V70 Suspension

[1900ss]

Has anyone any views on fitting coil overs instead of standard suspension as I need to change the wallowy shocks on my T5 ?

[t5 pete]

depends what you are wanting if your wanting top spec then go for coilley's other than that get some koni fds with some new springs

[Redbrick]

Any views? Yes don't do it unless its a track only car.

Just replace with either:
Partforvolvos OEM
Genuine from Rufe
Koni FSD- requires taking apart original shock
Bilsteins (what i'm using)

Springs either original, Eibach or H&R (expensive).

QBM strut bar conversion helps turn in and wheel spin out of corners.

With the right choice of shock and spring the P2's can be set up really well for fast road driving (IMHO).

[1900ss]

Any views? Yes don't do it unless its a track only car.

Just replace with either:
Partforvolvos OEM
Genuine from Rufe
Koni FSD- requires taking apart original shock
Bilsteins (what i'm using)

Springs either original, Eibach or H&R (expensive).

QBM strut bar conversion helps turn in and wheel spin out of corners.

With the right choice of shock and spring the P2's can be set up really well for fast road driving (IMHO).

What would you reccomend ? Bilsteins shocks and Eibach springs?

[dave stew]

This is a difficult area as it really involves compromise. I too, need to renew the suspension on my V70 and I am trying to achieve the holy grail of retaining a decent ride quality but still improving the handling and feel.

I am reluctant to 'slam' the car too far as I live in a Communist Council area that hates cars and keeps installing speed ramps, however I am also sick of the 'arse in the air' stance of a standard V70 which looks bad and can't be good for weight transfer or cornering ability.

I have had a few ideas on this:

1. Bilstein B6 dampers all round on standard springs.
Pros - relatively cheap and Bilsteins are well proven
Cons - ride height still a bit tall and the arse is still in the air

2. Bilstein B6 dampers and Eibach springs
Pros - better handling,
Cons - harder ride (reduce the suspension travel and you have to make the spring rates harder)
Bilstein recommend a standard ride height with these dampers

3. Koni FSD dampers and Eibach springs
Pros - A lot of owners use this set up and it seems a good compromise
Cons - Harder ride, scrape your undertray on the Communist tank traps.

4. Volvo dynamic sports chassis option
Pros - drops the car 15mm, enough to make a difference but not too hard
Introduces self levelling Nivomat dampers at the rear - gets the arse down a bit
Introduces a thicker rear anti roll bar
Genuine Volvo accessory so unlikely to affect the insurance premium.
Cons - quite expensive

So far I am drawn to option 4. I have had cars over the years with 'sports suspension' and really get fed up with the hard ride and skipping over bumpy British B roads.

A V70 really isn't that sort of car to wreck it's ride and comfort (the steering's a bit numb and slow for a start!)

So - I'm probably going for option 4.

[cornclose]

How much is option 4 ? I must admit it sounds attractive...

[dave stew]

Just shy of £900 inc postage. The kit includes four springs, Sachs gas front struts and a pair of Nivomats, plus a revised rear ARB.

[cornclose]

Thanks Dave. For some reason I was expecting a larger amount. Of course there's always fitting it aswell - any idea how many hours are involved ?

[Redbrick]

4. Volvo dynamic sports chassis option
Pros - drops the car 15mm, enough to make a difference but not too hard
Introduces self levelling Nivomat dampers at the rear - gets the arse down a bit
Introduces a thicker rear anti roll bar
Genuine Volvo accessory so unlikely to affect the insurance premium.
Cons - quite expensive


That's what mine got in the factory, I've swapped out the front tired shocks with the Bilstein B6's. I flippin love it, firm yet absorbs small bumps.

[dave stew]

Thanks Dave. For some reason I was expecting a larger amount. Of course there's always fitting it aswell - any idea how many hours are involved ?

I reckon half a day - here's the Volvo instructions for it.

http://rapidshare.com/files/162702475/Volvo_springs.pdf.html

[shemtek_racing]

my car had self levelers on the rear when i first got it and it was way too high on the rear always looked like it was doing an emergency stop even when parked. have since changed to standerd shocks and eibach springs still too high in my opionion.

[cornclose]

I reckon half a day - here's the Volvo instructions for it.

http://rapidshare.com/files/162702475/Volvo_springs.pdf.html

Cheers Dave.