23 replies to this topic

[seany]

Gents,

I've read multiple posts and found much useful info...I've got three weeks down time that allows me to do (finally) what I've always wanted, get the ride on my 96 850T where I've always wanted...lower it a bit (NOT radically), firm up the roll motions mostly, but I'm not looking for choppy or rough. Maybe this is all too much to ask for this Volvo. I'm the original owner, car has been well taken care for, stock except for TME chip installed right past the 50K mark. Car now has 167K miles. Replaced Volvo struts/shocks long ago with Bilsteins back when Bilstein didn't make an exact 850 shock/strut (had to remove some sort of clip think...I can't remember exactly...), end links replaced with aftermarket stock about 20K ago. Strut mounts about the same, for the second time. That's it.

What springs would you recommend? TME/Eibach?

What bushings should be replaced? Go with stock or urethane? Get from FPC Groton?

Replace the rims? I like the 16in swirls, but would go a size larger, maybe in a gunmetal 17" R look if I can find it....is there such an aftermaket rim that is affordable?

Tires. I really cheaped out recently and bought Fuzion 205/55 HR's on the stock rim and I don't like them at all. If I kept the swirl rims and lowered the car what tire size do you recommend? Do 50's clear the wheel wells? Remember, no harsh ride. Also, I live in Washington DC area and will encounter some winter weather so all-season is a must. What size/combo will allow 17 inchers if the ride is good?

Total price is a consideration. If you know the cost, please add it in your evaluation.


Thanks in advance for taking the time to help a brother out! I can't stress enough that I'm not looking for harsh, but the handling right now rolls way too much! And I'm ready for a more sporty look!

[theunderlord]

1. Welcome
2. fill out your signature and location
3. 17" rims are a plenty in the for sale forum
4. search around the site for suspension threads.

[V Tuning 850]

1. Yes fill out your sig at stated above, helps us a lot.

2. As for springs look into APEX Suspension Systems see if they have any for you car.

3. IPD sway bars are great.

4. Strut brace, (EST/IPD/OMP)

[seany]

1. Welcome
2. fill out your signature and location
3. 17" rims are a plenty in the for sale forum
4. search around the site for suspension threads.

1. Thanks
2. Done
3. I wasn't thinking of used 17 ins, more so looking for an aftermarket, true rim with possible tire combo....any ideas?
4. I mentioned my previous searches in my post...I am looking for exact advice for my situation...any thoughts?


Thanks again

[theunderlord]

1. Thanks
2. Done
3. I wasn't thinking of used 17 ins, more so looking for an aftermarket, true rim with possible tire combo....any ideas?
4. I mentioned my previous searches in my post...I am looking for exact advice for my situation...any thoughts?
Thanks again

Any spring/shock lowering combo will work. TME springs are fine. Blistein HD's are very stiff.. Look into Koni's.. Also, do a search for "Weitec"

As for "aftermarket" 17's... buckle up, cause the only ones that look good (IMO)$$$.

Whereas OE Volvo rims are attractive, both in looks and cost.

[IIIRpower]

1. Thanks
2. Done
3. I wasn't thinking of used 17 ins, more so looking for an aftermarket, true rim with possible tire combo....any ideas?
4. I mentioned my previous searches in my post...I am looking for exact advice for my situation...any thoughts?
Thanks again

4. exact advice is posted all over the place in performance/modification...you can find 'exact' 'opinions' there.

but my 2 cents...i like my h&r's and konis and 50's on your stock 16s are fine. bridgestones are the best(again,..my opinion)

goodluck.

Edited by IIIRpower, 20 June 2005 - 05:49 PM.

[seany]

would you recommend taking my 16's to a wheel shop and having them trued? 170K has placed considerable abuse on them...two require multiple large weights to balance, but they do balance.

as far as bridgestones, do you like the RE950's? in a 50 series? HR or ZR? does it matter? I never get above 85 mph....

so I should dump the Bilsteins? H&R springs are superior to the TME's? Seems folks are split as to thier ride.

Edited by seany, 20 June 2005 - 06:08 PM.

[theunderlord]

would you recommend taking my 16's to a wheel shop and having them trued?  170K has placed considerable abuse on them...two require multiple large weights to balance, but they do balance.

as far as bridgestones, do you like the RE950's?  in a 50 series? HR or ZR? does it matter?  I never get above 85 mph....

If you want a good tire.. Falken Azeni's... look into those.

If you have beat up Columba's... and you want to keep 16's... just go buy new Columba's.. there was a set in FS for 125 bones.. can't beat that...

[seany]

If you want a good tire.. Falken Azeni's... look into those.

If you have beat up Columba's... and you want to keep 16's... just go buy new Columba's.. there was a set in FS for 125 bones.. can't beat that...

Well, I'm not sure I want to keep them. I like the 17 in look, especially in the gunmetal color, preferably close to the R style of rim, but I am worried about the ride with that stiffer spring/tire combo. They're some potholes here in DC that you'd swear go all the way to China!

I went down that road long ago with the Michelin Pilot's/ factory rim disaster with busted tires and bent rims....really leary of getting myself back into that situation...I just don't have the $$$.

[IIIRpower]

would you recommend taking my 16's to a wheel shop and having them trued?  170K has placed considerable abuse on them...two require multiple large weights to balance, but they do balance.

as far as bridgestones, do you like the RE950's?  in a 50 series? HR or ZR? does it matter?  I never get above 85 mph....

so I should dump the Bilsteins?  H&R springs are superior to the TME's?  Seems folks are split as to thier ride.

i had RE750's and LOVED them...stick like glue...BUT...wear like crazy fast...and i guess i'd stick with higher rating=ZR+,..just a higher performance tire just in case you find yourself OVER 85.

i wouldnt say H&R's are superior to TME's...all seem split like you found out...plus i dont think many switch or have tried both to really know the difference...plus what shocks and struts you put on make a diff also....lots of variables.

as far as 16's...if you like them,..stick with them,..just find a new set like kev-o said...BUT 17's look HOT and with the lowering etcetc...even HOTTER.

[theunderlord]

I like the 17 in look, especially in the gunmetal color, preferably close to the R style of rim.

You mean Pegasus?

[seany]

yes. some type of five-spoke design, like that or even like the "special edition" rims that I think were 16in. But I doubt I'd pay the $$ just to get 16's again. Your rims look very nice, by the way.

Edited by seany, 20 June 2005 - 06:39 PM.

[theunderlord]

yes.  some type of five-spoke design, like that or even like the "special edition" rims that I think were 16in.  But I doubt I'd pay the $$ just to get 16's again.  Your rims look very nice, by the way.

Thanks.. they're "Comets" 17x7.5

There's a few sets of "Volans" 17x7 in FS right now..

ps - Pegs (as everyone calls them) are 17x8 OR 18x8.

[seany]

I'll check that out, thanks!

Hey, what about the bushings? Should I replace all of them? stay with the stock sway bar if I go for the springs (which springs is the question!)? What to look for in the rear suspension?

[theunderlord]

I'll check that out, thanks!

Hey, what about the bushings?  Should I replace all of them?  stay with the stock sway bar if I go for the springs (which springs is the question!)?  What to look for in the rear suspension?

You want the IPD sway bars.. = Quickbrick endlinks.. = awesome.

[StickThatClutch]

Sounds like you'd like the Weitec Cup kit. Good price, great ride.

This should be a sticky.

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=24174&hl=

[theunderlord]

All the comparisons should be stickied.

Charles + Grant =

[Meek]

Do what most Europeans do including me Take your stock wheels, throw on a PURE snow tire e.g. Blizzak or Pilot Alpin in the correct sizing or actually one narrower if possible while maintaining proper overall wheel height e.g if you had, which you don't, a stock 225/50 you could get the snow tire in 205/55 and maintain very similar height. I've checked and our optimal size doesn't exist so get a 205/50/16.

The dealer or you did yourself an injustice by increasing the height of the wheel by using a 55 instead of the 50 while keeping the same width. Look for rubbing marks. You also effectively lengthened your gears. Car will accelerate stronger with the 50's although you probably won't notice. Kinda like the K&N effect.

On a new set of 17's (I guess you want them) get a pure summer tire or performance all season.

FWIW my 190E 2.3-16 on snow tires easily outhandled by Grand Cherokee in the snow!!!

Hope this helps.