[coolguy]

If your trying to upgrade your ride what is the first thing that you modify?

Is it the engine parts of the exterior parts like body kits etc?

[ACowabunga]

coolguy, on Jun 8 2007, 09:06 PM, said:

If your trying to upgrade your ride what is the first thing that you modify?

Is it the engine parts of the exterior parts like body kits etc?

It seems that most people, especially on another forum "Swedespeed", have upgraded their cars "internally" as opposed to "externally". The most common for the R's seem to be (not in any particular order) ECU software, exhaust, downpipe, lowering springs, sway bars, and a secondary air intake (CAI) designed by the Swedespeed member - "R" Kelly. The ECUs can be had by a few companies like IPD, Rica, and BSR. I personally prefer IPD as a company because of their great customer service and the quality of their products. As far as body kits go, there are some add on parts from VST and Heico but aside from that, there isn't really much out there besides the actual factory body kit. There is a company in So Cal that does have an aggressive and good looking body kit but it doesn't really fit to the R's regardless of what the company will tell you. Overall, it appears as though the R will remain a "sleeper" vehicle without much of the exterior fanfare that the other European makes enjoy. I hope this helps.

This post has been edited by ACowabunga: 09 June 2007 - 08:41 AM

[Tantrum]

coolguy, on Jun 8 2007, 11:06 PM, said:

If your trying to upgrade your ride what is the first thing that you modify?

Is it the engine parts of the exterior parts like body kits etc?

Interior over exterior for me. IMHO, all of the exterior mods just make the R look like a "racer boy" ride. I have the sport body kit but would opt not to get if I had to do it again. I'd take the $2k in savings and put it towards the ipd softloader, ipd DP and catback exhaust, and ipd sway bars.

[coolguy]

As for me, I'll choose interior first.... then exterior...

[peterm]

coolguy, on Jun 13 2007, 11:56 AM, said:

As for me, I'll choose interior first.... then exterior...

Agreed. I've done the software upgrade, waiting on brakes (being made now, I hear). Maybe the cold air intake (R Kelly of course). I'd like a bigger rear spoiler, though - the current one is just too understated for me. I'm almost embarrassed to say that I would like one of the ones that sits around 6 inches off the boot, on the struts like they stick on the tuners. Sacrilege, eh? I just cant help myself...

[Tantrum]

peterm, on Jun 12 2007, 10:11 PM, said:

I'd like a bigger rear spoiler, though - the current one is just too understated for me. I'm almost embarrassed to say that I would like one of the ones that sits around 6 inches off the boot, on the struts like they stick on the tuners. Sacrilege, eh? I just cant help myself...

Oh, peterm. I thought you were alright until I read this. You're off my friends list.

[Underdog]

WOW, great minds do think alike!!!! In this case it's all about the internals. It just makes too much sense not to do that first. Also, I can sense the love in the room about the spoiler. Love the sleeper look!!!!

Tantrum, on Jun 13 2007, 06:31 PM, said:

Oh, peterm. I thought you were alright until I read this. You're off my friends list.

[peterm]

Underdog, on Jun 14 2007, 07:06 AM, said:

WOW, great minds do think alike!!!! In this case it's all about the internals. It just makes too much sense not to do that first. Also, I can sense the love in the room about the spoiler. Love the sleeper look!!!!

Well, you know what they say about us colonials - all arse and no class! Unfortunately, NFSU2 has a lot to answer for. My many hours on that game has been a very bad influence on me and what I would LIKE to do to the R...BOV's, 20 inch rims, huge spoiler...I'll be wanting vinyls next! Strewth, even I feel sorry for my poor missus...

This post has been edited by peterm: 13 June 2007 - 09:42 PM

[Underdog]

peterm, on Jun 13 2007, 09:33 PM, said:

Well, you know what they say about us colonials - all arse and no class! Unfortunately, NFSU2 has a lot to answer for. My many hours on that game has been a very bad influence on me and what I would LIKE to do to the R...BOV's, 20 inch rims, huge spoiler...I'll be wanting vinyls next! Strewth, even I feel sorry for my poor missus...

P you are crazy man!!! Do what you do, I'm not drinking on any haterade.

[peterm]

unfortunately, what I would LIKE to do doesnt sit well with the responsible lawyer image. It will probably remain stock on the outside at least (sigh...c'est la vie). Anyway, I dont want to re-open the door on my wife's requirement that car mods = mods to her to the same value, something that was explored in some detail (perhaps too much detail for some member's liking) in another topic.

[Tantrum]

peterm, on Jun 13 2007, 07:46 PM, said:

something that was explored in some detail (perhaps too much detail for some member's liking) in another topic.

And, I'll remind you, we still haven't seen any pictures yet. Post some and you're back on the friend's list.

[peterm]

Tantrum, on Jun 15 2007, 04:48 AM, said:

And, I'll remind you, we still haven't seen any pictures yet. Post some and you're back on the friend's list.

....must be good...must resist temptation...oh, all right! Not my chassis, but it looks like it's seen a body shop or two! Gimme some credit guys, it's hard to find PG material these days!

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[Underdog]

Amen to that!!!! That's everywhere you go nowadays. It's no longer a man's world to a certain extent, but the one thing they can't take away from us is the love for the "R".

peterm, on Jun 14 2007, 07:22 PM, said:

....must be good...must resist temptation...oh, all right! Not my chassis, but it looks like it's seen a body shop or two! Gimme some credit guys, it's hard to find PG material these days!

[Tantrum]

peterm, on Jun 14 2007, 01:22 PM, said:

Not my chassis, but it looks like it's seen a body shop or two!

I should hope that's not your chassis peterm. Otherwise, I'd say you're hot!

[roy chu]

My 2005 S60 R also looks like it could use a body shop in places, for the rear bumper to be replaced and for the front bumper, wings and bonnet to be spraysed for freshness, also a dent on the rear arch on the passenger side.

But it doesn't look to bad for now though. However I seem to like the clean bodykitless look as the speed humps in the UK are terrible and would scrape the hell out of my bumpers.

I still have warranty til 2011, but I think if I declare these cods then they might let me install them. I was thinking about

Top poly mount bush IPD, do this first!
Tranny bush from IPD, do this first!
Trac spec Sway bars IPD, do this first!
Strut Bar Conversion do this first!
Camber Adjustable kit IPD do this second!
Maybe Suspension Struts but at a later stage do this second!
And am waiting for a Strut Bar to be released in the UK, just waiting for someone to fabricate one.

The only downside is living in the UK, the shipping will be about $650, but I think the parts are worth it so bite the bullet and go for it.

I even thought about flying out there to pick up, but I doubt I have a suitcase big enough... lol

I will update and let you know how the UK people get on.

The US have all the best suppliers... jealous!

[VolvoT5M]

coolguy, on Jun 9 2007, 01:06 AM, said:

If your trying to upgrade your ride what is the first thing that you modify?

Is it the engine parts of the exterior parts like body kits etc?

first thing i'd do, if you haven't already is tires. they make a huge difference. also SS (sweedspeed) is a good site but you guys should also check out www.volvospeed.com also.