Springs and Struts - Time to buy... Koni, Bilstein, Eibach

Post by **ojdorson** » 13 Jun 2011, 23:55

I've done as much reading as I can here and on other Volvo sites.

I'm considering Eibach springs with either of the Koni struts or the Bilsteins TCs.
I'm doing this because my current stuff is completely shot. I've bought EVERYTHING else that touches the struts and just need to pick struts and springs. I want a comfortable ride and increased performance, in that order. I live near Chicago and commute into the city and see plenty of terrible roads. My 1996 Volvo 850R has ~200k miles on it.

Prices are;
~$850 for Koni FSD with Eibach
~$700 for Koni Sport (Yellow Adjustable) with Eibach
~$500 for Bilstein Touring with Eibach

I don't want a huge drop, but I certainly don't want my R raised up any. I've read that Eibachs give the least drop - is that true?

My research seems to indicate that the FSDs with Eibach springs would be the very best and give me the comfort AND performance I'm looking for. Are they $350 more comfortable and performable(?)?
Is it worth anything to spend (or save) the money on the Koni Sports?
Is the softest setting on the Sports any softer than the FSDs' "softness"?

Any and all experience and opinions are welcome here. Thanks a ton!

Post by **Juan62** » 14 Jun 2011, 05:57

I've heard nothing but good reviews for these after-market parts. Go to the manufacturer itself (if have not already done so) to learn more about the specific applications. Even on this forum...ad above (IPD) and/or Tire Rack will show you how to measure the space height between your wheels/wheel-wells, before your decide to lower your car. This will give you an idea of how it will look. Hope this helps you.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 14 Jun 2011, 06:34

I could hardly be happier with my FSD's and Eibach springs - nice performance and increased stiffness, but not harsh. That said, the car is not great on rough roads - but these cars never are. The eibachs don't lower you a ton, but it is noticeable - especially in the rear, the top of the tire is now nearly in line with the top of the wheel well. What size wheels do you have? As this will also play a huge role in how stiff you feel the ride is.

If you want something softer, another interesting option might be the Tourings with IPD sway bars, for about the same price as the FSD's. If it was that setup, vs. FSD's and no sways, I'd rather have the added sways, and you should get a bit smoother ride as well.

Post by **JRL** » 14 Jun 2011, 06:38

Koni Yellow sports and H&R springs
Least drop, nicest ride (IMO) and I've had several combinations of struts/shocks and springs over the years
They (Konis) do NOT re-raise the car back up
SHOX.COM sells that package

Post by **ojdorson** » 14 Jun 2011, 08:51

zhenya wrote:What size wheels do you have? As this will also play a huge role in how stiff you feel the ride is.

I have the original 17" Volans. I'm on the lookout for 16"s that I can put winter tires on.

zhenya wrote:If you want something softer, another interesting option might be the Tourings with IPD sway bars, for about the same price as the FSD's. If it was that setup, vs. FSD's and no sways, I'd rather have the added sways, and you should get a bit smoother ride as well.

The swaybars (front, at least) will need to be professionally installed which adds to the cost. Also, the 850R's came with the heaviest factory swaybar and I'm hoping that will do it's job well enough. I know the IPD swaybars are amazing, but they end up really pricey after installation. I was thinking about getting the OMP Strut brace with the money I'd save if I get the Bilsteins.

Thanks for your comments about the FSD and Eibach combo!

Post by **ojdorson** » 14 Jun 2011, 08:59

JRL wrote:Koni Yellow sports and H&R springs
Least drop, nicest ride (IMO) and I've had several combinations of struts/shocks and springs over the years
They (Konis) do NOT re-raise the car back up
SHOX.COM sells that package

I thought that the Eibach's were the least drop? At shox.com, they list a drop of 1.2" F and 1.0" R for both the H&R and Eibach springs, but on the phone the guy told me 1.3" F and R for the H&R.

What combinations have you used? Can you compare the Koni Yellows to the FSDs?

Oh, I forgot to mention that I've got a slightly used (10k miles) set of Bilstein Touring rear shocks already that I got practically free. I can either sell those and put the money towards a matched set of Koni's or not have to buy rears if I buy Bilstein TCs for the front.

Thanks!

Post by **JRL** » 14 Jun 2011, 10:43

FSDs will be much stiffer
Remember Konis are adjustable and if you leave them on 1 or 2 the ride is very nice
This is with H&Rs and Konis

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 14 Jun 2011, 10:47

ojdorson wrote:
zhenya wrote:What size wheels do you have? As this will also play a huge role in how stiff you feel the ride is.
I have the original 17" Volans. I'm on the lookout for 16"s that I can put winter tires on.

zhenya wrote:If you want something softer, another interesting option might be the Tourings with IPD sway bars, for about the same price as the FSD's. If it was that setup, vs. FSD's and no sways, I'd rather have the added sways, and you should get a bit smoother ride as well.
The swaybars (front, at least) will need to be professionally installed which adds to the cost. Also, the 850R's came with the heaviest factory swaybar and I'm hoping that will do it's job well enough. I know the IPD swaybars are amazing, but they end up really pricey after installation. I was thinking about getting the OMP Strut brace with the money I'd save if I get the Bilsteins.

Thanks for your comments about the FSD and Eibach combo!

205/45's or 225/45's? The 17's, especially at 205/45 aspect ratio, are going to transmit shock much worse than a tire with a taller sidewall.

Why do the swaybars need to be professionally installed? I'd assume if you can install the suspension, you could install the swaybars. The swaybars will make far, far more difference than the strut brace. That should be the last thing you do after everything else is done, handling-wise.

Post by **jblackburn** » 14 Jun 2011, 10:49

Does anyone have a picture of how much the TC's (with standard springs) raise the ride height up?

What color are the original Volvo springs? Black, right? Mine are green underneath all the grime

Post by **ojdorson** » 14 Jun 2011, 11:00

zhenya wrote:205/45's or 225/45's? The 17's, especially at 205/45 aspect ratio, are going to transmit shock much worse than a tire with a taller sidewall.

215/45/17's - I thought the 225/45/17's would be too wide and would rub... Is that not true?

zhenya wrote:Why do the swaybars need to be professionally installed? I'd assume if you can install the suspension, you could install the swaybars. The swaybars will make far, far more difference than the strut brace. That should be the last thing you do after everything else is done, handling-wise.

I guess, from reading through IPDs directions, it just looks like some major work. Do most people install the swaybars themselves?