ECU Remapping - for an 850 T5 - what options?

[itguy]

Hi Everyone

Now I've had my T5 for about 3 months now, and I'm starting to consider getting an ECU remap.

I've done loads of searching etc but I think it would be really helpful for me, and others, if we can turn this thread into a list of all known ECU remaps for the 850 T5 and who supplies them. The list can't be that extensive, so I'll start with the only one I know,

RICA 280 or 304, Volvotuning, Bromsgrove, volvotuninguk.com

[stusT5]

volvo tuning a no go sw autos do remaps rica i think and what i think is the best remap don norchi kalmar union mte remap is swedish software all done while you drive the car there are also a couple of other systems but i don't know a lot to comment on them

[dooby]

Hiya,

from personal experience, I've run an off-the-shelf MTE280 map, and an off-the-shelf RICA304 map. At the dyno (the same dyno) they both made similar power.

I enjoyed both of them, but ended up with the RICA because I managed to get it cheap 2nd hand, and keep my standard ECU. I would say in my experience driving my auto, the RICA is (as often suggested), more aggressive. The MTE is as powerful but more progressive (power comes in more smoothly).

I have to be careful not to spin a wheel when accelerating hard from 30 to 60 if it's slightly damp, and I have done extensive work on the front of my car to get the power down. I.e. strut brace, poly wishbone and top engine mounts, new steering rack, replaces anti-roll bar, new droplinks, Koni adjustable shocks and lowering springs all round, brand new Dunlop SP9000s.

I didn't notice as much of a problem breaking traction under hard acceleration with the MTE map.

These are my personal observations, based on things I've experienced 1st hand.

HTH, Pete

[s60ben]

Volvotuning... not with a barge pole
SWAuto's... not with a barge pole

RICA/MTE would appear to be similar on the older cars for sure! , however nunchukhamsters MTE'd ME7 car made spot on power

I'd personally go with the better driving experience, and after having driven a RICA and a MTE on the same car with a heavy tune (Nuisance's) , the MTE is a much nicer much more progressive and massively more powerful car albeit on an ME7.

Plus with MTE you don't "wreck" your old ECU (Pre ME7) by having to have a chip soldered into it, which on RICA/Upsolute/SWAutos'/Superchips you do..... at which should you decide at a later date to have a change you are stuffed......

[Nunchukhamster]

Additionally, the MTE remap can be customised if your modification work progresses......

[itguy]

All sounds very promising - thanks everyone.

So - the MTE map then, am I right in thinking it gets flashed on rather than a chip soldered in?

If that's the case, is anything more known about the MTE map - like does it retain the knock sensing and overboost protection etc? (Albeit raised threshold on the overboost I would assume). Do they remap all cellsites in the map or just the higher boost ones and do they remap the ignition too or leave that to the knock sensors?

Also - what boost pressure does the MTE run?

Anyone got any views on fuel consumption MTE vs Stock, if not driven flat out all the time (where obviously it would be worse).

98 ron fuel I presume also for the MTE - as it will be raising the boost pressure.

Does Kelmar Union have a RR to check output etc before/after fitting or offer a free visual check of engine bay etc to ensure all is well before upgrade?

I'm going to have to buy/refit a new BCS as from what I understand running a remap with just an MBC is not a great idea...

[Jod T5]

Originally Posted by Nunchukhamster

Additionally, the MTE remap can be customised if your modification work progresses......

very much agree.....
cheers
jod

[Jod T5]

i am, i believe the only person don has allowed to RR MTE and Rica on the same dyno on the same day, on the same car and i agree with dooby, the rica is more in your face but mte more usable, i initially loved the rica cos i could do a set of tyres in 5k, but after a while the hooligan element rubs off and the MTE, tho "more progressive" is just as good giving better higher rev bhp to catch and exceed the rica at top revs..i have posted the RR maps before but if you need proof then i will again.....
oh and here it is

the torque can be seen to be more gradual too

cheers
jod

[Jod T5]

Originally Posted by s60ben

RICA/MTE would appear to be similar on the older cars for sure! , however nunchukhamsters MTE'd ME7 car made spot on power

its not fair to compare the 850 to the ME7 ben on a pre ME7 forum but i take your point...
cheers
jod

[John_C]

I'm still addicted to the RICA "kick in the arse" sensation, I completely love it. Certainly in bad weather I have wished for something more progressive on occasion, it's astonishingly good fun when it grips, but embarassing when it doesn't

If I take the car further I think I'll try the MTE stage 2 map though, it will be absolutely essential to have a more progressive map if I free up any more grunt.....

Cheers,
John