Hi rollers,
OK, so the redbrik has typical Volvo handling - good for a range rover or Citroen 2CV. I do find myself desiring less body roll though or I'm going to have to repaint the door handles! For those in Adelaide, I live up Greenhill Rd and travel down then up again everyday. For those outside of here; 10kays long, lots of corners, mostly well surfaced. I do attempt to stick to the wildly optimistic speed limit of 80kph but it's not always possible.
The good
Front end bushes actually seem to be pretty good, no clunks, no looseness, shimmies or weirdness under brakes.
A previous owner has fitted the 960 underbody brace. Very kind of them. (I intend to pilfer the other 960 front braces this weekend.
I've not measured it yet but the front anti roll bar is a fatty.
I've done the camber mod - such a simple thing for such big results!
I'll get around to the castor mod some time soonish.
The less good
Front & rear springs are probably rated grams/cm not kg/cm. So soft. So much pitching, rolling...it's like a dingy in heavy seas. The shockers seem to control it, kind of, but it's just annoying.
There's no rear axle anti sway bar. There needs to be!
I don't know the condition of any of the rear bushes. Ok maybe, soft but still functional with no clunks etc.
The questions
Do Falcon sway bars fit the rear end of a 945? If not, I know the 940 sedan bars will fit, I've just got to find one.
Is the Colin Chapman approach feasible on a Volvo wagon? (ie: soft springs and firm shocks/sway bars)
The great dive under brakes i guess is a result of super soft front springs?
What suggestions are there for budget handling improvements?
Stuff I get from wreckers? Possibly not volvo parts but stuff that fits and works?
I've read a thread on here from a fella that put a 1uz into a 245 and did do a few handling things but that's a 2 series not a 9.
Anywho, all suggestions will be gratefully received!
Cheers,
Mark