Hello All,

I have a '79 242 that is largely original. In the 20 years that I've had it I have had the automatic transmission swapped for an M-46 manual and made a few other modest improvements to make it a bit more practical as a driving car that doesn't start wheezing at 50mph or threaten to fly off the side of the road when cornering. However, I would like to consider options for improved handling that my mechanic and I can peck away at over the winter. The engine and transmission are strong, and I don't have any plans on changing them but I would like to ask if anyone has any suggestions for combinations of front and rear shocks, struts, bearings, sway bars, etc. that will tighten the ride, improve cornering and reduce the "splashiness" of the ride. This is strictly a daily driver, but I'd like to make the most out of road handling improvements that are cost conscious and use somewhat readily available parts.

I appreciate any thoughts, suggestions and opinions from the community.

Thanks,
Greg
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Just my 2 cent's worth here:
I bought my '81 in '86 with 90kmiles. The tires squealed in nearly every corner (S rated tires) and stopping in the wet was a joke. Also, a lot of body roll (tall narrow car). I installed IPD 1" anti-roll bars front and rear. Change from original steel 14x5.5 wheels with 185/70 S rated tires to 15x6 Volvo alloys from a 740 and 205/60 H (and m+s) rated tires. Low pressure gas shocks all around. I'm a sporty driver but I don't trash the car. Its been 20+ years now and I'm still very satisfied with the 242DL given the type of vehicle (conservative, reliable with some work, and comfortable sedan). I do sometimes wish for a sports car.

 

+1. My order of improvements would be 1) better wheels/tires - going +1 or +2 (ie 15 or 16 inch rims) willl also make finding correct tire sizes easier. Sites like tirerack.com show rolling circumference and recommended + sizing 2) bigger anti-roll bars - I did the IPD bars on my 950T wagon and it really made me wonder why the car didn't come from the factory that way :-) 3) freshen all rubber in the suspension. control arm bushings, sway bar end links, sub-frame mounts etc 4) fresh shocks. Not sure what is OEM for an 86 but Volvo has been using Boge/Sachs shocks/struts since the 90s which are fairly stout to begin with. Sure you can consider Bilstein, Boge, Koni etc - I'd avoid budget brands. I would not bother with lowering springs unless you want to grind the front valence on parking curbs. I also think strut tower braces are overkill and I wouldn't do poly bushings in colder climates (they shrink with the cold - and nobody wants suspension clunks in the winter).

 

I had a 78 242 - I used the shocks/springs/sway bars from a 242 turbo. And was very happy with the results. (obviously had access to a wrecked 242 T to scavange the parts from.)
Gas shocks, sway bars, different springs (maybe) were really the only changes - you already have the good looking 15 inch wheels -

The most fun thing was the factory limited slip I installed -

It's good to see a car that old in that good of condition. (mine was that kinda orange color, and I built a M46 (with laycock overdrive) trans to replace the M45 4 speed that it came with)

 

Hi All,

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions. I realized that in the 20 years I've had the car the only improvements I've made that would affect handling were the 15" Virgos. I'm the second owner and the car only had 60K on it when I bought it. It's likely that the shocks, struts, bars, bushings, rubber, etc. are all original. I'm not looking to lower it or make any fundamental changes in how it was designed to be driven. I am eager to learn a bit more about how it handles though, what I may like and what my options are. This is helpful though. Thanks.

Any opinions on IPD (or others) as a resource for guidance and parts?

Thanks again,
Greg

 

Been a Volvo owner/maintainer for over 25 years and had an Audi 4KQ prior so I've sourced from multiple web stores. My go to sites for Volvo:

FCP Euro - Right here in CT so I get next day delivery (but do pay sales tax!). I've sourced a lot of stuff here - and they have a good return policy.
IPD USA - they have a good selection of after-market parts including better than OEM. I used their sway bars and HD strut mounts along with other as needed.
Tasca Parts - Yep, right there in RI - they have the best prices on dealer parts I've found.
Autohausaz - they are a general Euro import parts shop worth checking out for inventory and price.

After that, given you are doing a classic resto, there's some specialists in vintage Volvo parts like Dave Barton but I can't vouch for them - suggest you read for refences from some of the 240 posts. I know @hoonk has recommended a vintage volvo shop in the Atlanta area. Finally my favorite is jagsthatrun.com When you get tired of trying to restore a Regina or K-Jet FI system go there and find the parts/templates to drop in a small block Chevy :-)

 

Hi All,

Thanks for the thoughtful and informed suggestions and feedback. Mr. mt6127, I'm particularly psyched to hear about local suppliers. I placed an order for plugs, wires, bits and pieces from IPD and a fresh air intake hose from Tasca.

Thanks again,
Greg