[volvofox]

I recently had a set of Koni Sport shocks and struts installed, but decided to use the stock springs at the time. Today I discoverd that my front strut rubber mounts are shot and will require replacement (yeah, I know I shoulda done that with the struts!). Anyway, since my mechanic will be ripping out the struts and springs to replace the mounts, I figured that I might as well replace the springs at the same time. I am considering the iPd sport springs, but I wondered if anyone here could recommend a good spring to match up with the Konis I now have. I'm less interested in a lowered look than I am in getting a spring that will complement the performance of the Koni struts and shocks. I want to do the swap soon, as I am worried that the deterioration of the mounts will result in a punch-through and damage my hood. Anyone have any recommendations or comments? TIA.

 

[Terence]

I have finally found topic that I can relate to!!

Been without a Volvo for too long and really getting out of touch.

I have tried 3 sets of lowering springs on my ex-854T (IPD, Intax and PI). The IPD springs are the softest, way too soft for my taste, Kai also tried IPD springs on his C70 and he had the same feeling. Dumped them for a set of Intax and they were stiff as a rock, they were so stiff that the car wasn't lowered at all even though they were much shorter than the OEM springs. Sold them (and I've seen them re-surfaced on IPD classified board a couple of times) Then I bumped into a set of springs called PI in Hong Kong. I have very limited info on them, just know that they are made in Germany. The stiffness is right between the Intax and IPD and they lowered the car nicely. I installed Konis with those springs and I really like the end results.

From my understanding with Kai, I think the PI should be quite similiar to the H&R (he should know as he is driving the C70 and my 850 nowadays) So I guess unless ride comfort is very important to you (which IPD will suit you well), the H&Rs should be a very good choice for your application. Anyway hope this helps.

 

[Kai]

quote:

Originally posted by Terence:
I have finally found topic that I can relate to!!

Been without a Volvo for too long and really getting out of touch.

Yeah..finally, you appear online again, thought you were lost in Tibet or something while doing an auditing.

Yes, you definitely have been outta touch with the Volvo world. Nothing much has changed recently...except my car is finally on Swedespeed's feature section.

I'll reply your other post after this.

Yes, Volvofox, I concur Terrence's info. But believe or not, even different tires will give you a different feel as well. One might think they won't be too drastic, but I sure felt a difference when I switched to S-03. They are much harder than the regular S-02 I used to have.

But either Koni or Bilstein are pretty good choices for shocks.

FYI, Terrence, I've found PI quite popular among other cars. I think our Miata owners here can share few stories about PI springs. I've seen them on some track prep'd Miatas in person.

 

[volvofox]

Thanks for the responses-you two certainly have been down this road (pun intended!) many times, and I appreciate your insights. iPd currently has a pretty nice price for their springs ($208 for a set of four) and Tirerack has the H&Rs for around $250, which is not that much more. I think I will sleep on it and see how I feel about the choices tomorrow.

Now to my next question-I have seen something on Tirerack.com by Eibach called an alignment kit-do you know what this is, and do I need this widget to achieve correct camber settings, or can a competent alignment shop take care of that for me? Again, thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Terence]

I asked Tirerack about the camber kit and the sales rep told me that kit is only needed when using Eibach springs.