Bought a V70 T5 with Suspension and Springs, WAY TOO STIFF

[zhenya]

I guess I should clarify that I was asking the OP if any of those items are present, because they can have a significant impact on the ride quality.

[JRL]

You're running WAY too much tire pressure. Running over 36 will make your car like a ping pong ball.
You MUST run 30-33-34 TOPS For an unloaded, (nothing or no one in the rear).
FWD car you should run a bit more in the front than the rear, 32-33 front, 31 rear, less understeer
You also have a NON high performance tire, lower the pressure, live with it, or buy a proper performance tire

[JRL]

Any other performance parts on there? Upgraded sway bars or front strut bar? The only widely available shocks that have a reputation as being overly stiff for this platform are the Koni adjustables and Bilstein HD's - both of which are yellow.

Koni yellows are NOT stiff at all
Please don't post something that you "hear"

[zhenya]

Koni yellows are NOT stiff at all
Please don't post something that you "hear"

What else are we able to do with much of the advice we get and give here? I can tell you what the experience is with the particular suspension I have owned and driven, and would you not believe me? I'll say it again. Adjustable Konis have a reputation as being stiff. Is that because many people adjust them too stiff, and then report? I don't know, but I'm not giving buying advice here - I'm asking a question trying to figure out what his issue might be. Chill out.

[Juan62]

I've heard many times while in Germany, that Eibach springs are very stiff, but great on performance. Check out Koni FSD, I'm hearing nothing but great things for these struts. Remember to purchase OEM parts for the suspension outside the struts/shocks and IPD HD spring seat mounts. I'm going to purchase the Koni FSDs this summer.

[zhenya]

I'm very happy with my FSD's, which are paired with Eibach springs.

In any case, the trick with suspension is that everyone's threshold for what is acceptable is different. What is perfect for me is going to be way too stiff for someone else.

[Juan62]

Well stated Zhenya!!! This must be in the equation during decision process.

[98V70T5]

You're running WAY too much tire pressure. Running over 36 will make your car like a ping pong ball.
You MUST run 30-33-34 TOPS For an unloaded, (nothing or no one in the rear).
FWD car you should run a bit more in the front than the rear, 32-33 front, 31 rear, less understeer
You also have a NON high performance tire, lower the pressure, live with it, or buy a proper performance tire

I am basing the psi recommendations based on Volvos numbers. Inside the fuel lid it gives you a base setting, then a high speed/best fuel economy setting. Has it been discussed on here that Volvo's numbers are way off?

Thanks

[98V70T5]

Any other performance parts on there? Upgraded sway bars or front strut bar? The only widely available shocks that have a reputation as being overly stiff for this platform are the Koni adjustables and Bilstein HD's - both of which are yellow.

Nope all bone stock. Thanks

[98V70T5]

I'm very happy with my FSD's, which are paired with Eibach springs.

In any case, the trick with suspension is that everyone's threshold for what is acceptable is different. What is perfect for me is going to be way too stiff for someone else.

I rode in a newer 3 series BMW with lowering springs, and coilovers. It takes railroad track crossings like buttah, and gives a really really firm compliant ride. Its like having the best of both worlds. Sudden jolts it absorbs, but for cornering, its on rails.

If I lived where the roads are baby butt smooth, like when I visited Utah, I wouldn't really touch this car, but its way too jarring for these NE roads!