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Hi Roger,
My Volvo owning mates and I have imported quite a bit of gear into Australia from the U.S. We refuse to pay Bosch and Volvo Australia's outrageous asking prices. There are many examples...$170 Aussie dollars for a 940/740 heater core from FCP Groton. Volvo Australia's asking price ..$520. I ended up getting a discount and paid $400. The U.S heater core is identical apart from the placement of the firewall plumbing.
The saving on components like fuel pressure regulators,heater valves,distributor caps, rotors, O2 sensors etc is substantial, even after paying freight costs to have them shipped in about 7 days. A fuel pressure regulator weighs a out 6 ounces.This includes packing. You can calculate your shipping costs by going to USPS web site. They have an international rate calculator.
Nick at FCP Groton comes with high recommendation from many Brickboarders. I have found him good to do business with. Email him for gear not found at their online site or for any info. I place my final order by phone and pay with Visa.The cost using phonecall cost using Telstra is surprisingly inexpensive.
We have also bought many used items such as several cruise controls, turbo hosing, even a wheel, and had no problems.
The only problem experienced is the heater core I recently had shipped. Our right hand drive has resulted in minor differences. Sadly I couldn't modify it so FCP Groton have agreed to take it back. I will have to pay return freight.
As for outlets in Sydney, we have used A Class at Revesby. However they are expensive on non used items. Locally we have an ex dealer who can sometimes get good prices for items such as brake rotors, pads master cylinders etc.
Hope this helps.
Take care,
John H from Downunder
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