Hello All,

I am considering the purchaser of a 2002 S60 T5 with a 5 speed manual, that has 130,000 miles from the original owner. The car appears to have been well maintained. The original owner installed a “chip” that bumped up the HP from the original 247 HP to 300 HP. According to online sources this engine in the stock form with a manual transmission was rated to obtain gas mileage of 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

I also understand the European version of the 2002 T5 was rated at 300 HP. My question is: Will the installation of the “chip” affect the gas mileage of the 2002 T5? If so, how much will it reduce it?

I confess, I have always driven like an “old man”. My daughters have said, since they were children, and they have not changed their opinion, or eagerness to share it with me, that I continue to drive like an “old man”. I guess I’m saying I don’t have a lead foot.

Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh

Usually, the ECU reprogramming allows the turbo the spool faster and create more manifold pressure. Under 'economical' driving conditions, the MPG will remain the same.

A good 'chip' will not give you a lot of torque in 1st gear, but allow the additional torque and bhp in subsequent gears.

Getting 30mpg is a stretch, unless you are in 6th and driving a constant 55mph - with the wind! Anything above 26mpg is to be considered a bonus. Do expect above 20mpg around town if you drive like an 'old man'. But these engines really like to be above 2000 rpm to keep the oil passages clear and the temperatures in the engine block consistant.

--
My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

For what it's worth, people don't chip (or modify the ecu if you prefer) to go slower. You might want to make sure the owner didn't really beat on the car. just my couple of cents worth of opinion. Mike

Mike,

You are very perceptive. I made a “discrete inquiry” to the Service Dept. of the dealership that sold this car new. While this car was still under warranty (4 years/50,000 miles) the owner brought the car in like “clock work” for every manufacturer specified servicing. As soon as the car hit 50,000 and went out of warranty, it stopped coming in for regular maintenance per the owner’s manual. At that time I believe the car was brought to a local garage that specializes in Volvos. The only thing in the car’s service history, that caught my attention was the fact the clutch was replaced at 70,000 miles at the dealership. That was highly unusual, if the car was driven in a normal manner. I manage over 175,000 miles per clutch on my two 850 wagons. Before I purchase this car, I will have it checked out by a private mechanic so I will know exactly what I am getting myself into. Thank you for your advice. You raise a legitimate point. If I had purchased this car new, I don’t know if I would have installed “chip” to boost the HP. I like to leave things stock, unless there is a compelling reason.

Hugh

Are those mileage ratings for the original EPA test or the new ratings that the EPA put out a few years ago when a lot of new car buyers complained that they could not even approach the MPG that the car was rated on its sticker?

If you can afford to drive a Volvo, does a couple of MPG worry you?

Jim,

I don’t know who the source is of those ratings. I just “Googled” 2002 Volvo S60 T5 Specifications and it came up. It sounds about right. My 1996 850 GLT, non-turbo with a 5 speed had rating of 25 miles in the city and 29 miles on the highway (which was on the manufacturers window sticker). Driving around town I average about 20 to 22 mpg. On the highway at a steady 60 mph, I achieved 31 mpg. I’m not obsessed with mileage, because I’m not buying a Prius. I like Volvos because they get a lot of things “just right”, decent gas mileage, longevity and of course safety which is paramount. I hope I wind up getting this car. If I get mileage similar to my current 850, I’ll be happy. Even with falling gas prices, I still pay attention to gas mileage. Thanks for your reply.

Hugh

Until you try it, the answer has to be 'That depends'. It depends on what the chip is doing to bring the HP up to 300. If it is not affecting the performance below 3000 rpm, your mileage should be about the same. If it moves the curve up through the entire rpm range, it probably won't improve the fuel economy...

Ask the owner if (s)he has the original chip.

Greg

Greg,

Thanks for your reply. I have never installed a performance “chip” in any car I have owned, and I normally shy away from any modifications (unless to overcome a design flaw) to the stock set up on a Volvo. I will definitely get as much information on the new “chip” installed and whether the old “chip” is still available.

Hugh

I have the IPD upgrade (did this guy tell you what "chip" was used?) on my '98 T5. The person who did it sent the ECU in. He advised me to not describe what was done as "chipping" it. I honestly don't know the difference - it seems like the bottom line is that it is modifying the curve.

In my case, the gas mileage is about stock. Like you, I drive non-aggressively normally. My memory is that unless you hit it hard, the engine performance/fuel economy is close to stock.

Time to Bake the Donuts,

Thank for your reply. I think, based upon other comments I have read, the term “chip” may be an expansive one. If I purchase this car, I will make sure I get all the information on the “chip” that was installed and whether the “old chip” is still available.

I’m glad to hear the gas mileage doesn’t “nose dive” wit the installation of a performance “chip”. Do I like the prospect of 300 HP? Sure, especially since my regular driver, a ’96 950 GLT wagon (5 speed manual / non-turbo) came was when it left the factory 19 years and nearly 300,000 miles later at a 168 HP. If I purchase this car, it will be nice to have 300 HP available, but I will sparingly call upon it. I’m attracted to this car because it is a manual, is front wheel drive and “Yes” is turbocharged.

Thank for sharing your experience. If I can hold onto close to what the original mpg ratings were for this particular Volvo in its stock form, I will be very happy.

Hugh