As previously mentioned Volvo did use the plates on the GT. IPD sez it's because of the upper and lower chassis braces. I see on your 240 page that you are using the upper braces. For peace of mind I'd use the plates. In fact, that's what I did on my car. Buy or make some lower braces while you're at it.
The plates are on sale at the moment for a slightly reduced price.
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'80 DL 2 dr

eric,

i put a set in when i put Bilstein HD's in my wagon. maybe not necessary put for $40 why not. its still a valid volvo part # and can be bought from any dealer. they seem like they will strengthen the top of the strut tower a bit. IMHO a little bit of rubberized asphalt or undercoating in between the plate and strut tower will help distribute load better. probably more important to have with lowering springs.
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1990 240 Sdn 277K,tach,strut brace,turbo sway 1990 240 Wgn M47II 157K,tach,strut brace,poly bushings,IPD sways

Thanks for the input...

I guess what I should have initially asked was... would it be worth about $50 to install a set of these plates when the struts were replaced? Or would it be a waste of money?
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Regards,
Eric Staufer,
1989 244DL 125k,
My 240 Page (newly updated!), (opens a new window)

I don't know what difference you might be looking for but they were probably put in the '79GT to alleviate some stress on the strut sheet metal from the stiffer strut cartridges and the R-sport springs? I like to use the R-sport springs and performance struts on all 240s and take the plates too when I find an old GT, the upper strut braces too.