I was just wondering why the '99 + volvo cars can use the softloaders and the '98 cant?? Whats the differnce?

 

Don't quote me on this but I think the 1999+ models ECU is married to the car. Meaning that that ECU cannot be used in any other vehicle. I think this is part of the answer.

 

could be, as most of(if not all) the tunning devices are paired to the ecu aswell, and only support 99+
maybe tech will know

 

I would suggest and recommend that your call IPD USA and or Viva Performance and ask why you cannot use their softloaders on 1998 and before models.

They would be the people to ask.

 

ok so i called IPD, apprently in the 99+ cars the electrical system changed

 

There ya go. Did they give you anymore information? I ask because I have a regular ECU upgrade from SpeedTuning USA and it works fine. I can use both type of upgrades.

 

yea, he didnt go into to much detail, but for one it is that the ECU is paired with the car, that and a differnt electrical ecu system(?). Apparently your car has the same electircal system as the newer volvos. You can do both the chip and softload, I can only do the chip.

 

Figured. However be glad because the softloader is a lot more money. Think of the money you will save on just getting a regular ECU upgrade.

 

yea thats true, its jsut if I could softload, then all I would need is a program that would let me tune the ecu, since I already have the hook ups.

I also asked about teh T-5 ecu,a dn he said yes it would work, but thats it not really a good performance gain, since its programmed for a larger turbo.

 

Then why don't you buy a standalone system that you can make a custom tune anytime you want to. Chage it on the fly, etc...

 

See I just dont know if that wold work, that and I dont know what those programs are or where to get them. Have any ideas? Ill do a google search.........

 

I know CIVINCO is a standalone system some Volvo guys have used. I think there is another called NIRA something I think. And I know there is a third but don't know the name.

Volvospeed people would know. Go over there and ask about STANDALONE systems.

 

ok, thanks s70, i will pop over their later this afternoon

 

The 1999 and up cars become networked.
Meaning total the cars have about 15 computers or more in them that are networked.
You cannot swap computers between cars anymore.
They are also a one time use. Once programmed by the dealer they cannont be reused.

 

Thank you so much samadkins29 for having posed the T5 ECU question. I wonder how much of a performance improvement one would actually derive from a T5 ECU.

 

Now im really new to this volvo thing, like i said before i was a dsm guy. I want to upgrade the ecu and i have been looking around but for some reason 700 doesnt seem reasonable for and upgrade. What is the most cost effective way to upgrade the ecu on my 98 t5 with out breaking the bank.

thanks,

Ken

 

In our relm of ECU upgrade $700 is fair. Although there are cheaper ones but you get what you pay for.

- Upsolute, $425
- SpeedTuning USA, $325
- Inmotion $200-$400

These are the cheapest ECU tuners around for Volvo. I have a SpeedTuning USA and like it. Will or most likely make your car run RICH. IPD USA, RICA, BSR PPC they put the most time, money and research into their ECU tunes and are worth the money.