Mods for S60 2.0T ?

[Kuji]

Hi everyone,

 

Finally registered in this forum to be able to post. Had some problems registering a couple of months ago and only came in to do the registration again this morning.

My dad is currently driving an S60 2.0T and I am trying to find ways to improve the performance of the car. Does anyone know if an ECU upgrade is possible? I was looking at the Passat ABT and was wondering if an increase of BPH is possible via an ECU swap for the S60. Howver, I can't seem to locate any aftermkt parts for Volvos, be it cosmetic setups or performance parts. Do the parts (eg ECU) have to be specially imported? I was actually thinking of changing his air filter to an aftermkt drop in, but don't know if it will help in anyway at all. Looking forward to all your replies! Heard there are some really fast Volvos inside here.......

*Sigh*

If only he had gotten the T5 in the 1st place........ ;o)

 

Turbobrick - I think we exchanged some postings previously in delphi b4 and u gave me a site for Volvo ECU? Do u still have it? I kinda lost it. Thanks!

[Cktan]

If you are looking for the volvo resources, i think U can try www.vvspy.com

 

They have a good mix of those who are really into S60s I think.

 

S60 2.0T is good for its low turbo lag.

 

Cheers and safe driving,

CK

[Kuji]

Thanks for the reply. Its true that there isn't much turbo lag, but the car somehow feels a bit lethargic at low RPMs.

 

Went to the website this morning actually, it seems that most of the users are from other countries and most of the stuff are on the T5s. I am trying to find out if there are any workshops locally or maybe SM carry aftermkt parts? ;o) kekeke I can't think of anything rite now besides an ECU swap that will boost the performance. Reviews have faulted the car for its handling, but I have found nothing so far to complain abt the handling. Anyway, any plans for mods will have to be subjected to dad's approval I can only propose. haha

 

Oh yah, another question to the rest, sorry for digressing: I noticed that the front brake pads are wearing out very unevenly, is this common? The top part is very thin compared to the centre portion. I am thinking of bringing it back to SM for a look, but the service seems pretty lousy if you do not make a scheduled appoinment. Maybe they see a young guy bring in the car and they can't be bothered.

 

Thanks in advance. =)

[Turbobrick]

Try www.tme.com, best Volvo Tuner IMHO.

 

Do note that U have to send your original ECU to Sweden so your car may be off-road for about 2weeks, it is due to the unique immobalizer codes built into each individual ECU.

 

As for SM's servicing, they used to be better until the increase in sales since the S80 three years back. Who needs a service reception revamp when the staff's attitude has not been revamped?

 

That's why after warranty I steer cleared from SM's service.

Edited May 20, 2002 by Turbobrick

[Cktan]

Although changing to freeflow exhaust etc($$$$) involved can improve spool up of the turbo, anything other than the ECU change may not be want U want(extract more power).

 

I would opt to take the car stock and enjoy whatever it gives.

 

If your car is under warranty, pls make a LOT of noise with them. Who knows, they may change it for you if it is something faulty.

 

Agree that the service may not be the most ideal if you do not have any appointment. But what to do? They seem to think they are the only ones who can service Volvo properly. Maybe TB can set up a temp Volvo agenty and give them a run for their money.

 

Me beri young also what? That's why bad service I supposed.

[Turbobrick]

The usual route for upgrading a Volvo Turbo is sort out the suspension first (that's one quality lacking from BMW) then do up the power mods.

 

Getting an exhaust first is essential so that after the ECU mod is in, the turbo can be kept cool since the exhaust exits quicker and the spool up will be much stronger

[Cktan]

I thought for mine, changing the exhaust will allow the turbo to spool up faster and hence cut the turbo lag.

 

I guess if it is a HPT, the way to go would be ECU for Hazki rite. Anyway, beleive that my brick set up is sufficient to handle the power already, unless ECU comes in .

 

The only modification I would go for is actually the BRAKES. POWER is nothing if you can stop in time, rite?

 

Saw James's brakes at the meetup on Sat. Can my brick upgrade to better brakes? How much$$?

 

CK

[Turbobrick]

CK, yours is a HPT so getting a ECU done is the ultimate steam fest!

 

Exhaust is necessary to sustain high boost without overheating the turbo, header and engine.

 

James got the 302mm brake upgrade like mine....not sure whether are there any for the S40, check it out with SM. Alternatively you may be able to run on EVO 4/5 Brembos! The 302mm kit cost about 1k with rotors and caliper kit.

 

Hackzi will have better low end to mid range boost from a ECU mod whereas your HPT like mine will benefit from a wicked mid range pull all the way to the top

[Kuji]

Thanks for the site.

 

I had no idea that the car will have to be off road for 2 weeks.If this is the case, I can forget about the ECU swap as my dad needs the car on a daily basis. You sent yours overseas?

 

I was reading the review put up by the papers on the excellent service given by SM. They gave such a good write up on their unannounced turn up at SM. I was wondering if I should get the newspaper team to go down with me and see what SM does to people who turns up unexpected. I tried calling once when the on board system displayed the msg "Engine System Requires Service". They did not even ask what the problem was or was it a routine servicing and just told me that the waiting list is until the following month. Think I am not going to make an appointment and just ask them to take a look at the brake pads. How long can it take to just take and look and decide if it needs to be replaced rite?

 

By the way, where do you send your car for servicing? Heard from SM people that the places outside cannot service S60s or S80s because of the on board computer/system. Is that true?

[Kuji]

I guess the changing of exhaust is out. My dad will not allow it. In fact, I am just finding out more about the ECU change so that I can tell him about it and try to psycho him into changing it. Chances are quite low as the car is only a form of transportation to him.

 

The stock car is actually sufficient for Singapore roads. Acceleration and high speed handling are all ok, just wanted to see anymore can be done to improve performance only.

 

Made a lot of noise to SM already. The car already had the brake pump replaced i think cos it was leaking brake fluid and there was a period of time the on board system kept displaying the msg "Engine System Require Service" and the car had to be brought back for resetting. Wind noise along driver side door is still present, I think they cant remove that as it seems a common problem amog S60s. I have gone down to SM so many times until damm sian of the place already.

 

Ok.....you are young, but you wont be younger than me lar... kekeke

[Fastforward]

[reply]I guess the changing of exhaust is out. My dad will not allow it. In fact, I am just finding out more about the ECU change so that I can tell him about it and try to psycho him into changing it. Chances are quite low as the car is only a form of transportation to him.

 

The stock car is actually sufficient for Singapore roads. Acceleration and high speed handling are all ok, just wanted to see anymore can be done to improve performance only.

 

Made a lot of noise to SM already. The car already had the brake pump replaced i think cos it was leaking brake fluid and there was a period of time the on board system kept displaying the msg "Engine System Require Service" and the car had to be brought back for resetting. Wind noise along driver side door is still present, I think they cant remove that as it seems a common problem amog S60s. I have gone down to SM so many times until damm sian of the place already.

 

Hi Kuji

 

If you are prepared to remove your ECU and send it via courier to TME Sweden for an upgrade, then that's the best way to squeeze out more from your car but be prepared to have the car sit for about a week at least as you would not be able to start the car without the ECU. Removing and installing back the ECU could be tricky. Even though they ask you to insure the ECU for courier up and down Sweden, there is still some risk. Say, you have managed to do all that, the upgrade works best with an upgraded exhaust, plus, are your brakes capable of handling the new found power.

 

There is no one locally I know that can do this, if not I would have done mine ( T6 )already. The thought of sending my ECU away and have my car sit for a while puts me off. I recently thought of something though, if SM could T loan me a ECU, I could perhaps send mine there and back quickly without any down time for my car.

 

As, for wind noise, I had the same problem, took it back and was told that they can't do anything about it as it is a common problem for continental cars. I told the guy there that I am not buying it as I've had a Merc and 3 bimmers b4 and never had a problem. Spoke to the Workshop manager and he asked a Swedish guy to look at it and guess what...... He solved it.

 

With regards to service, I have never had any service problem or attitude with the staff, in fact, I think their service is pretty good. If you have a problem, take it back or speak to the workshop manager

[Turbobrick]

Hi Kuji,

 

My S70 has the older Bosch Motronic 4.4 ECU so that can be swapped with other M4.4s. I bought a ECU with new program from Sweden and they shipped two ECUs with similar program since my is a 2.0 T5 so they asked me to try both ECUs. So in total I have 3 ECUs, 1 stock, 2 modded

 

The newer Bosch ME7 (Porsche uses ME9) has built in immobilizer codes and that's the setback for most international ME7 users besides Sweden and USA. Many Thai Volvo turbo owners want to juice up their S60, V70 and S80 has the same dilemma too.

 

As I mentioned before, SM is too short handed in the service dept. Their sales climb but service team remains the same, I go down to SM for coffee and buy parts once in a while......seeing the cars double parked in the service lots really spells out that they need another workshop or satellite service outlet.

 

Not sure about whether outside workshops can service S60s or not, but back when my S70 was going out of warranty I was told I need to send back to SM for the on-board diagnostics and all the other crap.......3yrs and counting without the need to do a OBD-2 diagnosis even once

 

Lemme know if U need outside mech contacts, considering your S60 is still under warranty, squeeze all the sweat out of SM Service!

[Kuji]

Thanks for the offer of contacts. Just a gentle reminder to all..not my S60...my dad's.

I am still supporter of SBS and TIBS most of the time.

How much does it cost for u to import an ECU? Can anyone do a swap locally?

[Turbobrick]

The ECU with program is US$800.

 

No one locally can sucessfully program a ME7 ECU. And I'll advise U to take those "chip tuner's" claim with a pinch of salt......

 

If U want to send the ECU to Sweden I can help U find out where the ECU is for removal.

[Kuji]

Thanks for the offer pal. But I don't think my dad would be interested at all. I was hoping that I can get a chip and just do the swap locally, apparently that is impossible, so its outt athe question. This is because even if the swap can be done, I still have the uphill task of convincing my dad, which is highly posible to end with the dooor being slammed in my face.

Thanks for all the help offered. Guess stock is the way to go now. Kekeke *sigh*

Is there a meet up anytime soon??

[Cktan]

I think your wind noise is a common problem. Somebody did mention that it may be due to the side mirror of the A pillar that needs some form padding.

My has wind noise but I think the road noise from the tyres drown most of it(maybe the turbo also helps to drown some of the wind noise )

I think U should enjoy the seat of S60. Seemed better than mine .

[Cktan]

Hi Fastforward,

what did the swedish guy do to solve the wind noise problem?

You never had any service problem bcoz yours S80 and T6 somemore what .

CK

[Fastforward]

Hi Fastforward,

what did the swedish guy do to solve the wind noise problem?

You never had any service problem bcoz yours S80 and T6 somemore what .

CK

 

Hi CK

 

The car went into the workshop so I don't really know what he did. I believe the noise came from side mirrors and into the cabin. I won't say it is loud, but why should we live we it. He worked on it and solved it.

 

Service wise - You need to be firm and know your rights as a customer, you are the reason for their existence, it doesn't matter which product of theirs you own. Once I wrote in to their COO after I found the frontline staff unable to solve my problem, The COO called their senior manager to attend to my problem and solved it. This happened in cycle and carriage too, when I wrote in to their MD, workshop manger called me personally the next day. I only had a C Class.

 

This is your second highest single purchase, don't settle for anything less than what you demand.