OE versus UR strut bar?

Post by **kcodyjr** » 03 Jul 2016, 19:13

Another "gee which one" thread. All thoughts, positive and negative, are welcome.

Going on a 2012 C70.

I like the OE for "looking like it belongs there and I haven't messed with it", and I like the UR bar for being a single solid piece, but I don't know how much difference that makes. I've never used a strut bar before.

I'm also torn about doing a rear sway bar. It seems popular, but the handling as it sits doesn't seem all THAT bad, but then I haven't really pressed it hard yet. I'm still learning how it responds. If I do one, right now it's either the IPD or the Elevate bar, depending on user feedback, I hope.

TIA

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Jul 2016, 20:25

Not the same car but similar- I have a UR strut bar in my S40 AWD T5 and I love it. Being AWD, I couldn't put a rear strut brace in...I did put the UR mid chassis brace in though but it's hard to say if that really made a difference. I put in a 27mm rear sway bar from Racing Beat at the same time (and beefy rear end links). I love the way my car feels like it's on rails without a really bumpy or harsh ride! One of the main reasons I went with UR was the solid design and the cost compared to the others you mention. I bought straight from them too- sure, it took a little longer to get to me but it was some savings over places like Viva who buy from them and IPD and then just jack the price. I couldn't tell you about Elevate- the only things I have from them are an intake manifold, blow off valve and stage 1 tuning- none of their suspension parts...btw, Heico did my sports suspension, foot pedals, body kit and dual exhaust.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 03 Jul 2016, 20:35

That really is a nice looking Volvo. Most models do so well in silver - but not the C70, the rubber roof seams screw up the lines.

Do you ever feel like the rear end is trying to get away from you? Is it a DSTC car? 27mm sounds pretty extreme, I think the Elevate is 25 and IPD's is 23.something. I hate having to choose based on marketing and sales hype; but then, how many people get to drive more than one configuration...

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Jul 2016, 23:32

Yes, it is DSTC and AWD so I don't feel that it does give way in the rear. Instead, I feel very well planted. It would however probably be dangerous to drive it with the stability control turned off (which I can do if I choose) especially in some tight cornering. Being AWD, the option on the front bar- although possible, is limited- it's a lot of work to lower that subframe to add a larger sway bar up front (with AWD)- more important would be good end links at this point LOL. Yes, 27mm is a bit aggressive but for a lowered car (Heico lowers it 30mm) it feels very stable. If your suspension is stock (and not lowered), I would probably stay away from something like my setup as you would have to compensate with a front sway bar that is beefy as well. That was one reason I added the mid chassis brace. Anyway, several people had tried my car's configuration over on Swedespeed and reported good results so that's what prompted me with the go-ahead. If your C70's suspension is not altered, I would be tempted to go with IPD's rear and front sways unless Elevate offers a front and back set and it's fairly reasonable. I have IPD's on all of our other Volvo's and I have always thought that these were the best things that I've done to them- their sway bars and their skid plates. I could tell you some stories of a skid plate saving my S70 (but I won't go into that here) so I'm a firm believer in them and I generally feel that IPD's stuff is quality!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Jul 2016, 23:48

I just noticed that neither IPD or Elevate offer a front sway bar (just like my car!)....LOL.
Elevate wants about $30 more for their bar than IPD. I suppose it really depends on how much spirited driving/corner taking you'll be doing. If you will be doing that, then I'd spend the extra money and get the Elevate rear bar...if not, then the IPD. Either way, you'll notice a difference right away!
Whatever you do, if you feel you need better end links for the rear than stock, let me know. I was looking at parts and our Volvo's share many of the same components and that's one of them!

Post by **kcodyjr** » 04 Jul 2016, 11:13

Yeah, Elevate actually comes out and says that no front sway bar change is needed to achieve the desired handling characteristics. IPD just flat out does'n't mention it. What boggles me, and since I don't understand it I don't know if it's a strength or a weakness, is IPD's collection of bushings and washers and long bolts in the photo with the bar, versus Elevate just selling the bar. The $30 is immaterial to me, I just want to objectively evaluate which is right for my use case.

I do tend to like spirited driving. I'm a masshole through and through. I've learned the C70 isn't incapable as stock, it just feels twitchy and uninspiring compared to the 850 GLT. That leads me to think I should be looking do to exactly enough modification, and no more, and no less. That's proving a a frustrating thing to evaluate short of buying both and trying them.

I am running stock ride height and I'm dead set on keeping it that way. I want no outward indication of change. Volvos make the best sleepers.

Which leads to the one thing I might consier changing - exhaust tone. Not right away, but maybe down the road, something that sounds more aggressive when my foot is in it, a nice low growl, but purrs as quiet as stock when I'm holding a steady 80 down the highway. Right now it sounds like its balls are in its girlfriend's soundproof purse. But, any level of drone would be unacceptable. So, it'll be the same irritating challenge picking the right one there, too. At the moment, Elevate's marketing BS looks best to me, though EST does actually sell two different sounding sets.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jul 2016, 22:57

Hmmm...Have you seen the guys who put a resonator in their exhaust to achieve that sound? It sounds very interesting...One guy even programmed one of his home-link buttons to open it up or close it...on the highway and driving in a spirited manner, you open it up to enjoy that low growl but when you're in the city driving civilized you close it off and have the stock sound. http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... =resonator