Hey all,

Got Ballasts old S40 T4 and it's a good little thing.

Going to give it to my missus to drive for work over the summer as she's heading out to Western NSW and the commute will be 50km on country roads at 110. This thing is much better suited than her getz.

Only issue is the Evo 6 front and Evo 10 (I think) front/rear suspension is spine shattering even thought it handles great. So what's the best option for a cheap replacement to get a better more OEM ride? Roads to the mine she's working at are a bit unkempt so something that handles the bumps and undulations better is ideal.

Don't need crazy coilovers really as it's a cheap car I use to commute, just want something that is nicer for the road. Would some OEM+ sort of lancer shocks work and reuse the Pedders/Eibach springs?

Thanks!

I think it'll depend on what the springs in it are for, what rate are they etc. If there's a mindset that is it can't handle and ride well, it needs to be dropped. A common misconception is that coilovers ride poorly or always have an overly firm ride. This might be true of low-end coilovers but it's more that damping and spring rate are inappropriate for the vehicle, which may very well be that they were poorly thought out (or not thought out at all) by the manufacturer (eg. spring rates supplied with BC products for 7/9 series Volvos)

There's also a personal opinion element to ride quality as well, which can muddy the waters a bit.

Perhaps start with telling us what's in it and you'll get some useful info back from there that can steer you toward getting it more friendly for commuting.

    I would also be interested in opinions on what is a good choice for a S/V40 for improving handling while maintaining the original ride quality and ride height.

      AshDVS

      I think it'll depend on what the springs in it are for, what rate are they etc. If there's a mindset that is it can't handle and ride well, it needs to be dropped. A common misconception is that coilovers ride poorly or always have an overly firm ride. This might be true of low-end coilovers but it's more that damping and spring rate are inappropriate for the vehicle, which may very well be that they were poorly thought out (or not thought out at all) by the manufacturer (eg. spring rates supplied with BC products for 7/9 series Volvos)

      There's also a personal opinion element to ride quality as well, which can muddy the waters a bit.

      Perhaps start with telling us what's in it and you'll get some useful info back from there that can steer you toward getting it more friendly for commuting.

      Thanks both,

      Managed to get under the car and have a look yesterday.

      Front are Bilstien F4-VE3-C884-T5 designed for the Evo X.

      Rears are F4-BE5-A436-T0 designed for the Evo IX as far is I can tell.

      Like I said I didn't put them in, so not sure on the exact spring rates, but know it has Eibach/Pedders springs front a rear.

      My thoughts would be a decently stiff set of shocks are in it, but given they're designed for an EVO which is 200-300g heavier the damping would all be off hence why it's such a rough ride. Would imagine that'd mean the top mounts are EVO IX/X too?

      Would that mean I could grab some for oem Lancer shocks or am I going to run into a similar issue? Thanks all for your time :)

          johna

          I would also be interested in opinions on what is a good choice for a S/V40 for improving handling while maintaining the original ride quality and ride height.

          As a generalisation, you could simply think about bigger bars here and decent shocks/struts, you'll maintain original spring rate and ride height, it'll be happier in twisty roads and new decent shocks/struts will make it feel a bit newer and give you oem-like ride quality.

          Steadfst

          https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210637#Comment_210637

          Thanks both,

          Managed to get under the car and have a look yesterday.

          Front are Bilstien F4-VE3-C884-T5 designed for the Evo X.

          Rears are F4-BE5-A436-T0 designed for the Evo IX as far is I can tell.

          Like I said I didn't put them in, so not sure on the exact spring rates, but know it has Eibach/Pedders springs front a rear.

          My thoughts would be a decently stiff set of shocks are in it, but given they're designed for an EVO which is 200-300g heavier the damping would all be off hence why it's such a rough ride. Would imagine that'd mean the top mounts are EVO IX/X too?

          Would that mean I could grab some for oem Lancer shocks or am I going to run into a similar issue? Thanks all for your time :)

          What's keeping you set on keeping the Lancer stuff (not suggesting binning it, rather putting it aside) over going to a Volvo shock/strut and spring set that might be (without having an understanding of the Lancer spring rates or being able to measure them) a bit more tuned to the weight and F-R split of the Volvo. While fairly close I'd guess, they're bound to be different?

                AshDVS

                https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210655#Comment_210655

                As a generalisation, you could simply think about bigger bars here and decent shocks/struts, you'll maintain original spring rate and ride height, it'll be happier in twisty roads and new decent shocks/struts will make it feel a bit newer and give you oem-like ride quality.

                https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210668#Comment_210668

                What's keeping you set on keeping the Lancer stuff (not suggesting binning it, rather putting it aside) over going to a Volvo shock/strut and spring set that might be (without having an understanding of the Lancer spring rates or being able to measure them) a bit more tuned to the weight and F-R split of the Volvo. While fairly close I'd guess, they're bound to be different?

                Nothing really, just thinking it may be easier/cheaper to find something for a more common car, but it may not be.

                I'm totally open to going with whatever is the best/most cost efficient solution. If that's Volvo shocks then fine, whatever takes me back to a more daily usable drive.

                AshDVS

                https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210655#Comment_210655

                As a generalisation, you could simply think about bigger bars here and decent shocks/struts, you'll maintain original spring rate and ride height, it'll be happier in twisty roads and new decent shocks/struts will make it feel a bit newer and give you oem-like ride quality.

                https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210668#Comment_210668

                What's keeping you set on keeping the Lancer stuff (not suggesting binning it, rather putting it aside) over going to a Volvo shock/strut and spring set that might be (without having an understanding of the Lancer spring rates or being able to measure them) a bit more tuned to the weight and F-R split of the Volvo. While fairly close I'd guess, they're bound to be different?

                You'd think so. Certainly different with an EVO, AWD vs Front Drive. But you're right, different cars can have a few % different either way and that can make a big difference.

                      On eBay there are kits of front and rear shocks (no springs) for:

                      Gabriel Ultra $578

                      KYB $620

                      Sachs $701

                      Monroe $857

                      I wonder if any of these are any good?

                      Could combine with some used original springs from a wreckers?

                        Minimum Sachs.

                        Ash can get them as well as KYB.

                        Steadfst

                        https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210670#Comment_210670

                        Nothing really, just thinking it may be easier/cheaper to find something for a more common car, but it may not be.

                        I'm totally open to going with whatever is the best/most cost efficient solution. If that's Volvo shocks then fine, whatever takes me back to a more daily usable drive.

                        https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210670#Comment_210670

                        You'd think so. Certainly different with an EVO, AWD vs Front Drive. But you're right, different cars can have a few % different either way and that can make a big difference.

                        Would be very keen to get an Evo (of any variant, on the same platform) and an S40 or V40 back-to-back on the scales here to better understand it. That might likely never happen though.

                        I do have a set of unused Spax lowering springs for an S40 here, they're for your shape car but I'm not 100% sure, given the front suspension changes to strut mounts, etc, etc across the generations, as to how suitable they might be for your specific car and the box is VERY well beaten.

                        johna

                        On eBay there are kits of front and rear shocks (no springs) for:

                        Gabriel Ultra $578

                        KYB $620

                        Sachs $701

                        Monroe $857

                        I wonder if any of these are any good?

                        Could combine with some used original springs from a wreckers?

                        Of those above, the Gabriels and Monroes are to be avoided and Sachs would be the preference for an oem replacement option.

                              7 days later
                              AshDVS

                              https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210748#Comment_210748

                              Would be very keen to get an Evo (of any variant, on the same platform) and an S40 or V40 back-to-back on the scales here to better understand it. That might likely never happen though.

                              I do have a set of unused Spax lowering springs for an S40 here, they're for your shape car but I'm not 100% sure, given the front suspension changes to strut mounts, etc, etc across the generations, as to how suitable they might be for your specific car and the box is VERY well beaten.

                              https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210751#Comment_210751

                              Of those above, the Gabriels and Monroes are to be avoided and Sachs would be the preference for an oem replacement option.

                              It's difficult to know given afaik there were basically three different phases of first gen S40.

                              Phase 1 with the 1.9t motor.

                              Phase 2 with the 2.0t

                              And kind of a Phase 1.5 with the 1.9 but body and suspension of the phase 2. (I could be getting that the wrong way around). makes it almighty difficult to choose what the right option is.

                              AshDVS

                              https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210748#Comment_210748

                              Would be very keen to get an Evo (of any variant, on the same platform) and an S40 or V40 back-to-back on the scales here to better understand it. That might likely never happen though.

                              I do have a set of unused Spax lowering springs for an S40 here, they're for your shape car but I'm not 100% sure, given the front suspension changes to strut mounts, etc, etc across the generations, as to how suitable they might be for your specific car and the box is VERY well beaten.

                              https://ozvolvo.org/discussion/comment/210751#Comment_210751

                              Of those above, the Gabriels and Monroes are to be avoided and Sachs would be the preference for an oem replacement option.

                              How likely is it that the Evo springs (iirc Pedders and Eibach) would fit on the S40 shocks? Alternatively do you reckon those Spax springs would suit the Sachs shocks?

                              Happy to see what options you have. But understand it's difficult for you to be certain.

                                  Talking front strut tops:

                                  S/V40 are the same as Evo4~6, CE~CH Lancer.

                                  The mounting studs on Evo 10 tops are closer together (on a smaller PCD).

                                  Evo1~3 tops are two bolt.

                                  I can’t remember what Evo 7~9 tops are like, but I think they’re also suitable.

                                  ——

                                  Rear tops are all the same, from CA Lancer to Evo10, and including S/V40.

                                  ——

                                  CE Lancer have smaller diameter front springs than S/V40, and later Evo. S/V40 and later Evo have the same coil diameter but can’t remember what any of the other cars had.

                                  ——

                                  My inclination would be to try standard T4 springs on the Bilsteins you already have.

                                  My V40 was the most comfortable on similar Bilstein shocks to your car, and whatever springs it ended up with (I think Eibachs). They were much better than the B4s it came with, and much better than the various cars I have owned with standard shocks.

                                  9 months later
                                  © 2013-2023 Oz Volvo. All rights reserved. | Forum Rules | Privacy Policy