I am considering buying a 98 V70 XC to replace my Camaro as a daily driver. I am very interested in a cars handling and braking capabilities. I am wondering if anyone has any experience in upgrading the suspension/ braking system in these cars? I've used such parts as Eibach, KONIs, and Hawks brakes on my Camaro and am likely to carry the same brands onto this car. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

I'm guessing this will be your first Volvo?

People seem to have the best luck with Koni and Bilstein. I've heard nothing but good things about Bilsteins if you're willing to put out the extra money.


http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-S70V70-1...g/c-1-128-373/

 

Yes, it'll be my first. A friend of mine has a 96 850 T5 I believe, and I've done a little work on it. I have a broad range of experience on cars, but my specific knowledge is in Camaros & GM vehicles. Are Hawks a reccomended brand for these vehicles? I run their ceramics or HPS on my Camaro and like them.
Has anyone tried the KONI FSD? Seems like it may be what I'm after with this car.
Thank you for the link! I've been wondering about sway bars and the other odds and ends. Shox.com has better prices than the IPD site, but doesn't offer the range of products.
Are there lowering springs available for the AWD wagons? All I've seen is FWD models. I'd like to lower the car a little if I install shocks and brake pads.

 

There are lowering kits for the AWD models, but if that's what you're after, don't get an XC. They start tall and stay tall, and are like that for a reason. Try for a V70 T5, or an R if you can fit it in the budget. You can put R brakes on a T5, but then you limit your wheel choices to 17" plus, and not all 17" wheels will clear the R brakes. Koni struts and Eibach or Vogtland springs are a good combination. The Vogtlands go a little lower than the Eibach, and are supposedly slightly stiffer but I couldn't tell. Stock sway bars are sufficient, and you can always add a strut brace for cheap from IPD.

You'll be surprised of the handling of the V70 T5. If sporty handling is what you're looking for, an XC70 might not be the right choice.

 

I've looked, and the XC is all I can find within my budget locally. I'm not looking for a highly sporty car, I just wanted something that would perform better than the XC did during the test drive. I'm really looking for a better all season daily driver than the Camaro.
In actuality, I'd like something a little less sporty and more comfortable than the Camaro. I have KONIs Sports, Eibach ProKit, polyurethane bushings, del-sphere rear suspension links, sub frame connectors, etc. It's fun, but harsh riding and loud inside (a 18 yr old Camaro with 207k miles on it...).
I'll keep what you told me in mind before making a purchase. I appreciate all the advice and technical information I can get. I was unaware of the difference in brakes from the T5 to the R. What are the specs of the R brakes?