I have been looking at lowering springs and shocks from various vendors. My 2000 V70 just turned 90,000 miles. I was thinking of changing only the springs and not the shocks. Partly because of the cost of shocks and partly to save the comfortable ride quality. Can anyone offer me any advice on this, as well as what springs might be better than others? At what mileage does Volvo recommend replaceing the shocks?
Thanks, JMC

 

Well what are you looking at that you really like so far? Also what is your budget like?

 

My budget is fairly free, especially if I can sell my Conquest TSI. I have seen Eibach, Bilstein, IDP?, and some brand from Germany on EBay. They all seem pretty similar as far as the final ride height. I have changed springs on other vehicles and know there are subtle differences you will not know without trying them out. So, I am open to any suggestions you may have.

 

How about some KW Coilovers from Viva Performance? VP-5204 1998-2000 S70/V70 Non turbo, GLT, T5 $1,795.00

"Variant Two:

* Individually adjustable rebound
* Inox-line stainless steel technology
* Individually height adjustable
* TUV-tested adjustment parameters
* High-quality components for long life
* Front Lowering: 35-65mm
* Rear Lowering: 30-65mm

Variant Three:

* Independently adjustable rebound and compression damping
* Inox-line stainless steel technology
* Individual height adjustment
* T?V-tested adjustment parameters
* High-quality components for long life
* Infinitely adjustable rebound damping
* 14- level adjustable compression damping
* Front Lowering: 35-65mm
* Rear Lowering: 30-65mm "
Viva Performance

 

Ummmm.... not quite what I had in mind. I will clarify. This is a non-turbo, front wheel drive V70, although it is a five speed. This is not a performance V70 by any stretch of the imagination. If I want performance I'll get in my Camaro or RX-7. This is my econo-cart the dog and friends around vehicle, to replace my Pathfinder. My main goal is to lower it a bit for a more sporty look, while retaining a comfortable ride. I have installed a rear spoiler, and tinted the windows, and the five speed makes it fun to drive, but I am trying to keep it pretty tame. That is why I was thinking of springs only. If it was a T5R I might get some coilovers. I should have been more specific from the start.

 

I would suggest either the IPD springs or the Eibach springs. Also if you can get a hold of some APEX Suspension System springs then do that.

 

OK. Where could I check prices on the APEX springs? Do you suppose the springs only swap would work fairly well, or should bite the bullet and change the struts and shocks at the same time. I cannot make up my mind on cash now vs. cash later. Plus I really do not want to feel every bump in the road.

 

Well if you do both now you can do an alignment because you would need to do one anyways after you put the springs on, so the more suspension parts you put on at one time will safe you money in the long wrong when going to get a alignment after every upgrade.

APEX springs I was put onto them by a performance shop, so I would ask around at your local performance shops.

I would go for some Bilsteins TC's shocks/struts which are just like stock but will be new and some Eibach or IPD springs.

 

OK, that sounds good to me. I have a tire question. I currently have the 15" factory Antilla? wheels(6 spoke). I think they are pretty cool for a factory wheel. So I though about keeping them to avoid the expense of larger wheels and having to recalibrate the speedometer. I now have 195/60/R15 tires, and was thinking of going to a 205/50 or so. What are your thoughts on that, as it pertains to changing the vehicle speed and comfort. My experience thus far with things or this nature are, make it go fast and ride on rails, i.e. completely raced out. Which as I stated earlier is not my goal with this car. Well, my only concern with lowering the car and keeping the 15" wheels is ground clearance, maybe a slight increase in wheel size would be beneficial? Thanks, JMC
Also, check out my post in the general section about my Swedish licence plate frame. Tell me what you think.

 

Eibach makes good springs. One of the Big company's that cover alot of cars.
I have them on my stang. Love them. Would love them even more if I didn't put the urethane bushings in[:@]. LOL

If you want close to the stock setup then also look at BOGE for the struts.
Like these.
http://www2.swedishpartswholesale.co...embly&dp=false



BTW what year is the conquest?

 

Kewl, I'll check on some prices. I think that will be my next project once I get my timing belt changed and my spoiler corrected.
The Conquest is a 1988 TSI, very cool car, but I have too many cars at the moment. I am downsizing the stable.
I also have a 450+ HP 1980 Camaro and a 1971 Formula 455 Firebird that you might like tech.
That fox body you have is probably my favorite style of later model Mustangs, compact and fast. I bet it sounds good

 

It sounds pretty good. Almost time to park it for a while to give much needed TLC.

I have wanted a conquest for MANY MANY years.
I used to have a 1978 plymouth Arrow with the MIttsu. 2.6 engine in it. WOW for a little 4 cylinder it was fast.

How much are you trying to get for the Conquest?

 

Indeed, the poor mans Porsche is surprisingly fast. I am hoping to get as close to $2000.00 as I can. It needs a clutch, which I have, but have not installed yet. It has a salvaged title My brother was driving it, it had just stopped raining, someone pulled out in front of him in a curve, he hit the brakes and slid into the curb The front end parts have all been replaced and the wheels are in pretty decent alignment, but to be completely fixed, the right front wheel needs to be replaced. It still holds air, but the shop cannot attach their alignment device to the wheel, so they eyeballed it. I also have a parts car as part of the deal.

 

HMMM tempting but a little to much over my Budget at this time.

Im trying to find a second car for less than $1000.00(If possible)

Was looking at a 740 but needs way to much work to get it safe for the road.

With 4 Kids $$$$ gets really short.

If I come into money any time soon I will contact you.

 

I have no kids myself, but the money sure has an easier time leaving my wallet than it does getting into it. Unfortunately I have no vehicles for sale that I could let go for less than $1500.00. I wish I could help you out. Gotta go, I scored a free ticket to the Allstar race in Charlotte

 

Dude you are so lucky.

Thanks anyway. If I could figure out an easy way to come up with 2k I will let you know.

 

yea so i was driving home with about 200 pounds of mulch in my car the other day and when i got out to unload it i noticed how low my car was...i now need to get springs as it looks sooo cool. it was like 2 inches lower, it looked pimp

 

I bet it did.

 

Lowering springs do a lot for a vehicles appearance. 2 inches would definitely fall into the "pimp" category.