Uprating suspension (Another one)

Does your 480 have tracking-problems? Does your car pull to one side? Or is your steering wheel vibrating? Read the posts in this category to find out what's going on.

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Slash01
Knows where Volvo is from
Posts: 149
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:28 pm

Uprating suspension (Another one)

Post by Slash01 » Fri Feb 28, 2014 1:39 pm

Hi all,
I've got hold of some red Koni adjustables for the front and am now thinking of uprating my suspension.
I also have some rusty KYB rear shocks. They work but I doubt that they'll pass an MOT, as on one of them near enough the entire sleeve has rusted away.
I was looking at replacing these with Bilstein B4's but on having seen the price for a set of rears, more than double the price of a set of rear KYB's. I also believe that the top mount on the Bilstein's is too large for the bolt and can lead to knocking.
I want to drop to 30mm and have found a set of Lesjofors for not so stupid money.

So the reason for this topic is, I want an opinion on how firm this would make the ride, there are a lot of speed mountains around where I live. (Yes I mean mountains, I measured one to be a foot high with a steep incline) I guess I'll find out if the car will clear them.
Also do the Bilstein's really justify the price?
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.

cranna21
Can tell where the 480 was built
Posts: 313
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:44 pm
Location: Aberdeenshire, Huntly

Re: Uprating suspension (Another one)

Post by cranna21 » Sun Mar 02, 2014 12:32 pm

Can't help you with firmness but from memory eurocarparts was selling rear Bilstein b4's at like £40 each??
'91 480 ES 2.0l 16v 'Williams' Conversion - 212bhp/230nm
'90 940 GL 2.0l Estate
'08 XC90 D5 SE Premium

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Slash01
Knows where Volvo is from
Posts: 149
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:28 pm

Re: Uprating suspension (Another one)

Post by Slash01 » Sun Mar 02, 2014 5:26 pm

Yeah but I can get a set of rear KYB's for £40, hence the question about whether the Bilstein's are worth double the price.
I've been told by a fellow member that they have tried both Bilstein and KYB at the rear and couldn't tell the difference between them.
So I'm leaning towards some KYB's and the Lesjofor's, excluding the price I paid for the Koni Adjustable's that's £130 for the shocks and springs. I consider that cheap compared to what some charge for standard replacements.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.

ianyoung
480 Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 5:00 pm

Re: Uprating suspension (Another one)

Post by ianyoung » Mon May 19, 2014 7:05 pm

I was thing about same set of lesjeford 1013133 springs on skandix but to be honest the price is a bit steep to me. And i'm wondering if there is any sense to install this kit. Maybe to improve handling I should just buy a set of Kayabas and leave the springs alone. Any suggestions ?

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