Now that I've had my Oldsmobile 215 aluminum V8 powered 245 on the road for a while I've decided I'm not completely happy with the ride-handling. It feels too mushy. The rear shocks look new (the lower cost KYB). I have a couple of pairs of the blue and yellow rear Bilsteins which I had installed on the now retired 1980 245. I will install them on the '93 when I change out the stock rear sway bar for an IPD rear bar. I have already installed an IPD front bar. The front struts seem to work OK (no continuous bouncing when pushed down and the car recovers nicely going over dips and bumps). With 197k on the broken odometer I don't know what's inside the strut. Could have been replaced--or maybe not. My understanding is that the later 240's have smaller diameter strut tubes that will not accept inserts made for earlier 240 models. I'd like to install performance oriented struts inserts but every listing I see shows the same part number for '93 as for much earlier models. My question -- Is there a strut listing anywhere that is really designed for the later 240's? Thanks for any recommendations or suggestions, Dave

1) Ipd has a number of strut/shock options at various price/performance levels as well as excellent fitment notes about the later 240 w/ABS narrower strut tubes.

2) Check out Dave Barton's 240 suspension page
https://www.240turbo.com/suspension.html

3) Numerous, assorted suspension discussions on Turbobricks that you can find with Google.
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Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now

Hi Dave,

When you say performance I guess you mean an upgrade in cost.

Have you looked up this company?
It’s the only one I know of that claims an upgrade in everything performance wise but your wallet.
Of course, if you don’t mind how easily your wallet flops shuts, after buying them, it doesn’t matter. 😳 😊

https://shop.koni-na.com/products/8641-1245sport

Phil

Dave,

I am no expert but I believe the fitment issue is on cars with anti-lock brakes. They have the smaller diameter tube.

Your car being a '93 I am guessing it has or had ABS.

I wonder if it is the case that Volvo stopped making the early strut tube and sells only the later if they sell it at all. Where are you seeing this part number?

At any rate, you should be able to get the early tubes from salvage, if need be.


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'79 242, '84 DL 2 door, '80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon, '15 XC70 T6 AWD

Yes, my '93 has the ABS and I'd just as soon prefer to keep it. When I mentioned parts numbers I was referring to strut insert numbers gleaned from Rock Auto mostly. I'd like to find an insert that will match the firm control the Bilstein rear shocks provide that will fit my front tubes. thanks for your input - Dave

I don’t which Bilstein models are available to fit your car. If you prefer stiff then the Bilstein HD might be a good choice. Some here on the BB have complained about them being too stiff. However, they might work well with your heavier than stock engine and rear Bilsteins. In the past, there was also
a softer touring model available.

Koni is in some ways a better choice as they are adjustable. Koni also used to have a lifetime warranty. Don’t know if that is still applicable??

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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

Thanks for your post jwalker. As far as the ride goes - my wife may not like it much but it's what I prefer - and she no longer drives. As for the weight--as a matter of fact the Oldsmobile 215 aluminum V8 weighs less than a B23-and that's complete with flywheel. With my conversion to a T5 gearbox from the automatic the wagon lost about 250 lbs. I had to heat the strut springs to lower the car about 1.5 inches. I've considered whether that might contribute to my dissatisfaction but I did the same on my first Olds V8 project with no ill effects - but now that I think about it--that was a 1976 265 which has the massive, heavy Peugeot V6 mounted way far forward. I'm sure the spring rate would be considerably higher than springs for the 245. Maybe a set of sport lowering springs would get my car level with it's lower drivetrain weight. I'm not looking to spend unnecessarily so used would be fine. Years ago I purchased some used sport springs for my 144 from a Brickboarder. They're still in the car (along with used old fashioned Koni adjustable shocks - removed from a scrapped car) they've been through many tens of thousands of miles of road driving and about 40 track days. - Dave

Hi Dave,
Think you are facing a difficult problem determining the right fix for your suspension. Since you were in the business maybe you know a suspension specialist you can consult? Instead of throwing parts at it or making further changes it maybe worthwhile?

If it were my car, and you think the front shocks are too soft, I’d probably buy Koni front strut cartridges. At least you can adjust the firmness as needed.
Jim

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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....

bilstein doesn't list 92-93 240 fronts?

Bilstein has only standard replacements for strut inserts - and none for the late 240. I have 3 pair of used b6 performance rear shocks on the shelf. Two pair are available at a reasonable price. - Dave