ranstis
Hi all, new to the forum and new to volvo ownership! Picking up my 1997 V70 T on Tuesday (been dreaming about this day for years! Minus the one I'm getting isn't AWD)
I have attempted to search and it is possibly a noob question to you guys/gals, but I will be buying coilovers shortly and all the ones I can find fit 1998 models upwards. Do the 850s fit the v70s also? As long as they have the same chassis?
Thanks in advance!
Philia_Bear
Yes and no
Volvo had so many variations on the full front suspension setup its not even funny
Just the strut and top mount do cross over all non xc cars though
AshDVS
Welcome about @ranstis !
We're more than happy to help with coilovers and even if you don't buy from us, happy to help with advice to ensure that you end up with something that suits your intended application.
Feel free to drop me a PM or send us an email via our website.
ranstis
sent a pm @AshDVS.
It is not an XC, so I guess its just wait till the car is delivered and go from there when i know what I have?
Ex850R
You can even build your own using the std front struts.
Build threads on Volvo Speed and Mathews Volvo Site I believe.
Why coilovers?
A set of H&R (or other) lowered springs with correct rate are real good on this.
If you want mondo good artisan made Volvo components , you cannot go past KAPLHENKE gear , Ben Kaplan makes the most gorgeous parts , they look too good to put on!
I think he is back at work now , was on vacation.
I have a set of adjustable top mounts for my 98 V70R and will be making my own coil over set for the front , more for better options of dampers and springs than anything.
Ex850R
ranstis
I think mostly I have become used to/fond of the way coilovers feel. My old supra and prelude both had them and I liked how they handled and sat in the road. I have also had 2 other cars with firmer lower springs but it always seemed too bouncy.
Although I won't muck around with a lot of the settings on coilovers but I would like to have the height adjustment option.
Ex850R
The P80 platform rides hard anyway , I really don't know how they called these luxury cars apart from the interior accoutrements as the ride is , ahh , firm at best , harsh and crash on our roads. Give it a try.
No doubt the car will need new everything in the front end incl the bushes and engine mounts peeps just never replace but AREworn out , if you want it to drive right , do all that first.
We all seem to have the same opinion here that it's a $2000 spend on the car to fix all the stuff incl the engine belts and hoses , again , if not been done , they ARE going to fail or cause weird issues.
Don't buy cheap , the front end hardware wears fast (see above about harsh ride*) so cheap parts just go bang faster.
Be sure to do as a matter of utmost importance ALL the radiator and coolant related parts , thermostat , heater and hoses , sensors. Them failing , and at this age it's when you least expect , it's seeyalater engine.
Pix!!?
Where are you?
ranstis
I know that it has been well looked after but, you are very right with the age of it, everything needs replacing. This will be my daily and will rack up a lot of km going mountain biking every weekend.
I have never actually ridden in a volvo before so its kinda exciting. I am picking it up Tuesday and will post pics then! I am in the Albury/Wodonga area.
Ex850R
Ahh , but far for our workshop recommendations.
Yes , the subframe and three other (top one often fixed , put a delrin one in there) engine mounts never get looked at. Nor do the gearbox mount bushes. Delrin can be used there too.
My v70t5 has it there and up top , it's snappy and gives a nice 5cyl throb in the cabin plus you know the engine is working!
Is your T an auto?
If so , source a T5or R auto computer (TCU) as it changes your stodgy shifter into a "race car" one ! It won't cost much and its a 5 minute job.
A manual boost controller turned my old v70T into a monster torque thing , I probly have it screwed up too much but she just goes. I prefer it to the T5 tbh.
ranstis
Yeah shes an auto, manual is always nice but hard to find. I'll look into that T5 computer, it sounds like it could be...fun?
Yep, a boost controller and an aftermarket intercooler (hidden ish) will next on the list. As well as a custom exhaust just loud enough as to not drone on the highway.
I am a machinist and make a heap of stuff out of delrin. So I see machined delrin bushes in the near future...
Ex850R
Ohh yeah!! Delrin for everyone!!
Subframe delrin , as Kaplhenke sells are supposed to change the whole game for a P80!
Ben has a track car and tests all his stuff out and reckons it was good thing.
IPDand eBay have push in inserts for the stock worn old bushes but why bother , just go full delrin. I have a set for my R too if you need dimensions.
What @Rob found with his AWD C70 Coupe that as the awd has no engine/trans mount onto the steering rack (the fwd P80 do) but a simple cushion on the lhs under the tranny , he said the steering (and more!) was transformed.
I though that simply adding the extra bracing to the subframe where that mount is and sticking it on there then cutting the mount out off the rack , or even just taking away the bolt on mount is an easy task for much reward.
Notice too that Ben has delrin bushes and a set of shims for 2 bolt LCAs which gives you more steering adjustment fore and aft! You could fabricate that too.
Ex850R
Technically , more air in is less beneficial with minor mods on these than having a free breathing exhaust. So exhaust before intercooler. I had a S70T5 , exhaust and MBC it was serious fun but droned.....
ranstis
If you guys can get me dimensions I can make some very easily if you want some. Not sure what the material costs though, never priced it up.
Ex850R
Sure can! Remind me though , am in hospital right now am sure I will forget , then finding my micrometer.....
My T5 has an eBay intercooler , I am sure it helps a lot but never drove it before properly.
You will love that 2.4 V70T motor , with an MBC the torque is fantastic.
Limited by the smaller turbo but it's all about low end fun in 90% of the time anyway and the T5 TCU helps holding the gears.
I have a little boost gauge here if you need one.
I go by the seat of my pants , call me crazy.....