D3 - ECU Software...

[Gotcha]

Been looking and reading up, because I want to up the software on my D3 Powershift.

Option 1: Rica can take it from the stock 150hp 350nm to 201hp and 451nm. Which is awesome, only problem is, I will have to take out and send my ECU to them in Netherlands to have it hacked....and software loaded. From SA

Option 2: Veloce performance say they can also do it, without a hack, in Boot mode, also 200Hp and 450nm. Wonder if they maybe have or load Rica map or own software tune....I do not think they know about the PIN issue. So that will void this option.

Option 3: Plug and play units like Chipbox - gains at 10 to 15%

Option 4: Polestar from Volvo themselves. About same price as Rica, minus the courier and downtime. Figures gained 177hp and 400nm.

But the thing that I am wondering now, is Polestar does more than just the engine, as they state. And this may be a deciding factor....
As the powershift can be little annoying from pull away as there is a delay.

But Polestar claims:

Gearshift Speed*
The gearshift speed has been increased for the car to accelerate faster and react more direct to the commands of the driver, for example when shifting down fast ahead of an overtaking manoeuvre. A faster gearbox provides the driver with more direct control of the car.

Gearshift Precision and Gear Hold*
The gearshifts have been calibrated to provide a more direct and precise driving experience as well as faster acceleration. Gearshift points have been calibrated to efficiently utilise the optimised mid-range performance of the engine. The gear hold function holds the gear during cornering at high lateral g-forces, preventing unwanted gearshifts mid-corner that can unsettle the balance of the car.

* = Automatic gearbox only
http://www.polestar.com/wp-content/u...er_Eng_Web.pdf

Any info would be appreciated. If polestar software improves all of this...then I think it will be wise to go for it.

[civilservant]

Can't answer your question but if it were me, I would opt for Polestar as this would avoid any potential problems regarding warranty and unapproved modifications. Plus Polestar, I believe, offer a guarantee...?

[Gotcha]

Not worried about the warranty on this one. But most tuners take over a warranty. But the Polestar is Volvo approved.

[Pchende]

What prices have you been quoted for the Polestar map, if its similar priced to the rica one but polestar also tweak the gearbox settings i would go for the Polestar one.

As you say also you dont have to remove your ecu if your like me and the need the car everyday its a no brainer.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Gotcha

Been looking and reading up, because I want to up the software on my D3 Powershift.

Option 1: Rica can take it from the stock 150hp 350nm to 201hp and 451nm. Which is awesome, only problem is, I will have to take out and send my ECU to them in Netherlands to have it hacked....and software loaded. From SA

Option 2: Veloce performance say they can also do it, without a hack, in Boot mode, also 200Hp and 450nm. Wonder if they maybe have or load Rica map or own software tune....I do not think they know about the PIN issue. So that will void this option.

Option 3: Plug and play units like Chipbox - gains at 10 to 15%

Option 4: Polestar from Volvo themselves. About same price as Rica, minus the courier and downtime. Figures gained 177hp and 400nm.

But the thing that I am wondering now, is Polestar does more than just the engine, as they state. And this may be a deciding factor....
As the powershift can be little annoying from pull away as there is a delay.

But Polestar claims:

Gearshift Speed*
The gearshift speed has been increased for the car to accelerate faster and react more direct to the commands of the driver, for example when shifting down fast ahead of an overtaking manoeuvre. A faster gearbox provides the driver with more direct control of the car.

Gearshift Precision and Gear Hold*
The gearshifts have been calibrated to provide a more direct and precise driving experience as well as faster acceleration. Gearshift points have been calibrated to efficiently utilise the optimised mid-range performance of the engine. The gear hold function holds the gear during cornering at high lateral g-forces, preventing unwanted gearshifts mid-corner that can unsettle the balance of the car.

* = Automatic gearbox only
http://www.polestar.com/wp-content/u...er_Eng_Web.pdf

Any info would be appreciated. If polestar software improves all of this...then I think it will be wise to go for it.

Powershift gearbox on a D3 ?? ie ford gearbox on a volvo engine ?

[Gotcha]

Originally Posted by Pchende

What prices have you been quoted for the Polestar map, if its similar priced to the rica one but polestar also tweak the gearbox settings i would go for the Polestar one.

As you say also you dont have to remove your ecu if your like me and the need the car everyday its a no brainer.

Well the price is the same, and no downtime. But I am still waiting for the reply from Polestar. So far I am leaning to the Polestar software.

[Pchende]

Originally Posted by Gotcha

Well the price is the same, and no downtime. But I am still waiting for the reply from Polestar. So far I am leaning to the Polestar software.

Definitely sounds the right choice to me.

[Gotcha]

Spoke to guys at Polestar, and the Auto Gearbox mods are only available on the new 4 cyl models. "“the new generation optimisation” is only offered to four cylinder drive-E VEA engines"

So they only enhance the engine power......
"We will not reprogram the gearbox. But, The gearbox will shift faster and smoother, especially in S-mode, because of the higher torque/power.
The Engine torque does affect the function of the gearbox in all Volvo models"

So I may be rethink this....

I was at the coast last week, and the little extra boost.....was awesome!!! And you can hear the turbo whistle even more.

[PierreC]

Originally Posted by Gotcha

Been looking and reading up, because I want to up the software on my D3 Powershift.

Hi Gotcha

I am confused when you say D3 Powershift ... all D3's in South Africa have the Geartronic transmission. Powershift is the Ford double clutch gearbox and is only on the T3 and T4 ... actually WAS, when these were the Ford 1.6 litre engines.

Double check but I do believe you have a Geartronic - I certainly do ...

[Clan]

Originally Posted by PierreC

Hi Gotcha

I am confused when you say D3 Powershift ... all D3's in South Africa have the Geartronic transmission. Powershift is the Ford double clutch gearbox and is only on the T3 and T4 ... actually WAS, when these were the Ford 1.6 litre engines.

Double check but I do believe you have a Geartronic - I certainly do ...

Powershift is only on the ford based engines , currently popular on the D2 up until a few months ago when it was axed .