After doing some research on this site, asking questions, etc. I decided to install a set of 17x8" TSW Revo wheels with 215/45/17 Yokohama A520s. The ride quality changed considerably (see question 2).

1) This weekend, I had to stuff 4 adults into the car (first time since I installed the wheels), and there was considerable rubbing on the passenger/rear side of the vehicle. I checked it out visually, (without jacking up the car), and it looks (and sounds) like it rubs against that plastic fender well - the side closest to the actual fender. It doesn't look like it rubs against the metal fender - the tires don't look "cut up" to indicate that. I always thought it was strange to have a plastic shield under there, and I am considering removaol/modification of that plastic to solve the rubbing probelm. I have heard a lot about people installing larger wheels, then "rolling" the fender to accommodate. Has anyone ever done this to a 98 S70? If so, can you provide insight on the best way to go about this?

2) Ride quality - I really want to keep the wheels on the car - they look great! But, enough passenger complaints have me searching for a ride quality fix. I have heard much about the Bilstein shock/strut upgrade, and I really did not think too much of it because in my experience, shock/strut upgrades usually make the ride stiffer. Recently, I read this quote on IPD in regards to the Bilstein setup:
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"Explaining how Bilsteins alleviate this with increased damping is difficult. How can the ride be smoother and feel plusher if the shock is stiffer? A big part of improvement comes from Bilsteins patented digressive valving system that helps soak up initial shock loads before full damping is achieved. This takes off the edge of most impacts and completely changes the feel of the car. An unusually high number of customers have called back with high praise of Bilsteins. One customer went so far as to say, "You guys are too subtle in your ads for these things, you've got to let people know that this is the fix!"
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My question: can anyone provide first-hand experience with this? If so, are they providing somewhat true info, or blowing smoke to sell product? How much can I expect to gain from this modification?

I know - a lot of questions. Thanks for reading, and hopefully responding.

mhl

MHL,
I have a '95 T5R and am running 215/45/17 on the factory titians with no problem with rubbing. I put SO2 Bridgestones on after several debacles with the stock Pirellis(awful tire). It made a huge impact on the ride of the car. I was really surprised. I think since the shoulders of the tires aren't as square as some of the others out there, it is less of a problem but I could be wrong. I have the lowered "sport" (read shake my fillings loose) suspension, but am moving to the IPD springs and bilsteins tomorrow. I will write and let you know the affect. I'm not sure about the rubbing issue since our cars are slightly different, but I'll let you know about the ride.
John

I'll not enter the fray about tires/wheels but I can vouch for exactly what you were told about Bilstein shocks. I had a set on a SUV a few years ago and they were like magic. Rode smooth on the highway but seemed to know exactly when to stiffen up offroad, or just on a bumpy road. For your Volvo, I'd say that their progressive damping of the internal mechanism will provide a great mix of stiffness and resistance to compression but smooth highway ride at the same time. They also last along time, if not forever by virtue of their machined aluminum round stock construction instead of rolled thinwall steel. Hope this helps.

i have a turbowagon with the 17x7 volans running 215-45-17 bridgestone s02 up front and 215-40-17 out back. the rear haven't worn out yet, hence the difference in size. i have bilsteins and ipd sport springs and haven't had a problem with rubbing. 17x8 seems a bit large imho, u could alleviate some of the offset problem (if not enough) with some spacers. as for bilsteins, i really like them. the 850 is already stiff, but bilsteins don't make it that much stiffer, and i like how it feels. especially if u keep the stock springs. springs is really what makes the car a lot stiffer.

btw, if u do get a chance to roll the fenders, would u consider getting 225-40-17 (it's the same diameter as stock 205-50-16) and letting me know how it feels? and if it rubs?

Why anyone would go to 17" wheels and V or Z rated tires on a S70 is beyond me. I have had a S70 for 3 years now and the ride quality is stiff to say the least. In addition to a harsh ride, there is excessive roll in corners. Anything you do to make the car handle better, makes the ride unbearable. I have gone from V rated tires to H rated in size 205/60/15 and run at 30 psi and get a decent ride. I have considered IPD antisway bars and Bilstein shocks, but come to the conclusion that the ride would be way to harsh for me. I have concluded that the suspension on the Volvo is antiquated(certainly when compared to a BMW 330 or even an Audi or Saab) and that it is NOT a sport sedan. It is a great car in a lot of respects, but for best ride you have to run stock suspension with soft riding tires. In the winter, I run T rated Nokian NRWs in size 195/65/15 and the ride is not bad. It also handles pretty good. I am considering running Yokohama Avid Touring tires( a S rated tire) in the summer for better ride quality. Handling may suffer a bit, but the ride will probably be as good as it gets for a Volvo S70.

I got similar problems with my 2000 GLT SE. Running on 18by8 225-40's. Front is fine, but i am getting the same rubbing you mentioned in the rear when i have 3+ people in the car, or when cornering sharply - And it has gotten worse, The rim has began to show some damage from the rubbing. This weekend, i will probably shave off that plastic cover, seems like it needs just half an inch more and it will be clear of any rubbing. I am also on H & R springs, BTW - A little over a year since iv had them and DAMN! Suprisingly in the past 4-5 months they have settled down another ~1 inch!! So now, the drop is around 2 inches, amazing! Anyway, getting a dig camera anytime this week, and if i get it by the weekend, i will do a step by step for shaving off the fenders...


Also considering the bilsteins here..

---x

MHL- I forgot to add that offset(ET) plays a big part in rims; try to get an ET as close to 40. I have 35 and with a 38 I would have had 0 rubbing. Also your rims comes in 17x7, why not see if u can switch. Unless, of couse, you bought from an individual who made u an offer u couldn't refuse. anyways, all the best.

MHL- I have a very similar set up to U, with 17x8 and 215/45/17 falkens zies 502(except my car is a 97). Now, the MY98 & 97 is basically the same car and thats why you may rub in the back. I know the front of your 98 has a bit more space in the wheel well, but the rear may be the same cause if I have 2 or more people(regardless of weight) and I hit a bump or dip, I hear a slight rubbing. So I upgraded my suspension(my stock susp. was really bad anyway) with Bilstein rear and Konis front. There was an improvement, but if I have 2-3 adults in back(which i rearly do) it will rub a bit(but I have a 5th wheel and stuff in trunk too).
Now after careful consideration(including rolling the fender, new springs etc.) I realised that it is better to just get 205/45/17 tires or get 17x7 or 7.5 in my current style.
NOTE: U have to compromise somewhere; guys with 215 and 225 tires are runnig 7 or 7.5" rims. If you get 8", which is a bit too big for our car's set up, u have to go narrower tires.
Thing is my wheel don't come 17x7, so I will get a smaller tires next change. Plus I don't have a full load too often.
So, you should upgrade the suspension for it will improve the handling greatly and the ride is just as taunt as my T-5 if not a bit better. If you have a GLT, you will be in for a suprise, but you and your passenger will get used to it. PLUS, since you're running lower profile tires you're abusing your stock suspension more that is it used to; the Bils or Konis are made for the extra abuse. get the upgrade and you will see the difference. good luck,BD

bilsteins and stock springs would work, or the overload springs with bilstein.