1. How do Sachs/Boge Turbo shocks/struts compare to Tokicos? I had Tokicos on my 242 and like the ride well enough, but if the Sachs/Boge Turbos are more stiff/sporty I wouldn't mind losing some comfort for better handling.

2. What suspension upgrades will give me the most for my money? I'm looking for flatter cornering, better handling, stiff but not jarring. My 245 handles like a broken shopping cart, with original shocks, struts, and bushings at 214K. It's starting to feel worse than my first car - my grandpa's Buick Century. And that's really saying something.

I too, have no experience with Tokicos, but I agree that you should replace any bushings that may be sloppy.

One caveat: polyurethane rear trailing arm bushings are HARSH. I replaced every other bushing with poly: no problem. When I finally finished the job at the trailing arms, my ride became instantly harsh. I would stick with rubber back there.

NEW shocks are more important than WHICH shocks. Sachs are good, but if you liked Tokicos, stick with those.

BTW, the most bang-for-your-buck mod is generally agreed to be IPD sway bars. Really ties the suspension together well, but any improvement you make will expose the other weaknesses.

I can't comment on the Tokico's, since I've never used them. I have KYB gas adjust shocks in my car and the ride is firm, but very controlled. The first step to a better handling brick would be to change the bushings to polys. If your original ones are worn out, this will make a noticeable difference. Second would be the struts, and if you are planning to lower the car, now would be the time to do that. The next step would be the IPD sway bars, the handling difference is night and day. Bigger tires and wheels would be next. I don't know what your budget is like, but an upgrade to 15's and Virgos would be good and pretty cheap, just make sure you get a set that isn't bent up, they bend very easily. Personally, I've been drooling over IPD's offering of a great set of 17 inch alloys. If you go for the Tokiko's, let us know your results.
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I've never had Tokicos, so I cannot comment on them. I have Sachs Advantage gas shocks and stuts though, and am very happy with them. They have held up very well, and I find them a good compromise between comfort and handling. I find them only a bit stiffer than the original shocks/struts, so if you want a really sharp handling car go for other options.

As for flatter cornering, heavier swaybars is the easiest and probably most cost-efficient upgrade you can do. Putting turbo swaybars on mine also put a smile on my face. Assuming you, unlike me, are in the US, you have access also to the even heavier IPD sways (www.ipdusa.com).

New shocks and swaybars are a waste though, if you don't replace worn-out bushings. Poly bushings are available, others will comment on how they handle. For me, original Volvo rubber bushings are good enough. The wife will also drive this car occasionally.

Assuming you have original 14" rims, replacing them with 15" (Virgos and others) and wider tires will also have a noticeable effect.

Good luck with it!
Erling.

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