Need any help with the install of the exhaust? Oh, and how good does the overall system look? Is it worth $750?
Project 854R - Pulled the ECU and shipped
Well, I just sent off the ECU for our R to IPD. They offer a core charge program, but I wanted to keep my original box, so I parked the R in the garage, pulled the ECU and FedExed it to Portland yesterday.
It's amazing how easy it is to pull the box out of an 850. The process is much more drawn out on VWvortex's Project Golf 1.8T that shares the garage with the R.
If you have 5 min and a screwdriver (don't even need to pull screws, just lift the plastic shell's tabs), that's how easy it is. I can't wait to feel the results.
Our exhaust has a arrived as well, so we'll be installing that over the next week or two. I'll keep you guys posted.
It's amazing how easy it is to pull the box out of an 850. The process is much more drawn out on VWvortex's Project Golf 1.8T that shares the garage with the R.
If you have 5 min and a screwdriver (don't even need to pull screws, just lift the plastic shell's tabs), that's how easy it is. I can't wait to feel the results.
Our exhaust has a arrived as well, so we'll be installing that over the next week or two. I'll keep you guys posted.
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Hey Matt, I've been so busy since the stuff arrived last week, I haven't even pulled it out of the box yet.
I understand that! Since I started my new job 3 weeks ago, I haven't had a chance to do anything other than work! Hopefully it will pay off.
Whenever you open the box, let me know how it looks.
Prospero
Whenever you open the box, let me know how it looks.
Prospero
George, could you tell me why you chose ipd? Is it just for the trans feature? Iwant to purchase my chip as soon as posible as i to have my exaust on its way. Any more info on Giac or Wett? Thanks!
1FastBox, that's a good question. Wetterauer and GIAC are both known for having really great products, and I'm familiar with both from my VW/Audi aftermarket knowledge.
For me, reliability is a big issue. Anyone can dial in more boost and get better gains, but wear and tear on the motor also increases.
I do not know anyone first hand who has tried either the GIAC or the Wett on their cars.
I did know the issues about the IPD chip and how it had been programmed for specific use with the transmission in mind. TME has a great rep and is well established with Volvos. All of this combined made my decision.
I do know though that GIAC has the capability of custom programming a chip for your motor depending on mods (they do this for VWs and Audis, though it does cost more). What this means is that if you wanted to go with a newer V70R turbo, and have some custom extrude honing, or use a custom ram air intake etc. etc., and you don't mind taking your car into a GIAC distributor like PES in CA or Air and Water Enterprises in Philly for dyno work, they can tailor it to your car.
My concern though remains around the weak point of the car and that's the tranny. I don't know if Garrett has addressed that or not.
One thing I do wish was available is a feature I have on an APR chip for our Project Golf 1.8T for VWvortex. The chip has what APR calls an ECMS option that allows the driver to toggle the car between stock/stage 1/100 Octane Race Fuel and Valet Mode all with the press of a button on the cruise control. It's pretty darn cool and I for one would really like to see this type of feature on a Volvo.
BTW, I received confirmation from Cameron at IPD today that the ECU shipped. It should be in our R by the end of the week.
For me, reliability is a big issue. Anyone can dial in more boost and get better gains, but wear and tear on the motor also increases.
I do not know anyone first hand who has tried either the GIAC or the Wett on their cars.
I did know the issues about the IPD chip and how it had been programmed for specific use with the transmission in mind. TME has a great rep and is well established with Volvos. All of this combined made my decision.
I do know though that GIAC has the capability of custom programming a chip for your motor depending on mods (they do this for VWs and Audis, though it does cost more). What this means is that if you wanted to go with a newer V70R turbo, and have some custom extrude honing, or use a custom ram air intake etc. etc., and you don't mind taking your car into a GIAC distributor like PES in CA or Air and Water Enterprises in Philly for dyno work, they can tailor it to your car.
My concern though remains around the weak point of the car and that's the tranny. I don't know if Garrett has addressed that or not.
One thing I do wish was available is a feature I have on an APR chip for our Project Golf 1.8T for VWvortex. The chip has what APR calls an ECMS option that allows the driver to toggle the car between stock/stage 1/100 Octane Race Fuel and Valet Mode all with the press of a button on the cruise control. It's pretty darn cool and I for one would really like to see this type of feature on a Volvo.
BTW, I received confirmation from Cameron at IPD today that the ECU shipped. It should be in our R by the end of the week.
George,
This is just a guess about why we don't get the "milti-mode" selectable ECU like your VW has...Since we (VOLVO) can not adjust our timing on the fly to the same degree that VW can with the individual and distribuitor-less ignition systems, I feel that has a bit to do with the multi-mode ECU not being possible. However, we still could use the cool valet function to keep people from enjoying our toys too much.
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This is just a guess about why we don't get the "milti-mode" selectable ECU like your VW has...Since we (VOLVO) can not adjust our timing on the fly to the same degree that VW can with the individual and distribuitor-less ignition systems, I feel that has a bit to do with the multi-mode ECU not being possible. However, we still could use the cool valet function to keep people from enjoying our toys too much.
Thanks George, i think i will chose IPD, the simple fact the chose to adress the trans issue and the amount of good things i have herd, it is the way to fly. I to would like them to use my ecu, or could i possibly send an ecu from an 98 T5 as a core? any suggestions, thanks again!
Thanks George, i think i will chose IPD, the simple fact the chose to adress the trans issue and the amount of good things i have herd, it is the way to fly. I to would like them to use my ecu, or could i possibly send an ecu from an 98 T5 as a core? any suggestions, thanks again!
If you fedex your ECU to them, their turnaround is quite rapid. I received their notification of receipt and notification of shipment back to me in the same day.
FYI, I should be sending mine out to IPD monday of next week. I will take some time measurements before I change the ECU's this weekend. I'll post the results.
Prospero
Prospero
A quick rundown. The chip isn't brutal off the line. Most of the power comes on in a smooth delivery as you build up speed. It's a very refined feel. For those going to the drag strip and trying for 1/4 mile times, you may be dissappointed, though I am EXTREMELY pleased with the results.
The 0-60 may not be overly dramatic, but the 50-100 will. This is without the exhaust and just the ECU upgrade. We'll be doing that later.
The 0-60 may not be overly dramatic, but the 50-100 will. This is without the exhaust and just the ECU upgrade. We'll be doing that later.
How about wheel spin? Can you pretty much give the car everything it has Off The Line and still keep control without modulating the gas? Also, would you say the OTL acceleration is faster than before or is it slower? And finally, can you feel the reduction in boost during shifts? Mmmm, so many questions, so little time...
Prospero
Prospero
I have lived with an IPD ECU with the stock exhaust for about a year.
1. You can feel the the ECU bleeding off the boost just before the transmission shifts gears.
2. As far a wheel spin of from a standing start, no. That is not to say the power in first gear is not good. It just takes a half a second to for the turbo build up the boost and by then your wheels are already turning. Add any sort of irregularity (water, slight turn, bumps, power braking) and the tires will break free.
3. I tested performance before and after the ECU was installed. Overall performance was very much improved. On the roads were were testing my 0 to 60 went from 7.7 to around 7.0. Since then, my mechanic discovered a vacuum and I have seen my 0 to 60 times drop to around the 6.5 mark.
My only regret was not having done it sooner. With the problems many early 850 owners have had with the automatic transmission, I am glad the effort TME/IPD put into the upgrade chip.
One last note - George, my white 850 is currently in the shop having the body work fixed.
1. You can feel the the ECU bleeding off the boost just before the transmission shifts gears.
2. As far a wheel spin of from a standing start, no. That is not to say the power in first gear is not good. It just takes a half a second to for the turbo build up the boost and by then your wheels are already turning. Add any sort of irregularity (water, slight turn, bumps, power braking) and the tires will break free.
3. I tested performance before and after the ECU was installed. Overall performance was very much improved. On the roads were were testing my 0 to 60 went from 7.7 to around 7.0. Since then, my mechanic discovered a vacuum and I have seen my 0 to 60 times drop to around the 6.5 mark.
My only regret was not having done it sooner. With the problems many early 850 owners have had with the automatic transmission, I am glad the effort TME/IPD put into the upgrade chip.
One last note - George, my white 850 is currently in the shop having the body work fixed.
Great news! Thanks for the detailed reply. I am now itching to chip my 850.
George~ I did the same two months ago as you might recall. IPD forgot/neglected to tell me (and I am brain dead) NOT to power up the car while the ECU was out. I wanted a CD out of the head unit real bad and powered up for 10 sec.quote:
Originally posted by [email protected]:
Well, I just sent off the ECU for our R to IPD. They offer a core charge program, but I wanted to keep my original box, so I parked the R in the garage, pulled the ECU and FedExed it to Portland yesterday.
Once the ECU was back in place the car had several funny new symptoms. Flashing winter mode indicator and check check engine light. Also the sport/econ switch light was constantly changing.
Anyhow - if you change exhaust while ECU is out don't start it up.
Some of you with VW background are prolly thinking you can just disconnect the battery for a bit and repower the system to clear those funky lights.... tried it - no deal. IPD said another customer had done this and it would take a couple hundred miles of driving for everything to clear. I just had the dealer clear it when it was in for 80K service.
HTH-
Luckily I didn't power up and the ECU is in for the exhaust install. That's all kind of wierd.
As for breaking, like it was said above, you can feel it and it almost feels like the car is shifting more smoothly as it throttles back the boost. Interesting.
My car doesn't break loose, but I've only driven it in the dry and I am running the 17s which are wider I believe than the 16s you are running Matt, still it doesn't feel so brutal off the line that it'd break.
As for breaking, like it was said above, you can feel it and it almost feels like the car is shifting more smoothly as it throttles back the boost. Interesting.
My car doesn't break loose, but I've only driven it in the dry and I am running the 17s which are wider I believe than the 16s you are running Matt, still it doesn't feel so brutal off the line that it'd break.
Doh!!!!!!!
I shoulda read to bottom of the dang thread before blasting off that reply. I woulda seen you already had the ECU back in. Like I said.. brain dead. Chasing two toddlers around all day will do it to ya.
I shoulda read to bottom of the dang thread before blasting off that reply. I woulda seen you already had the ECU back in. Like I said.. brain dead. Chasing two toddlers around all day will do it to ya.
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