.... http://********************/smile/emcocktl.gif