Volvo Repair: volvo 1998 t4 s40 start up, coolant temperature sensor, engine coolant temperature sensor

Question
Hello, and thank you for listening. When i go to start especially when sitting for a while, it is hard to start, i think fuel pump ( i use 98 octane) , as after running and i stop then i start again no propblems. Car goes fine the whole time.its done 170,000 klm, no other problem. Auto, and has a good history with annlyn motor (a volvo dealer). i took it to an older bloke (colvol) and he put a pressure gauge on and said he couldn't see any thing wrong and didn't have any answers
2nd things, i would love to beat my Dad who has a 1996 t5 with a little turbo boast in a straight line, can i boast mine, or is a ecu chip a better way to go, they want to charge $1700 australian dollars, am i dreaming or do i have a chance?
Thanks Jeff

Answer
I am not too familiar with this model in this year. we did not get the s40 til 99 and I am not sure if it is the same.hard starting cold could be a problem with the engine coolant temperature sensor.as for beating dad he has 1 more cylinder.chip would be the way to go boost is not adjustable.