VOLVO V50 TUNING

Our Stage 1 tune is designed to optimize your stock vehicle and unlock its full performance potential. Unlike the factory tune, which is often detuned to accommodate lower octane fuel, our Stage 1 tune is specifically tailored for RON98 fuel, providing a significant boost in power. With our optimization, you can enjoy improved throttle response, an optimized boost and torque curve, increased peak boost, and the removal of factory speed limiters. Please note that Stage 1 tunes do not offer additional customization options as they are finely calibrated to deliver the best overall performance. Experience the thrill of your stock vehicle performing at its best with our Stage 1 tune.

What’s Included?

• Improved throttle response
• Optimized Boost and Torque Curve
• Increase in Peak Boost
• Factory Speed Limiter removed
• RPM Limiter increased
• Approx. gains (+25hp / +60NM)

Requirements:

• Stage 0
• RON98
• PCP J2534, Volvo DICE or Equivalent

With our Stage 2 tune, we take your vehicle’s performance to the next level by optimizing it specifically for your upgraded exhaust system. Our tune is tailored to work in perfect harmony with your larger exhaust downpipe and sport catalytic converter, maximizing the benefits they provide. By fine-tuning the engine parameters to complement your upgraded exhaust, you can expect a substantial increase in boost and throttle response. This optimized combination enhances exhaust flow, reduces restrictions, and unlocks the full potential of your vehicle’s engine, resulting in a significant performance boost.

What’s Included?

• Higher Boost limit than Stage 1
• Access to Options like Crackle, 2-Step Limiters, etc.
• Optimized Spark ignition maps
• O2 Sensor CEL Delete – to enable you to use a high-flow catalytic or catalytic delete for track days without the check engine light.
• Approx. gains (+40hp / +70NM)

Requirements:

• 3″ Downpipe with sports catalytic
• Cold Air Intake or High-flow Air Filter (Recommended)
• Stage 0
• RON98
• PCP J2534, Volvo DICE or Equivalent

Introducing our Stage 2 Competition tune, the ultimate choice for those seeking the highest level of performance and precision. In addition to the enhancements of our Stage 2 tune, this advanced option includes comprehensive datalogging capabilities. By recording and analyzing various parameters from your vehicle’s sensors, we fine-tune the tune to its absolute limits, ensuring maximum power output, responsiveness, and overall performance. With our Stage 2 Competition tune, you’ll experience optimized boost and throttle response, further amplified by the benefits of your upgraded exhaust system. The inclusion of datalogging allows us to carefully monitor and adjust the tune, repeatedly refining it until we find the perfect balance between power and reliability for your specific vehicle.

What’s Included:

• Access to Options like wastegate upgrades, WMI, Ethanol, etc.
• Optimized Spark ignition maps and fine-tuned fueling maps
• O2 Sensor CEL Delete – to enable you to use a high-flow catalytic or catalytic delete for track days without the check engine light.
• Target Peak Boost: 1.3 bar (≈19 psi)
• Approx. gains (+60hp / +110NM)

Requirements:

• 3″ Downpipe with sports catalytic (uprated catback recommended)
• Cold Air Intake or High-flow Air Filter (Recommended)
• Stage 0
• RON98
• RS Oil Cooler (For 2008 or older vehicles)
• PCP J2534, Volvo DICE or Equivalent

Our Stage 3 Competition Tune is designed for enthusiasts pushing the limits of their stock turbo. Tailored to extract maximum power from the K04 turbocharger, this tune delivers next-level performance. When you choose our Stage 3 tune, you’re not just getting one map—you’re getting two tunes for the price of one. Alongside the high-performance map, we include a low boost revision for everyday driving, giving you flexibility without compromising on power. To further enhance performance, we recommend pairing this tune with our wastegate mod, water-methanol injection, and ethanol fuel options. Every tuning process includes comprehensive datalogging to ensure your vehicle’s performance is finely tuned and optimized. Unleash the full potential of your stock turbo and experience the ultimate driving performance with our Stage 3 Competition Tune.

What’s Included?

• Tune 1: Safe Boost Limit
• Tune 2: Peak Boost limit
• Optimized Spark ignition maps and fine-tuned fueling maps
• O2 Sensor CEL delete to enable you to use a high-flow catalytic or catalytic delete for track days without the check engine light.
• Target Peak Boost: 1.55 bar (≈22.5 psi)
• Peak RPM: 7200 (Optional)
• Approx. gains (+80hp / +140NM)

Requirements:

• 3″ Downpipe with sports catalytic (uprated catback recommended)
• Uprated Intercooler
• Stage 0
• RON98
• RS Oil Cooler
• Cold Air Intake or High-flow Air Filter
• Block Mod (Recommended)
• PCP J2534, Volvo DICE or Equivalent

Our Stage 4 Competition tune is designed for drivers seeking unmatched power beyond the limitations of the K04 turbo. This tune utilizes the K16 turbo found in the Focus RS, delivering significant performance gains. Multiple revisions and comprehensive data logging are required to fine-tune this setup for optimal results. With our Stage 4 Competition tune, experience a new level of power and performance. Unleash the full potential of your vehicle and dominate the competition with our Stage 4 tune.

What’s Included?

• Bespoke tuning: This tune is customized to your specific vehicle, ensuring precise calibration for maximum power and efficiency.
• Approx. gains (+150-200hp/ 160-200NM)
• Extensive data logging: Comprehensive data logging is performed to analyze and adjust various engine parameters, achieving the best possible tune.

Requirements:

• 3″ Downpipe with sports catalytic (Larger catback recommended)
• Stage 3 Intercooler
• K16 Turbo
• RON98
• RS Oil Cooler
• Cold Air Intake or High-flow Air Filter
• Block Mod
• Uprated Fuel Pump
• 750cc Injectors
• PCP J2534, Volvo DICE or Equivalent

HOON-Mode:

HOON-Mode is an advanced, switchable control layer programmed directly into your ECU and linked to the factory Cruise Control system. It allows multiple performance features to be armed or disabled safely without interfering with normal vehicle operation.

When Cruise Control is enabled (but not actively controlling speed), HOON-Mode becomes active and all compatible HOON features are armed. When Cruise Control is engaged and controlling speed, HOON-Mode is automatically disabled. This ensures factory Cruise Control behaviour and safety logic remain unchanged.

HOON-Mode is designed to give you full control—keeping aggressive features disabled during normal driving and available only when intentionally enabled. Your vehicle must be equipped with Cruise Control to use HOON-Mode features.

HOON Crackle:

HOON Crackle is a fully switchable crackle strategy controlled via HOON-Mode. When HOON-Mode is disabled, crackle behaviour is completely inactive. When HOON-Mode is enabled, aggressive crackle behaviour is activated.

This allows you to enjoy an aggressive exhaust note only when desired, without committing to permanent crackle behaviour. HOON Crackle is ideal for drivers who want flexibility between quiet daily driving and high-impact sound on demand.

HOON+ Launch:

HOON+ Launch is an integrated launch and performance control suite that is armed through HOON-Mode. It uses the Cruise Control input as a safe arming signal and does not interfere with factory traction control, ABS, or stability systems.

HOON+ Launch can include multiple features such as Two-Step Launch Control, Rolling Launch, and No-Lift Shift. All parameters—including RPM targets and behaviour—are adjustable through the dedicated HOON+ software tab, allowing the system to be tailored to your vehicle and driving style.

Torque Limiter Delete (Automatic):

From the factory, Volvo applies aggressive torque limiting on automatic transmissions, particularly in first and second gear. This option removes the factory torque restriction, allowing the engine to deliver its full calculated torque.

The result is improved acceleration, stronger mid-range performance, and more consistent power delivery without artificial torque reduction.

Cold Start Delete:

During cold starts, the factory calibration raises engine RPM to rapidly heat the catalytic converter for emissions compliance. This behaviour can be loud and intrusive on vehicles with aftermarket exhaust systems.

This option removes the elevated cold-start RPM routine, resulting in quieter, smoother cold starts while maintaining normal engine operation once warm.

Wastegate Mod:

This option recalibrates the wastegate control strategy to support aftermarket wastegates with uprated springs, such as a Turbosmart 7psi unit. It allows improved boost control, reduced boost taper, and more stable boost levels at higher RPM.

The wastegate mod is recommended for higher-stage and competition setups where precise boost control is critical.

2-Step Launch Control:

Implements a configurable 2-Step launch limiter using fuel cut to hold engine RPM at a predefined value while stationary with the clutch depressed. This allows consistent and repeatable launches by preventing uncontrolled RPM flare.

This option is fully compatible with HOON-Mode and can be enabled or disabled as part of the HOON+ Launch system.

Burble / Crackle / HOON Crackle:

We offer multiple fuel overrun crackle profiles to suit different preferences and exhaust configurations:

• Burbles: A subtle gurgling exhaust note on lift-off. Discreet and suitable for vehicles retaining a catalytic converter.
• Lift-off Pop (Hybrid): Produces one or two audible pops when lifting off the throttle. Requires a high-flow 200-cell metal catalytic converter. Decat recommended.
• AK47: An aggressive crackle profile designed for maximum auditory impact. Requires a high-flow 200-cell metal catalytic converter. Decat recommended.
• HOON Crackle: A switchable AK47-style crackle controlled via HOON-Mode. When HOON-Mode is off, crackle is fully disabled.

Water Methanol Injection:

Water-Methanol Injection reduces intake air temperatures and increases effective fuel octane. This allows increased ignition timing and improved knock resistance under high load.

We calibrate your tune specifically to take advantage of the cooling and octane benefits, resulting in increased power and improved consistency during hard driving.

Injector Upgrade Recalibration:

Upgrading to larger fuel injectors requires precise recalibration of injector scaling and fueling models within the ECU. This option ensures correct fueling behaviour and safe engine operation.

For Stage 4, Custom, or Ethanol-based tunes, injector recalibration is included and does not need to be purchased separately.

E30 / E45 / E85:

Ethanol fuels offer significantly higher octane than pump fuel, allowing increased ignition timing and leaner air-fuel ratios. When tuned correctly, this results in substantial horsepower gains.

Ethanol tuning requires upgraded fuel injectors and a higher-capacity fuel pump. Note: This is not a flex-fuel tune, as the ME9 ECU does not support ethanol content sensing.

Overview: HOON-Mode is an advanced, switchable feature exclusive to Penta Performance that is programmed directly into your vehicle’s ECU. It allows you to enable or disable performance-related functions on demand while preserving full factory behaviour.

How it works: Your vehicle’s ECU controls many systems, including engine management and Cruise Control. HOON-Mode is an additional logic layer that we program into the ECU and link to the Cruise Control input as a safe activation trigger.

Real-world benefit: This allows features such as crackle behaviour, boost control, and launch functions to remain completely disabled during normal driving, while becoming available only when you choose to enable them.

Cruise Control logic: Cruise Control operates in three distinct stages, which allows HOON-Mode to function without affecting factory operation.

Disabled Stage:
Cruise Control off — HOON-Mode is disabled.

Enabled Stage:
Cruise Control enabled but not actively controlling speed — HOON-Mode is active and performance features are armed.

Engaged Stage:
Cruise Control actively controlling speed — HOON-Mode is disabled.

Why this matters: HOON-Mode never overrides Cruise Control. When Cruise Control is actually in use, HOON-Mode is automatically turned off, ensuring factory behaviour is preserved at all times.

HOON-Mode options:

HOON Boost+
Allows tiered boost levels depending on whether HOON-Mode is enabled or disabled. This gives you a lower-power, conservative mode when off and increased performance when on.

HOON Crackle
Crackle behaviour that is directly linked to HOON-Mode. When HOON-Mode is off, crackle is completely disabled.

HOON Dual Crackle
A multi-stage crackle system controlled via Cruise Control input:
Cruise Control off = Crackle disabled
Cruise Control on = Mild crackle
Cruise Control on + holding “0” = Aggressive crackle

HOON+ Launch
An integrated launch suite including:
• Two-Step Launch Control
• Rolling Launch
• No-Lift Shift

Configuration: All HOON+ Launch parameters are adjustable through the dedicated HOON+ software tab, allowing fine control over behaviour and limits.

Activation requirement: HOON+ Launch relies on a Cruise Control input to arm the system.

Without Cruise Control: Vehicles that do not have Cruise Control cannot currently use HOON+ Launch.

Retrofit option: Many vehicles can be retrofitted with factory Cruise Control hardware and software. Once installed and functioning, HOON-Mode and HOON+ Launch can be enabled.

Factory safeguards: No. HOON-Mode does not interfere with traction control, ABS, stability control, or factory torque monitoring.

Important clarification: HOON-Mode only uses Cruise Control as an activation signal and does not bypass or override core ECU safety logic. All factory protections remain active.

ECU fundamentals: The ECU manages fuel delivery, ignition timing, boost control, and numerous safety strategies.

Factory calibration: OEM software is intentionally conservative to account for varying fuel quality, climate, and emissions requirements.

Flash tuning: Remapping allows us to recalibrate these targets to better suit your vehicle, modifications, and intended use, resulting in improved power delivery, throttle response, and overall drivability.

When it’s required: Tuning is essential when installing upgraded components to ensure the engine operates safely and correctly.

Standard Tune (Flash Tune):
A Standard tune is a vehicle-specific flash tune developed using known ECU definitions and proven data. It provides improved performance and drivability without requiring datalogging or follow-up revisions. This option is ideal for owners who want reliable results with minimal involvement.

Competition Tune (Road-Tuned):
A Competition tune is a fully custom calibration developed through real-world datalogging. This process allows the tune to be refined specifically for your vehicle, modifications, and driving conditions. It is well suited to highly modified vehicles, motorsport use, or customers who want the calibration optimised as far as safely possible.

ECU definition: Every ECU firmware is unique. We begin by reading, backing up, disassembling, and defining the ECU before making any changes.

Map development: Once the ECU is defined, we identify and modify the relevant maps to suit your vehicle and installed hardware.

Road tuning: For Competition tunes, datalogging is used to analyse real-world engine behaviour and apply revisions until the desired result is achieved within safe limits.

Location: We are based in Western Sydney and service vehicles across the Sydney Metro area.

Availability: We are actively expanding our partner network to support customers across Australia and internationally.

No. All tuning is performed through the OBD port. The ECU does not need to be opened or physically modified.

ECU preparation: Each ECU firmware must be disassembled and defined before tuning begins. This ensures accuracy and avoids unsafe assumptions.

Initial turnaround: The first tune typically takes 2–4 business days.

Competition revisions: For road-tuned vehicles, each revision generally takes 1–2 business days, depending on datalog quality, vehicle setup, and required changes.

Depends on the part: Exhaust upgrades can usually be installed prior to tuning.

Important: Certain components, such as turbo wastegate changes, may require tuning before installation. Please contact us to confirm the correct order.

Fuel economy impact: This depends on tune goals and driving style.

Everyday driving: Many customers experience little to no change during normal use.

Performance driving: Aggressive driving and increased load will naturally consume more fuel, which is expected when extracting additional performance.