i have an 1996 volvo 850 turbo with just under 100k miles. I understand that there are IPD, upsolute, vp tuning, heico, tme, etc etc chips. They cost in the ranges of 350-750 or so. I have wanted to get a chip, but am hesitant in doing so because from what i hear, i should think about my gaskets. I understand that upgrading your ECU makes alot of strain on an engine, especially 10 years old. If i were to get a chip, should i think of re-doing a bunch of gaskets??? should i NOT worry?? and if I were to re-do gaskets, which ones are suggested, or known to go with a chip, what should i be looking of spending before the chip?? if someone could give me a heads up on whats best for this situation, that would be great. Being very detailed is not a bad thing, please tell me whats up with an ECU upgrade thanks- pete

 

First off, become a member of VOLVOSPEED. While a member there before asking anything, SEARCH. Look up what STAGE 0 is. It is helpful maintainence items and such. It is in the PERFORMANCE section in one of the PINNED threads.

DO STAGE 0 BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.

Also do you plan on doing any other mods other then an ECU upgrade? If so you might want to do them before an ECU upgrade. Just a thought.

Chips available that I know of are as follows... IPD (TME), RICA, EST, Upsolute, SpeedTuning USA.

IPD (TME), RICA are the most exspensive but are the best.
EST is the next exspensive
Upsolute follows
SpeedTuning USA is the cheapest.

I have the ST USA upgrade and I love it a lot!

 

My car has upgraded ECU from IPD USA -- Love It!!

Replace Thermostat with Wahler 87C/190F (NOT Volvo 90C/195F)
https://volvoforums.com/m_16392/tm.htm

Replace ATF
https://volvoforums.com/m_25657/tm.htm

Replace Brake Pads and Rotors

Replace exhaust with downpipe, wideband O2 sensor, Magnaflow cat and Dynomax muffler

Replace PCV/Oil Seperator Hoses

Replace intercooler Hoses with SAMCO
http://www.vivaperformance.com/catal...roducts_id=135

Stage 0
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=7281

r213faq