Hi everyone. I’m getting ready to do some much needed work on my beloved 1991 240. I think I’m gonna get most, if not all, of my parts from FCP Groton. Would any of you be willing to give me your opinions on ordering from them and the quality of their parts? I’m particularly interested in this Front Suspension Kit. Is it good quality for $99.00? I expected it to be much more.



Thanks everyone,
Jason

 

I've never had problems ordering from them.

You'll want to stay away from aftermarket rubber parts and ball joints, but then the prices will start going up. The stuff from Scantech/APA/URO won't last as long as the Genuine Volvo part, or from a company like Boge. So it probably depends on how long you plan on keeping the car, how much you can afford, etc ... Maybe see if they would be willing to put together an "upgraded" kit, and compare that to adding up individual prices.

 

I just about order all my parts from them! If I don't then it means they can't or don't have the parts and am forced to go to the Stealer..... Otherwise FCP FTW!

 

I agree with Bubba. I buy a lot of stuff from FCP. But I only buy rubber parts from Volvo. Usually tascavolvoparts or Topping Volvo. I just bought 2 trailing arm bushings from Topping because I don't want to do the job again in a couple years.

 

One thing you can do is email the guys over at FCP if you have questions. Most of the parts ARE Volvo oem/Blue box just at a lower price than the stealer.

 

Thanks everybody for your responses. Yes, I do plan on keeping this car, so I want to do it right. If that means spending a few more dollars, then I will. I think I’ll give them a call one day when I’m ready to begin and see if they can put together a upgraded rubber kit. I’d like to do this right the first time.

Another question I just thought of… I understand that polyurethane bushings are stiffer than rubber. Is that right? So, am I correct in assuming that rubber was the original bushing set up from the factory? I think I better stay away from stiffening things up as I’m afraid I won’t like it, so I just wanna go back with the way it was, so to speak.

 

With urethane the ride will be more stiff but the bushings will last longer, plus they are easier to install since they don't require a press.

Rubber was used at the factory.

 

I believe they are starting to carry Nordic parts, i've had very good luck with that brand on my customers cars.

 

I have had no problems with fcp parts be rubber or steel.It all seems to be well made and durable.Good luck

 

Well everybody, I placed my order on Monday. Yes, they were open on Columbus Day. I called and spoke with one of the sales reps and he assured me that the bushings were of comparable quality, although I wouldn’t expect him to say anything less. He also informed me that the parts are warranted for a year. Also, seeing as how my order checklist was pretty long, $350.00 long, I went ahead with the $99.00 kit, giving them the benefit of the doubt in light of all of your positive feedback.

I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to breathing life back into this Volvo. I bought it when I was in college back in 1995 in North Carolina, and gave it to my mother three years later when I bought my first Mercedes. She drove it up until she died and year and a half ago, and insisted that I have it back. I’ve been tinkering with it ever since. I recently sold my Honda just so I could have more money to put into the 240. I’ll keep the forum posted on my progress. Thanks.

 

J-Dubb - am hoping to have my '93 245 in the garage on the jackstands for new suspension parts. Please let us know what you think of the kit when it arrives. I'm between this kit and the pieces parts from IpdUSA.

I'm guessing you're replacing struts and shocks at the same time?

I have another post asking about front brake caliper rebuild kits. I've got a caliper that moans horribly at times and was hoping to get that taken care of while I'm into this.

Good Luck, and keep us posted.