V50 2.0d '05 - Suspension advice

[jaygee]

Hi all,

This is my first post and probably not my last.

I would like to think I am a sensible person and certainly not a "Kev" when it comes to my cars. I have a friend that has convinced me to get a suspension upgrade. Now I don't want to be your typical boy racer, and certainly not one driving a V50.

So I would like to do is upgrade the suspension; springs, dampeners and bushes etc.. What I would really like to achieve is the best of both worlds, good road handling and comfort. I know this probably brings ups loads of other questions like, "you can't have both", "what is comfortable to you might not be comfortable to me" etc...

I think all I am after is some sound advice and some examples of other people doing the same.

Thanks to all the reply! Please be gentle! ;-)

[Guru]

Hi, and welcome to the forums

Originally Posted by jaygee

What I would really like to achieve is the best of both worlds, good road handling and comfort.

In my dictionary, this would mean:

1/ Shock absorbers: BILSTEIN B6 (SPORTS) Front and rear.
2/ Springs: EIBACH or H&R
3/ Bushes: POWERFLEX

Optional but recommended:
4/ 22 mm Rear Anti-Roll Bar Kit
5/ Uprated Front Drop Link Bar
6/ Front Strut Brace: you really don't need one on the P1 but it looks coooool!

[jaygee]

Would you recommended any stores online to source all the above?

Also, what is your opinion on an induction kit and filters?

I am having it remapped at rs-tuning and they've said they can probably get it to the 170BHP mark, depending.

Thanks again!

[rowdy]

Originally Posted by Guru

Hi, and welcome to the forums



In my dictionary, this would mean:

1/ Shock absorbers: BILSTEIN B6 (SPORTS) Front and rear.
2/ Springs: EIBACH or H&R
3/ Bushes: POWERFLEX

Optional but recommended:
4/ 22 mm Rear Anti-Roll Bar Kit
5/ Uprated Front Drop Link Bar
6/ Front Strut Brace: you really don't need one on the P1 but it looks coooool!

If replacing the suspension then deffo go for number 3 on the list, standard bushes are rummored to only last 50k and powerflex ones will last a lot longer.

One question if I may Guru, having looked at a few different year models prior to buying my 05 model, why have the later facelifted cars got strut braces and earlier models not?

[GazT4]

My 55 Plate has a strut brace... Registered start of 2006 though.

When was there a facelift, what else changed?

Back on topic, ive just bought a set of PI springs to lower the V50 'stance'a bit! Will let you know what its like in a week or so.

[Bendolfc]

Think the Diesels were fitted with them but not the petrols.

[Guru]

Originally Posted by jaygee

Would you recommended any stores online to source all the above?

Also, what is your opinion on an induction kit and filters?

Sorry Jay, I'm not in the UK so I'm not in a position to recommend any on-line stores, however I've seen those handling-suspension upgrades being sold on: www.partsforvolvosonline.com/ and on www.europerformance.co.uk/ ... just google around to find the best price. I had heavy duty IPD front end links shipped over from partsforvolvosonline.

As for the induction kit and filters, well I believe a high flow sports air filter such as K&N or Pipercross is a must now since you're getting a remap, so be sure to get at least a high flow filter with the remap.

Cheerz

[Guru]

Originally Posted by rowdy

One question if I may Guru, having looked at a few different year models prior to buying my 05 model, why have the later facelifted cars got strut braces and earlier models not?

I really don't know the answer to that one, my car, a 05 2.0D, came without a strut brace, but after seeing that C30s have them I sourced one out directly from Volvo for about 80 euros and installed it... can't tell really whether it made a difference in handling or not, I just like having it there.


However, these cars are already equipped with is a transverse member under the dash between the A-pillars that both is a safety feature and limits body flex... pic from a breakers yard, see the thick rigid steel bar"red arrow"?

[t5_monkey]

Hi Mate,

I've got loads of mods on mine.... Here's a list in order of 'bang per buck' for suspension improvement.

1. 17" wheels if you don't have them already (ride and handle way better than 18)

2. Polybush your front wishbone mounts (esp if you're over 50k miles) as the ones in are probably gubbed anyway

3. Strut Brace (Eurosportstuning or OEM) makes a big difference to sharpness at the front

4. IPD Rear Roll bar - much flatter and better in the corners, with no loss of ride quality

4. B6 dampers, better ride and handling by a mile - massive improvement but costly.

I've got all of the above and more on mine... handles awesomely now every corner is a pleasure - absolutely light years ahead of stock.

[jaygee]

Have you or know anyone how has Koni FSD's?