KW Variant II Coilovers

Rating scale is from 1 to 10. Low being 1 high being 10

Rating: 9
There are so many features to this kit, it is difficult to easily sum up.  The fronts are a traditional coil over strut set up that have holes predrilled so you can transfer over the ABS cable holder.  The most enjoyable thing about the installation was there was not a need to file a single hole.  The rears are not a true coilover.  They are a standard shock with a spring mounted on a threaded saddle, which makes them adjustable.  The rears have a total of one inch adjustment.  This inch will either leave a 12 mm gap between the rear tires and fender or tuck them 12mm under the fender.  The fronts on the other hand have more room for adjustment.  Three full inches from the lowest setting had my car sitting at the same level as IPDs lowering springs.  All the way down will have the car literally sitting on the mud flaps with the front tires tucked well under the fenders.  To adjust all four corners to any ride height you desire, takes under 10 minutes and does not require removing any of the wheels.

Fit: 10
The installation of this kit could not have been any easier.  The only thing that slowed the momentum of the installation was the lack of instructions.  Some of the torque values had to be researched, and a few times I had to stop to figure out strut spring configurations.  On a stock Volvo this kit should install in around 4 hours for most people.  If you have strut braces or a custom exhaust, allow your self some extra time.

Finish: 7
The finish on this kit is above average, but far from flawless.  Several of the welds were sharp enough to cut, and could have been smoother.  The retaining bolts for the rear spring perches were zink washed instead of being stainless or grade 8.  The main body of both struts and shocks is made of stainless steel.  The stainless really makes this kit stand out from other shocks, which use cheaper materials and paint.  While the shocks included dust boots the struts did not.  This is common with coilover kits but typically better kits address this issue with custom dust shields. 

Performance: 10
The combinations possible with this kit make it ideally suited for anyone who is picky about how their car rides.  Keep in mind this kit is very firm.  On the softest rebound settings the suspension is still firmer than stock.  The rear springs can be changed if needed but the overall goal of this kit was for performance not comfort.  If it is comfort you are looking for, I would suggest a set up of something like Bilsteins and IPD springs. 

Note: I will publish any issues as they arise.