My New Ultra Racing Braces - S60

[stephenevans99]

Just fitted my new Ultra Racing braces......hmmmmmmm shiny

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/stephenevans99/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSC03800.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/stephenevans99/media/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSC03800.jpg.html)

Front strut brace sits VERY close to the engine bar, I've got the Poly inserts for the engine bar which restricts the bars movement so fortunately they don't strike each other - without the bush inserts I'd imagine they'd make contact with each other.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/stephenevans99/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSC03804.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/stephenevans99/media/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSC03804.jpg.html)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/stephenevans99/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSCN0867.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/stephenevans99/media/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSCN0867.jpg.html)

Fingers crossed it should have a noticeable effect in the corners - hoping for a little less body roll and more stability. Possibly looking at fitting Eibachs, but tbh the front is already quite low & wouldn't like it any lower, it's just the rear that co do with dropping a little.

[Wobbly Dave]

Are you going to do some track days? Are you coming to Oulton Park in Nov?

[stephenevans99]

If I had a T5 then I'd jump at the chance to do a track day....unfortunately the D5 would only end up upsetting me when the local Saxo 1.4 Furio lapped me :(

[Jamest5r]

You have moose badges you'll be fine, nice braces btw :)

[stephenevans99]

Just come back from a 'quick' trip to Fleetwood, car definitely handles better with the braces fitted. Turns in a lot quicker and a lot sharper, almost catching me out on a few sharp bends. Seriously thinking of fitting Eibachs but don't want to compromise the ride.

Would it be possible just to fit Eibachs to the rear and leave the fronts? or would this upset the balance of things?

[Jamest5r]

You can fit whatever you like if it works for you and the car.

[stephenevans99]

Trying to learn from other peoples experiences. Anyone know if fitting lowering springs just to the rear will upset the balance of the car?

[welderone]

Where did you get these braces from and how did the rear one fit on and prices /.Peter

[stephenevans99]

Both braces from eBay.....linky (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181127224327)

The rear brace is fitted by 2 bolts either side on the box section pictured below.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/stephenevans99/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSCN0864.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/stephenevans99/media/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/Ultra%20Racing%20Brace/DSCN0864.jpg.html)

The bolts supplied are 8.8 stamped, I wanted to install them with the nuts on the inside of the box section, but I struggled with the restricted space so I decided to fit them as pictured - at least they're unseen once the carpet is put back in place.

[stevmo]

looking very nice there :)

[martybelfastt5]

whats wrong with the back that you just want to change them......saying that wont be easy to but just rears

[LeeT5]

Trying to learn from other peoples experiences. Anyone know if fitting lowering springs just to the rear will upset the balance of the car?

Does yours have the 'Sport' button on the dash?

[stephenevans99]

No Sport button on the dash.

The only reason I'd like to change just the rears is that the back end sits quite high compared to the front. I'd like the rear to sit just a little lower:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/stephenevans99/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/S60%20Ferry%20Pics/DSCN0795.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/stephenevans99/media/Volvo%20S60%20D5%202004/S60%20Ferry%20Pics/DSCN0795.jpg.html)

[Harvey]

You could fit a couple bags of sand in the boot. Nice cheap mod.

[stephenevans99]

lol....thought of the sand!!

[jdavis]

will definitely change the handling characteristics as you will have different spring rates at opposite ends of the car. to what extent it will change it is unknown though. car does look good though!

[LeeT5]

I agree with Jdavis. I think having stiffer, lower springs on the rear and softer oe springs on the front will upset the handling. I just think that every imperfection in the road will mean the fronts will absorb then the rears will jigg about to much. This will be felt at the front because the spring rates at the front will not be able to counteract the excessive movement from the rear and therefore result in a car that handles crap and rides horrible.
Equally, i bet if you put two adults in the rear it sits lower down? Unfortunately thats the balance between comfort and performance that made the ride height the way it is.

[Biff]

Your fronts may of sagged with the weight of your engine/gearbox. If you put eibachs on it I wouldn't worry too much about a big drop. Off past experience eibachs aren't a low spring really & I'd expect a matching set of springs to give you a level ride height mate.
My advice is get them ordered & fitted! Lol