I need to replace my brakes, rotors, and shocks/struts. Whats the most bang for my buck? I was looking at the Koni FSD`s. Anyone used them? Also, what are some good brakes?

 

Well, I'm up so I'll add my 2 cents worth. Most people will probably agree that the OEM brakes are pretty good. Also I never really considered the FSDs cheap. They're about $600+ a set of 4. The Bilstein HDs would run around $450, but might be a harsh ride from what I've read. The Bilstein Touring give a slightly softer ride at about $300 for 4. Man, I wish I had an 850! Stuff is WAY more expensive on the S60s.

 

I love my 850. Its a fun car. I had never driven one and had wanted one for years based on the styling alone. Then I read into them and was sold.I think my next car will be an R. I wouldent mind dropping the money on the FSDs if someone said they were worth the money. Id like to trick the 850 out then get an R for my project car.

 

One of the reasons I bought the 850 for my son is that the parts are a lot less expensive for it compared with my S60. In terms of your question, the Volvo brakes are very good (except for the *%#*@^!&%^&** brake dust). The type of ride you want should play into your choice of shocks/struts, etc. I'm partial to Bilstein, if you are going away from OEM parts.

 

I have read that the yellow adjustable Koni's are the best, but most people are not willing to shell out the coin. Most people prefer the Bilstein Touring and say the Bilstein HD's give too stiff a ride. I still have the originals on all three of my cars. One with 175k, one 145k and one with 130k. The independent Volvo guy who services what I don't do myself says the don't change struts or shocks until the leak. Said they rarely change the rear shocks, but occasionally have to do struts. Said they change Strut Caps and Spring seats all the time though.

 

Best pads imo are the Mintex ones which are really really cheap. There is a lot of brake dust though.

 

1. Bilstein TC's are basically the OEM equivilant or just a little better. Good choice if you want to stay within the stock realm.

2. Bilstein HD's are obviously upgraded and are more Heavy Duty. More performance oriented as well.

3. KONI Adjustables (Yellow) again are performance oriented and are wonderful if your into performance.

4. KONI FSD's I have heard nothing but good reviews about these. Although major coin but worth the money.

5. Your other option would be KW Coilovers. These would out perform all the others and will cost you some major major coin. But worth it.

6. There is a Weitec Cup kit out there I believe. I don't know where to purchase it though and I don't know if it uses the stock shocks/struts or new ones. I know it comes with lowering springs.

As far as rotors go, go with OEM. Unless you want more performance oriented brakes. And if so I will comment on that if you want me to.

 

I use Brembo rotors from fcpgroton with OEM pads. Now squealing and stops the car good, but keeps the wheels dirty.