Alright, so is there anone that has put the bilsteins (not the touring class) from IPD on their V70 with or without the IPD springs? Is the ride allot harsher? Opinions?

-Alex
1998 V70 T-5M

Alex,
I have Bilsteins w/ Volvo STB & Bridgestone 730 V-rated on my '99 V70 GLT and LOVE it, holds the road like a Porsche but, my wife hates it. She loves her '01 V70T5, which rides like an old Caddie. DO NOT pay IPD price! I bought mine from shox.com about 2 years ago and I think they were about half IPD's price.
Good Luck,G
--
GGHjr

Alex,

I put them on an S70 w/o changing springs. I only added a strut-tower brace to increase torsional stiffness.

I love 'em. The ride is more controlled with virtually no suspension crash through. I think it is less harsh than the stock setup. IMHO it is the best upgrade I did on the car.

I don't know if it would be as effective on the wagon however.

Bryan

what kind of difference did adding the bilsteins and strut tower make? 1 being "no difference" and 10 being "totally changed the way the car handles"?

what kind of tires are you using?

JLT,

10. It really makes it feel like a different car. BTW don't get them from IPD as their prices are outrageous. Try MacNeil Automotive instead.

I run Dunlops. I think they are like @$50. per tire from Tire Rack. And yes, they don't have the absolute performance of the ones being touted by other posters.

But the ride is mellower, quieter and sharp enough for normal driving. If I want to race, I'll change the rubber and take it to the track.

Bryan

Bryan,

How much were your shocks at MacNeil?

-Alex

Hi Alex,

This was three years ago.

The price was $79.US per rear and $109.US per front. Since then IPD's prices have come down, so you'd have to check with MacNeil to see what they want for a set today.

Good luck,

Bryan

bilsteins alone, provided u didn't have novimats in the rear to start with (springs are too soft for other shocks, will sag), will be stiffer, but it's not that much harsher. i think it's a pretty decent improvement without being too harsh. it will be if u use ipd's sport springs.