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Been doing quite a bit of reading/digging on the forums in regards to lowering the US spec V60. While there is a fair amount of info, it’s scattered and mixed across and into general conversations. I’m still left with gaps and questions unanswered. I hope to use this post as a more focused notepad to gather info and leave it for others on the same quest.
Context
- For this exercise, I’m writing from what I think is the most common setup in the US, non-Sport Chassis V60. Euros, count yourselves lucky.
- Purposely excluding the Cross Country trim from this post. Assumption being, if you bought a CC, you’re not interested in lowering.
- Also not too focused on Polestar V60 as a lot this doesn’t apply. Plus T8s Ohlins can be adjusted..See @Pisadong‘s post here.
Starting Info
- Model/Trim/Motor variation factors into options. (Ex: R-Design Sport Chassis vs. Momentum going to achieve different results with same aftermarket product.)
- Obviously larger motors, AWD versions are going to be heavier, thus changing outcomes.
- SPA V60 uses a leaf spring in the rear, adjusted by replacing w/shorter spacer and a traditional coiled spring up front.
- Dealership labor prices to install vary, but general consensus is that it’s pricey. Private shops hit or miss on installing.
- Main issue, releasing rear leaf spring. Volvo uses a proprietary tool to un-spring.
- Heico and others have got around that.
- Also, due to the way the TPMS works…Lowering requires 1 hour of dealership time to reprogram the headlight level. Source.
Most common Lowering options for the SPA V60. (Great in-depth resource here with links. Thank you @AJS1KR )
- Heico Springs & rear leaf spacers. – Lowers “up to 30mm” depending. Heico’s site shows a very low car. Forum members show otherwise.
- Eibach Springs – US market needs to order from Europe. – Lowers 20-25mm front & Rear – Spring rates are softer than Volvo Sport Chassis springs.
- H&R Springs – US market needs to order from Europe. – Lowers 30mm Front & 20mm Rear – Spring rates are softer than Volvo Sport Chassis springs.
- Full coil-over sets from the big brands obviously. KW, Bilstein, H&R, Heico, etc. One note, Heico’s coil system is a rebranded KW V3.
- Bags of course…contact @thiccc.wagon
Volvo Rear Leaf Spacers (Thanks @EMRtek ) Link
31406523 – 30mm
31406521 – 24mm
31406528 – 21mm
31429578 – 15mm
31429579 – 12mm
31429580 – 9mm
31429581 – 6mm
Going from a 30mm rear spacer to a 15mm lowers the car roughly 10-12mm. Per @EMRtek Source
Sport Chassis – If it’s a listed feature, buy it. (Big thanks to @Power6 – full write up here.)
- V60 Sport Chassis is standard on R-Design trim in non-US markets. Lucky.
- It was a $200 option for a while in US while V60s were sold new. (Non-CC, non-Polestar V60s are no longer imported to US.)
- Reports are that it’s real deal sport suspension setup. Tight, responsive and full of feel. Swede’s didn’t skimp on this design.
- Sport Chassis sits about .5″ lower than regular Momentum, Inscription, non-optioned R-Design trim lines. Great explanation by @Power6 here.
- Higher spring rates (more stiff), matched dampers, lower ride height, bigger/stiffer sway bars. Technically the Sport Chassis springs are stiffer than both Eibach & H&R.
- If you have the Sport Chassis, after market springs like H&R and Eibach won’t lower much and be a somewhat softer ride.
- Wanna swap out your Dynamic suspension for the Sport Chassis? It’s been discussed. Here’s the part numbers you’ll need.
31429555 – Front helper spring (bump stop)
31476779 – Front spring
31387871 – Rear spring (leaf)
31406168 – Upper spring seat (number 1 stiff upper seat)
32286139 – Spacer (rear leaf end, 30mm)
31658552 – Rear shock
31658475 – Front shock
31429569 – Front anti-roll bar (non-Sport Chassis models may have this. If you sway bar is 26mm-ish, you have this.)
Photos. This is the most instructive part for me…
Previously had a bunch of stock photos of cars with Heico coilovers – I’ve removed them. I don’t feel it’s instructive, as any coil system could achieve the same look. This distracts from the conversation/journal of seeing what aftermarket spring options look like.
Heico Springs Example Photos
@kemmons S60 T6 on a Heico setup.
@Dodd S60 on Heico Springs – He’s running a 21mm spacer in the rear leaf setup.
Sport Chassis Photos
@easyhunter V60 T6 looks like euro-spec Sport Chassis
@aonarch sport chassis V60 T5
@Symtom S60 with Sport Chassis and rear spacer removed.
(Note: with Heico wheel spacers – Rear 30 mm, front 20 mm)
@PHILKEN Europe Sport Chassis for a diesel (20″ 245/35/20) – More photos here.
H&R Spring Setup
Official photos from their site.
@Jezek on H&R Springs – Rear spacer removed. (20×9.5 wheels et 38 )
Great write up by @u2asian here. H&R Springs with a 10mm spacer in the rear.
H&R Springs with a 6mm spacer in rear.
Eibach – Thank you @vettekid76
Instagram is full of photos obviously. Wish more of those people were on SwedeSpeed.
Personally, the look I’m going for … @j0hnsvenss0n – Confirmed with him this is the euro Sport Chassis R-Design stock setup.
This stock euro Sport Chassis @steffs_garage …perfect drop.
