Volo flash "Performance Chip" Dyno results are in!:

And as surmised by most, it ain't pretty.

FYI, this is a continuation of the thread on the Volo Flash Performance Chips for sale for multiple models, including BMWs, that have flooded Ebay, and is set out here:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...highlight=volo

I took it upon myself to install the chip and get it dynoed. The great guys over at Performance Auto near Richmond (http://www.performanceautosport.com/dynojet.asp) performed three runs on their DynoJet, two runs with the chip properly installed, and then a third run with the chip deactivated. The Volo chip I installed had the upgraded microchip installed and I had already put over 250 miles on it, which is well over Volo's 120-mile "adaption" recommendation, to be sure. The chip was on solid "green," indicating proper functioning.

Here are the dyno results--I hope that you can read it on this download, which is set out below:

(NOTE on raw data: HP and Torque are measured through actual performance through the drivetrain, which absorbs approx. 15% of the actual engine-generated HP and Torque, so add about 15% back on for manufacturer-claimed numbers)

I'll summarize:

Run #1: Max HP 265.71; Max Torque 291.78
Run #2: Max HP 265.93; Max Torque 291.79

Runs establish a good baseline, and are nearly identical with the chip installed.

Disconnected the chip from the power source and did one additional run under the same conditions as above:

Run #3: Max HP 267.56; Max Torque 295.17

In summary, DynoJet results establish beyond any reasonable doubt that my car actually GAINED measureable HP and Torque when the Volo "performance" chip was removed. Dyno doesn't lie. As to Volo's claims about mileage improvements, I have done no study and can't make any claim one way or the other, though it stands to reason that minimal MPG gains are feasible in light of the overall power reductions, but as to any claim that Volo improves performance on a BMW 540i-6---this is a false claim. In fact, it seems to serve more as a power damper than improver.

On an ancillary note, the guys at Performance Auto were very impressed with the overall power output of the 540i and especially the exhaust note. When they redlined my engine during the first dyno run, a couple guys came piling out of an office in the building to look, one guy saying, "That's the BMW for today? Not like any BMW I ever heard. That sounds absolutely awesome!" This shop is a Ford Racing specialty tuner, so they don't get too many non-Mustangs, and rarely a fine piece of German engineering.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. I'm going to see about getting my money back from Volo. I have yet to leave my feedback, which should present some incentive for them to reimburse me. I don't expect to get money back for the DynoJet runs, but at least for this chip....

Thank you for looking out for the e39 community!

+1. Thanks for taking one for the team, and posting your experiences in a very informative and unbiased way!

Well, thanks for sharing. I wonder if the more "reputable" chips are the same?

Thank you for sharing the facts.

No problem. I wanted to see for myself if there was a cheap way to increase performance. I guess not. But don't confuse this "flash chip" with the pricey replacement CPU chips that you can buy on Bavauto, Dinan, etc., which are different. The Volo purported to be a "flash" chip that you connected to lines in your OBDII port that would somehow mimic or remap engine management to increase performance and efficiency.

BTW, I was very happy with the Dyno results on my car. I winced a bit during the process as they brought my engine to the red line during each run (my poor baby!), but everything worked out ok. Adding back in the DT loss, which they said was anywhere between 10 and 15 percent (they said exact numbers couldn't be determined in any dyno, but loss from 10-15% is their base line), my car runs at equal to or above manufacturer's specs even at the low end of the spectrum. Also didn't blow even the slightest whiff of smoke at any point, including banging up against 6500 rpms. I was very proud of her!

if you want a cheap way to improve power, and sound, buy two of THESE and go to a muffler shop and have them remove your cats and weld in straight pipes in their place for 100 bucks.
had this done because my cats were going bad. didn't wanna spend 3k on new cats, or have something throwing check engine lights.
i have no lights on the dash and the sound is great, and power is slightly better

Originally Posted by ghostinhere

if you want a cheap way to improve power, and sound, buy two of THESE and go to a muffler shop and have them remove your cats and weld in straight pipes in their place for 100 bucks.
had this done because my cats were going bad. didn't wanna spend 3k on new cats, or have something throwing check engine lights.
i have no lights on the dash and the sound is great, and power is slightly better

Not an option. Those are highly illegal for on-road use and using them in place of your CATs can net you federal and state criminal charges. That is no joke. Don't use them unless you are using your vehicle solely as a track car. Also, you are polluting our environment. Get a high-flow exhaust like MagnaFlow and keep the CATs where they belong.

in the state of florida, there is no emissions testing. half the chico's driving around here dont even have mufflers, let alone cats. illegal is illegal, i dont think there's any sort of degree to which you broke the law in this category. so my stock sounding exhaust is the least of my worries. even without cats, it's quieter than most cars from the factory. and seriously, you're gonna tell me about polution and we're driving v8's. i didn't cut out the pre-cats, so that's better than nothing.

Originally Posted by ghostinhere

in the state of florida, there is no emissions testing. half the chico's driving around here dont even have mufflers, let alone cats. illegal is illegal, i dont think there's any sort of degree to which you broke the law in this category. so my stock sounding exhaust is the least of my worries. even without cats, it's quieter than most cars from the factory

I`m with you bro))

Heh, in Orlando where I used to live they liked to steal your cats and sell them.

Waveho, I would also like to offer a big THANK YOU, for taking the time, $$$ and effort to take on this project. Too often there is speculation, fighting and arguing, rather than a simple test.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

Waveho, I would also like to offer a big THANK YOU, for taking the time, $$$ and effort to take on this project. Too often there is speculation, fighting and arguing, rather than a simple test.

Thanks!

Ditto x2, I'm new to the forum & have been checking into tuning chips. I've owned my car 2 1/2yrs & finally feel the need for a some minor upgrades, but don't want to lose the sleeper look or sound, so was hoping to just install AEF filter replacement, Magnoflow mufflers, & have a custom chip programmed while my vehicle is on the dyno for optimum performance. But all I hear is that chips will not help the performance of bimmers. What about a custom chip programmed while being dyno tested? Anybody done this yet? I know it costs more, but it may be worth it. From every thing I've read, I know these prefab chips are not.