Which parts must be top quality? Which may not be?

Post by **matthew1** » 11 May 2009, 11:13

MadeInJapan's post about how he solved his confounding PCV issue got me thinking. If a part sold in a kit -- in this case the intake gasket -- can be so seemingly unimportant yet so crucial, it's fair to say it's important to spend more when it matters.

What do you consider "no skimp" items?

Top Quality
Mann oil filters -- I think we can all agree on this (includes Volvo OEM which are rebadged Mann)

Cheap(er)
Spark plugs -- without getting into a sp debate, I think it's common knowledge that Champion and Bosch inexpensive copper plugs work well, and in some cases, extremely well in our inline 5's.

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 11 May 2009, 17:32

agreed....

also top quality fluids motor oil to go with the mann filter..and tranny fluid....after all they are a direct cause to wear... the bougiecord sp wiring, tbelt 9continental oem ) and tensionners....

personally i wont gamble with a part if its tough as hell to replace or needs hours and hours of labour......

lower priced

blistein rear shocks great purchase

for the price and a decent muffler exhaust, and good quality engine mounts insted of the originals

RustyH · Post by **RustyH** » 11 May 2009, 19:02

Matthew, I thought Volvo oil filters were made by Mahle. Perhaps I'm mistaken.

Post by **matthew1** » 11 May 2009, 20:39

^^^ You could be right, or it could be... both. A Google search for "OEM volvo oil fiter Mann" turns up 4500 results, and the same thing with "Mahle" turns up 5000 results.

MIJ will know

.

Whatever the case, I ran across this interesting study of German oil filter brands.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 May 2009, 21:19

I believe you're right- both. I'm pretty sure the insert type is Mahl though. In any rate, some things are better than OEM and so if you change out parts at all, go for the better (also cheaper)...ie: sway bar end links and spring seats for the struts (IPD sells a heavy duty version of each which is far superior). Where not to skimp? All Timing belt parts- don't buy the cheap stuff here- go OEM all the way... Belts, by Conti are fine but the hardware, get genuine Volvo. Also, don't buy the cheap stuff for the control arms (what the ball joints are attached to and included on) as these wear out quickly when they are not Volvo brand. Other than that, I can think of the Bouricord wires and Bosch MAF and 02 sensors (which are on Volvo's)...don't skimp on these. Otherwise, I guess you're pretty much either okay or limited to OEM parts. I could add that if you change out your vacuum hoses, you're better off (and much cheaper) to just buy silicone hoses from www.stylinmotors.com than to go to the dealer for rubber hoses by the meter.

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 12 May 2009, 17:34

filter debate ..

here's what i got after a quick research...

1995 Volvo 850 oil filter - 2.4

mann W 917 oil filter for 1995 Volvo 850 with 2.4 engine

Made by Mann+Hummel of Ludwigsburg, Germany with 41 locations worldwide

Mann is a certified OE / OEM supplier of these filters for Volvo

http://www.germanfilters.com/1994-volvo ... 46627.html

mahle on ther other side claims

More than 140 renowned engine and vehicle manufactures equip their engines with MAHLE engine components and filters as standard equipment.
This is a small selection of our customers:
....Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, Zettelmeyer........

probaly right volvo can have more than a supplier for filters...but most of the time mann is stated as the oem supplier 2 good choices anyway...

Post by **stone36** » 12 May 2009, 22:32

RE: Oil Filters...

On my 94 850 (canister type) Mann is sold as the OEM...

On my 05 XC90 (cartridge type) Mahle is sold as the OEM...

So it probably depends on the brand, in other words

MadeInJapan wrote:I believe you're right- both.

Will Robinson · Post by **Will Robinson** » 13 May 2009, 20:27

Mann is O.E.M canisters
Majle is for cartridge filters so im told by the ancient tech that services my 850

Post by **JRL** » 14 May 2009, 05:21

Suspension and hard to get to parts should be OEM
(Not springs and shocks)
Ball joints, control arms, spring seats and shrut plates and
inner and outer tie rods.
All the above should be OEM Volvo

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 15 May 2009, 04:17

I can believe that the Mann canister filter, does act as a check valve for the oil, but I'm not convinced any of the cartridges perform the same feature.