Tell me how to spend my money

"MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)" (mkultra1982)
08/15/2019 at 22:00 • Filed to: Long winded

(I don’t know how to make an image for the header/title I am sorry please assist)

But first, a short introduction: I live in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. I am a ‘young person’ who is applying for (and ideally being accepted to) law school. I have a problem with visiting Mexico too often, and I have an insatiable lust for Mexican food. I love to wrench even if I suck at it, and I love the obscure. I have a special soft spot RWD Volvos and I learned to wrench on my first one. I also owned a Merkur XR4Ti as my second car that never ran. I just recently bought my second 240 after a year of searching, which leads me to my present dilemma:

I am replacing the springs and struts, and I can’t decide if I want to spend more on performance stuff when I should really be saving, but on the other hand, the price difference is minimal and I already daily an 82' 240 so who am I kidding about being economical? I also risk a 100$ ticket every day I drive my car, so time is of the essence.

451.27$CAD: Lesjofors Sport Springs, KYB-GR2 shocks in the back, Sachs OEM replacement struts in the front. Shipping from the U.K.

504$CAD: Lesjofors OEM Replacement Front Springs, ACDELCO Rear Springs, KYB-GR2, Sachs OEM Front Struts. Shipping from the U.S.

525.32$CAD: Lesjofors Sport Springs, KYB Gas-A-Just shocks in the back, Sachs Performance struts in the front. Shipping from the U.K.

Should I not be concerned about 75$ difference for something I know I will enjoy? Should I get the stiffer struts because the springs I have ordered are stiffer too (I had them on my last 240 with OE stiffness Bilstein B4s)? Should I prioritize getting parts sooner and avoiding a ticket when I know I’m paying ‘more for less’ and I will likely want a stiffer ride later?

DISCUSSION (16)

Montalvo > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
08/15/2019 at 23:21

I am assuming you need to do an inspection hence the ticket? I would just order the ones you really want.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
08/15/2019 at 23:23

Frankly I think it’s absurd to write “Volvo 240" and “performance” in the same sentence. Upgrading the suspension is like putting r unning shoes on a (very solidly built) p ig.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
08/15/2019 at 23:38

I get where you are coming from, think of it less so as performance, and more so as making the car more communicative. Not slammed cut springs harsh. Also

Kinja'd!!!

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
08/15/2019 at 23:39

Kinja'd!!!

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Montalvo
08/15/2019 at 23:39

Yes and also yes

gmctavish needs more space > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
08/15/2019 at 23:50

I know they’re both very different vehicles, but I have Gas-A-Justs in my Raider, and my dad has them in his Taurus, and they are quite harsh. Like, uncomfortably so. I’m considering replacing mine with Bilsteins if bigger tires don’t smooth things out a bit, even though I hardly have any miles on them.

atfsgeoff > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
08/15/2019 at 23:58

I already daily an 82' 240 so who am I kidding about being economical?

The Volvo 240 is one of the most economical cars in existence currently. So old they can be bought for a song, replacement parts are readily available and cheap, they are super easy to work on, and the drivetrain tends to last forever.

Pat yourself on the back and splurge on the performance parts, because at the end of the month, you’re not dumping $400 on a recurring car payment that will haunt you for the better part of a decade. And you should be proud of that.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > atfsgeoff
08/16/2019 at 00:43

The ‘ bought for a song’ is relative, it was quite hard to find one in my province and there’s rarely more than a handful for sale in my province at one time, manual or otherwise.

Also it was nearly impossible for me to find springs, suggestions are welcome. Also 20-26mpg gets pricey quick and the B23E calls for premium ( I think). But thank you!

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > gmctavish needs more space
08/16/2019 at 00:45

I will keep this in mind and maybe splurge on something nicer/different for the rear. Thank you

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > gmctavish needs more space
08/16/2019 at 07:25

Weird, I have Gas-A-Justs in the back of my van and they are significantly smoother than the Monroes they replaced, the GR-2s are a little smoother though.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
08/16/2019 at 07:28

I don’t see an issue with your “cheap” option. It gives you the sport springs, but sticks with “softer” struts/shocks which should lend you better handling without ruining your ride.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
08/16/2019 at 08:42

Would you suggest the GR-2S or the Gas-A-Justs from your Mopar experience and having had both? I also feel like we both like a sporty but not punishing ride.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
08/16/2019 at 10:12

I like my Gas-A-Justs on my 1994, they ride nice without being bouncy, but the GR2s on my 1992 ride excellent. Guess it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a little stiffer/tighter, go with the GAJs.

Goggles Pizzano > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
10/01/2019 at 13:10

Although 10 years apart our cars are the same color. I even have the same hood fitment issue. :-)x

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Goggles Pizzano
10/01/2019 at 13:25

If yours is a 240 we could probably even still swap some parts haha. I hate champagne cars but this colour is downright GOLD. All of the boring Volvo colours are still awesome. Everyone asks me about the hood: it’s from shutting it with tools in there I think. Do you ever worry about water getting in that space in the hood?

Goggles Pizzano > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick)
10/01/2019 at 22:10

It is a 240. When I bought my car I really didn’t like the color. It’s grown on me though and the fact the color has recently seen a resurgence helps (what’s old is new again).

I’ve never thought about water entering the bay. I’ve never had any troubles either. The lip at the back of the bay probably takes care of it.