Looking at getting the ECU flash upgrade from a local volvo specialist... I did some research and stock my '04 2.5t boosts at 8 PSI, The upgrade will up the boost to around 14 PSI... 14 PSI isn't a crazy ammount of boost, but I'm curious if the stock volvo engines(rods, manifold, etc...) are built to withstand an increase in boost?? I would imagine if you were to throw a rod after messing with the boost, the warranty wouldn't cover it... am I wrong? Thanks for all the help and input!!!

 

I really don't know, so unless someone else knows for sure I would call IPD or VIVA Performance and ask. Both of those companieshave ECU upgrades that can switch back and forth from stock ECU settings.

FWIW, the R has 14 or 15 PSI stock.

 

14PSI is about the max you would wan't to push I would say. Do a complete STAGE ZERO before you upgrade your ECU.

Most Volvo dealerships that I know of are not mod friendly thusly they wont do a damn thing for you if it was caused by an aftermarket part.

Now like S60 R said IPD USA, VIVA PERFORMANCE and also EUROSPORTTUNING all sell an ECU upgrade that is done by you the owner. You purchase the programmer and the program and update it via OBDII. What is nice is that any time you want to you can revert back to stock. So if something does happen you can revert back to stock and take it to the dealership without them knowing you upgraded your ECU.

 

Remember though, the R has a bigger KKK turbo, so pushing 14 psi won't wear it out as fast as the other. The R also has upgraded internals and 2 intercoolers to compensate for the extra hp and heat.

 

The R has nothing to do with this conversation, it gets over 20 lbs boost with a chip and no adverse effects.

Your car will suffer NO ill effects or issues as long as you change the oil a bit more frequently, (synthetic preferred)and service the transmission (change the fluid)every 25 to 30K miles.

If you're worried about warranty unless they actually look for it, there's no obvious way to see if the ECU has been upgraded.
If you think a softloader solves that, it doesn't matter.
Even if you revert it back to stock before it goes in for service, IF they choose to look for somethingthey can see if it's been flashed, there is a record on in the computer.

in the past 25 years you can count the number of engine failures on one hand and those were because of other failedparts or just too much HP built into the car itself.

An ECU mod alone will be just fine

 

what does a "stage zero" actually consist of? I can find the one, two and three, but no zero... I have an intake already...