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Upgrade to Virgo Turbos? 200

posted by  someone claiming to be Abnormally Aspirated on  Sun Oct 24 17:28 CST 2004 [RELATED]

I've been noticing that several persons have upgraded to the Volvo Virgo Turbo wheels for their 240's. It seems to me that the Virgo Turbos are 15" compared to the stock steel wheel which is 14 inch. I'm thinking about buying new tires for the new '89 245 and I wonder if this is worth the time and effort involved to make the purchase of these 15" wheels. They look great I must say. Where do people tend to get a set of four of these wheels? Also, does the handling and other suspension related issues change positively or negatively? Will it adversely affect the drivability of the 245 I guess is what I'm trying to figure out?

Thanks for the help, as always!

JBeechcraft








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    Upgrade to Virgo Turbos? 200

    posted by  richink on  Mon Oct 25 00:08 CST 2004
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    last visit: Wed Dec 22 04:40 CST 2010
    [RELATED]

    Hello,

    I've ran Virgo's for years on my 240's with as large as a 215-55-15. I currently have a set of 195/60/15's (true stock size) and they are fantastic. No appreciable increase in noise or reduction in comfort, but a large improvement on road feel. I remember seeing a chart from IPD that indicated that tires represent about 20% of the formula to having better handling. Getting a set would give you the chance to buy a set of tires that are more of a sporting bent, to give you better traction on wet and dry, and then you can get a proper set of snow tires on your steel 14's to handle the winter months.
    --
    Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Volvo's are alive and well in Brampton!!!








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      Upgrade to Virgo Turbos? 200

      posted by  Coupe' de Grace on  Mon Oct 25 07:30 CST 2004
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      last visit: Wed Oct 31 08:39 CST 2007
      [RELATED]

      That's an AWESOME description of exactly what they did for my car. I used to have an older wagon, and not only did those wheels improve the handling on that car but also made it look about ten years newer. I put a set of Bridgestone Potenza's on my turbo sedan and I'm super happy with those, too.
      --
      80 262C Coupe- (FSO black, M46, original) 82 244GLT- (auto)








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    Upgrade to Virgo Turbos? 200

    posted by  Kane on  Sun Oct 24 21:18 CST 2004
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    Wheels can be had through classifieds, ebay, salvage yards, or a favorite of many, the local self-serve junkyards.

    The new tire size will come out to a 205/65/15 - lots of choices here over the tall 195/75/14 alternative or the rather uncommon stock size of 185/14. These hardly cost any more, if even.

    No negatives to speak of at all (unless it snows) - at 205/65/15, the sidewall is still plenty tall to cushion the bumps. Such said, it's still lower so you don't get as much body roll. The extra width offers better traction in the dry and wet too, though this is a drawback if it snows.

    -- Kane
    --
    Blossom II -'91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles -'74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup -'86 245GL/AW70
    The Wayback Machine -'64 P220/M40 ... The ParaBox -'90 745GL/AW70








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      Upgrade to Virgo Turbos? 200

      posted by  someone claiming to be Dee Jay on  Mon Oct 25 01:58 CST 2004 [RELATED]

      Abnormal: The switch to 15 inch Virgo's is a TOTAL WIN! They handle (much)better, are hugely more attractive than other wheel options, and are about the lightest volvo wheel ever made (equals a big improvement in unsprung weight), PLUS your tire options greatly expand in the 15 in range.

      About the only 'issue' is a potential slight change in accuracy of your speedometer, which isusually offset by the move to a lower profile (i.e. 60-series) tire in the 15 in size, over the taller tires which one usually is forced to use in a 14.

      I inherited one set on my '83 Turbo, and have bought two other sets at various times on ebay for between $200 - $400 a set plus shipping. Sometimes, you can find single wheels in the $20-$50 range and assemble a complete set. Even if they're damaged, they can usually be repaired, trued and balanced by several alloy wheel restoration companies. The Brickboard Classifieds or the Volvo Club of America magazine 'Rolling' would be other good places to check. Make the move and ENJOY!

      Dee Jay

      '83 242T; '83 245; '88 245; '89 244; '93 244 Classic
      oh yeah...and a '98 Ford Windstar Minivan - wifemobile - kids finally rebelled at sitting in the 'way back' of a 245 when they became teenagers.







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