V50 General : What do I need to replicate a Focus ST?

[NotJustVolvos]

New here and to Volvos, so apologies if I ask any stupid questions.

I'm considering purchasing a V50 T5 as I've driven a V50 1.8f and a MK2 Octavia VRS 2.0TFSI, so I'm looking to combine the best aspects of both into one car. I know the Volvo handles differently due to suspension and diff setup, but I'm more focused on the engine and sound of the T5 vs Focus ST.

I'm aware the Volvo has a different ECU (and exhaust I think?) set-up to make it drive and sound more 'sophisticated' compared to the boy-racer ST. What can be done to reverse this and add the burbly, aggressiveness of the ECU tune and sound the ST has? Is it just tuning or does the exhaust require any modification too? I'm not looking for 'pops and bangs', just the ST's OEM character.

And since I read these ECUs are difficult to tune (say compared to a VAG group car) would it be worth or even possible to install an aftermarket ECU?

Down the line I hope to also do a high power build, so that might be relevant to the consideration of an aftermarket ECU.


Thanks!

[Haizum74]

Originally Posted by NotJustVolvos

New here and to Volvos, so apologies if I ask any stupid questions.

I'm considering purchasing a V50 T5 as I've driven a V50 1.8f and a MK2 Octavia VRS 2.0TFSI, so I'm looking to combine the best aspects of both into one car. I know the Volvo handles differently due to suspension and diff setup, but I'm more focused on the engine and sound of the T5 vs Focus ST.

I'm aware the Volvo has a different ECU (and exhaust I think?) set-up to make it drive and sound more 'sophisticated' compared to the boy-racer ST. What can be done to reverse this and add the burbly, aggressiveness of the ECU tune and sound the ST has? Is it just tuning or does the exhaust require any modification too? I'm not looking for 'pops and bangs', just the ST's OEM character.

And since I read these ECUs are difficult to tune (say compared to a VAG group car) would it be worth or even possible to install an aftermarket ECU?

Down the line I hope to also do a high power build, so that might be relevant to the consideration of an aftermarket ECU.


Thanks!

The easy answer is.....buy an ST if you want that sound. No point buying a V50 and then spending more money trying to get the ST tune and 'sound'.

[T5Terry]

If you want to tune a T5 V50 then the best people to go to are this company:

https://www.motorsport-developments...._Packages.html

They are specialists in the Focus ST and also Volvo T5 tuning. I will be taking my T5 C70 to them later this year for a mild MSD 260 tune. Do be careful as a lot of the remaps are not worth the money and can cause all sorts of issues. See their page on Safety before you do anything with your car.

They will also be able to advise you on all the extra bits you may need to do. Bear in mind that it can get expensive and only you can decide if the car is worth the money you could spend.

[NotJustVolvos]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Originally Posted by Haizum74

The easy answer is.....buy an ST if you want that sound. No point buying a V50 and then spending more money trying to get the ST tune and 'sound'.

A Focus ST doesn't really suit my needs. I know there's alternatives, but I'm absolutely determined to get a speedy yet comfortable 5 cylinder Volvo estate, even if it costs more.

What's fundamentally different in the ST so that it can't be replicated in the V50 with the same engine? That's what I'm trying to find out.

Originally Posted by T5Terry

If you want to tune a T5 V50 then the best people to go to are this company:

https://www.motorsport-developments...._Packages.html

They are specialists in the Focus ST and also Volvo T5 tuning. I will be taking my T5 C70 to them later this year for a mild MSD 260 tune. Do be careful as a lot of the remaps are not worth the money and can cause all sorts of issues. See their page on Safety before you do anything with your car.

They will also be able to advise you on all the extra bits you may need to do. Bear in mind that it can get expensive and only you can decide if the car is worth the money you could spend.

Thanks for that, I'll check them out. Are there any other good Volvo tuners in the UK and Ireland to consider?

[Tannaton]

It's not just the tune, you'll likely need bigger turbo, injectors, intercooler

And then brakes.... suspension....

And then you'll have a car worth nearly as much as a mint stock one.

[NotJustVolvos]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

It's not just the tune, you'll likely need bigger turbo, injectors, intercooler

And then brakes.... suspension....

And then you'll have a car worth nearly as much as a mint stock one.

Thanks for the reply.

I know the suspension is different (obviously geared towards comfort) but the rest are identical from factory no? Same 320mm front discs, same K04 etc.

I'm trying to find out what makes the Focus ST sound the way it does if the engines are identical. If it's just the tune or exhaust set up too.

Thank you

[Simmy]

a good aftermarket exhaust manufacturer like tony banks can make the car sound like what you want it too at a price call him to discuss your needs

[MikeGMT]

Originally Posted by NotJustVolvos

Thanks for the reply.

I know the suspension is different (obviously geared towards comfort) but the rest are identical from factory no? Same 320mm front discs, same K04 etc.

I'm trying to find out what makes the Focus ST sound the way it does if the engines are identical. If it's just the tune or exhaust set up too.

Thank you

A few things I remember from when I had my mkll Focus ST. It had revised timing especially at idle which gave it a unique sound. A huge rear silencer with the tailpipes exiting from either side, and a 'symposer' which channeled sound into the cabin. Apart from these the Ford SVE boys tinkered with a whole host of things to get the engine how they wanted it. Apparently, when Volvo engineers visited the Saarlouis plant they didn't want to hand the cars back after testing them.


Some info you may find interesting.


focus_st_book v2.pdf

[domhart10]

Originally Posted by NotJustVolvos

New here and to Volvos, so apologies if I ask any stupid questions.

I'm considering purchasing a V50 T5 as I've driven a V50 1.8f and a MK2 Octavia VRS 2.0TFSI, so I'm looking to combine the best aspects of both into one car. I know the Volvo handles differently due to suspension and diff setup, but I'm more focused on the engine and sound of the T5 vs Focus ST.

I'm aware the Volvo has a different ECU (and exhaust I think?) set-up to make it drive and sound more 'sophisticated' compared to the boy-racer ST. What can be done to reverse this and add the burbly, aggressiveness of the ECU tune and sound the ST has? Is it just tuning or does the exhaust require any modification too? I'm not looking for 'pops and bangs', just the ST's OEM character.

And since I read these ECUs are difficult to tune (say compared to a VAG group car) would it be worth or even possible to install an aftermarket ECU?

Down the line I hope to also do a high power build, so that might be relevant to the consideration of an aftermarket ECU.


Thanks!

This is easy, pretty much the same car minus things like the ECU and handling mods. You want the sound, get a 3" + exhaust system. Want more pops and bangs, get a map done for it. You cannot achieve this on the standard T5 exhaust.

an initial remap is easy for this, or a custom for your stage one's so unless you are going big turbo or have incredibly deep pockets and willing to wait a while ... then I wouldnt bother.

So yes if you are after sound, just get a new exhaust (min 3") and an intake cone.

[NotJustVolvos]

Originally Posted by MikeGMT

A few things I remember from when I had my mkll Focus ST. It had revised timing especially at idle which gave it a unique sound. A huge rear silencer with the tailpipes exiting from either side, and a 'symposer' which channeled sound into the cabin. Apart from these the Ford SVE boys tinkered with a whole host of things to get the engine how they wanted it. Apparently, when Volvo engineers visited the Saarlouis plant they didn't want to hand the cars back after testing them.
Attachment 154376

Interesting, is the 'revised timing' physically changed or ECU controlled?

Originally Posted by domhart10

This is easy, pretty much the same car minus things like the ECU and handling mods. You want the sound, get a 3" + exhaust system. Want more pops and bangs, get a map done for it. You cannot achieve this on the standard T5 exhaust.

an initial remap is easy for this, or a custom for your stage one's so unless you are going big turbo or have incredibly deep pockets and willing to wait a while ... then I wouldnt bother.

So yes if you are after sound, just get a new exhaust (min 3") and an intake cone.

Exactly what I wanted to hear, thank you!

I don't want 'pops and bangs', just the over-run (not sure how else to call it) that the ST has from factory. I assume this is easily done through tuning then? And a decent aftermarket exhaust is one of the first mods I would get. Any recommendations for branded exhaust or design of a custom exhaust, e.g. what mufflers/resonators etc. to use? I'm looking to get that vocal 5 cylinder decel. sound.

Also would appreciate any recommendations for a 200 cel sports cat, as I'm planning on keeping her road legal.

Thanks