Hi,

I have a 94 940T wagon with what I assume is the original shocks and struts... I want to replace them, but want some advice. The OEM replacement Boge set up from IPD is about half that of the Bilstein HD's which are $492.90 for front and rears, are they worth the extra money? How will the car handle with them as opposed to the OEM Boge? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Steve

 

Hi Steve! Anything will be an improvement over 16 year old struts. The real question is what are your plans for the car? If it's going to be a d/d and you don't plan on modding it the Sachs Boge struts are ok. If you don't drive particularly aggressive, the Boge are fine. Now...I have to mention...your 94 has the "L" block B230. That means it has piston skirt oil squirters in the block. Helps to keep the pistons cooler under high boost. Your motor has 13mm con rods, not the puny 9mm used from 85-90. The L block is, imho, the second best redblock motor to hot rod. I have your same motor in my 89 245. If you plan to mod the motor then you need suspension and brake work first. I have HD's on the 245 and the 740. Love 'em. But...you also need to score a set of IPD sway bars; pricey new but can be cheap second hand...they don't wear out so who cares? The sways virtually eliminate body roll and combined w/ HD's transform your wagon into a totally different car.
But...it's all in what you plan to do w/ the car.

 

Thanks for the reply... This Wagon will become my daily driver... after having new car payments every month for the last 14 years, I am DONE... I picked up this Volvo to be my main mode of transportation. So I do plan on keeping it for a while. For the extra $200 I think the Bilstein HD's are worth it. I don't plan on doing anytihng specific to the motor at the moment, but who knows... It is faster than my 2009 Legacy 2.5i and my 86 Saab 900 SPG, so I am happy with the way it is for now. Where would you suggest tracking down a set of used sway bars?

 

turbobricks.com Most of the people there are constantly modding their cars depending on which way the winds blow! Two years ago, everyone was extolling the virtues of IPD 25mm/25mm sways. Lately everyone seems to feel 23mm is better on the rear. So...the rears come up for sale quite often...fronts too. I like the sways alot! Combined w/ the HD's, it will totally...totally change the car from a Grandpa mobile into a flat cornering Euro car. Can't say enough good stuff about 'em!

 

thanks swiftjustice... will check out turbobricks...