VSC Product Testing:

VSC – Vehicle Specific Components

 2007 East African Safari Classic Rally

  • Ball Joints:  Part No. 274118 & 274119

  • Engine Mounts:  Part No. 2741114 & 2741106

  • Steering Rack Ends:  Part No. 1272947

  • Tie Rod Ends:  Part No.3516944

  • Brake Rotors:  Part No. 270739

  • Oil Filter: Part No. 3517857

 It was decided that we should take a selection of the new range of VSC products and test them to the extreme.  The aim was to put our products through the toughest possible conditions and prove to our customers they are up to the job, plus some! 

What better test bed than the world-renowned toughest test – the East African Safari Rally! As this event is now run exclusively for pre 1975 Classic vehicles we chose our extremely rare and early production Volvo 242 two door sedan as the test mule. 

 We made various modifications to the car to help with the rough conditions we expected to encounter.  These included a strong aluminum sump guard, extensive steel roll over protection, MCA brand remote canister rally shock absorbers and rally seating and instrumentation.  The engine, gearbox and LSD diff were all rebuilt with reliability in mind and every nut and bolt checked and replaced or re-tensioned.  We did however underestimate the severity of the rough conditions we were to encounter. 

The plan was to fit our car with genuine Volvo components for the first 4 days of the 9 day rally and then to have them changed to VSC units for the balance of the event.  We would then do a comparison on performance and reliability.  This idea proved to be our downfall.

Day One of the rally started with a 69klm tough stage with many wash outs and dips. Both the genuine Volvo engine mounts broke!  We replaced them again with genuine and the LH one broke again on the next stage!  Who said the East African Safari wasn’t rough?  At this point we switched to VSC mounts!  This day was so rough that we later broke the rear Panhard Rod!  On day two the severity of the stress put on the gearbox from both ends of the car resulted in a broken gearbox casing!!  We spent 4 hours on the side of the road with a complete Masia village coming to greet us! 

The event progressed offering numerous other testing conditions with the main roads in Kenya being worse than the Special Stages.  The components were changed to VSC as planned on Day 5, which thankfully was a rest day.  We were to bend the LH Lower Control Arm the next day, which required a new arm being fitted, but the VSC Ball Joint was still in perfect condition.  

The event was a true adventure and our trusty 242 made it to Mombasa 9 days later. Being classified as a finisher and receiving a sought-after Trophy, this event was truly a perfect test bed for our VSC products.  All components were checked after the event and I can report that apart from normal wear and tear the VSC product came through not just well but in fact in the case of the engine mounts – better than genuine!  

An event that was to not only test the components, but the car, and of course the crew.  The East African Safari Classic Rally is continuing to be held as the toughest test of man and machine in the world.  To just finish is a feat to be proud of.

 Mission accomplished.  VSC- Vehicle Specific Components proved their quality and performance for all vehicles in our range! 

 

 

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They've arrived:

After many months of testing we are proud to launch our all new range of VSC BLUE brake pads, complete with anti squeal shims, they are now available for the full range of Volvo vehicles and a large range of SAAB.  Following an extensive research period and listening to our customers we have developed a distinctive range of pads that are guaranteed to perform!  These brake pads are of a semi metallic material, and naturally designed to leave as little brake dust as possible.  They are designed to work in conjunction with VSC Brake Discs for maximum performance, durability, stopping power and squeal resistance.  We can't tell you the actual formula used to devolop these pads as that would be giving away trade secrets (and we would have to shoot you!), but they do contain a mixture of the following compounds:- about 5% brass, 20% phenol formaldehyde resin, which is a bakelite type resin, and 10% steel fibre, with went resiting fibres and resins.  The pads are of the highest quality and are manufactured to the International ISO9002 & QS9000 standards.

VSC Vehicle Specific Components represent VolvSaab in many growing products and these Pads compliment our very popular range of Disc Rotors and Filters.  Soon to be added products include hoses and suspension components.  Keep an eye out for these quality products at very competitive prices.  Just another line of products that represents VolSaab's comittment to offering top quality at very competive prices.  It all equates to value for money!

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Must Know Information about Buying Parts for Your Car

There are three options when buying parts for your car that you should be aware of.

New Parts
The Australian home of O.E.M. quality new parts for Volvo & Saab has always been VolvSaab. Offering parts generally at less than 50% of Dealer prices it makes good sense to check our range. We are importing direct from around the world and dealing with many of the manufacturers who supply Volvo & Saab (and in many cases Mercedes Benz & BMW etc. as well). We are dealing with such companies for ATE braking, Bosch fuel & electronics, Sachs/Boge clutch & suspension, Nissens radiators, Scan-Tech components, Elring gaskets, Meyle of Germany engine suspension and water pumps SBS brake discs, SBF brake pads & Iwis chains to name a few.

All our products come with a 12-month warranty and are of the highest quality and standard available. Our criteria for products are:
A.Quality
B. Serviceability
C. Price

Recycled Parts
VolvSaab has been at the forefront of Swedish vehicle dismantling & recycling in Australia for over 18 years. It is with this experience and a long-term understanding of these fine cars that has enabled our company to be the leader in this field. All parts are carefully checked for their suitability to the task and, off course, reliability for their intended re-use. Our reputation is our most prized possession and is embodied in every part we sell. We offer an extensive warranty program on all parts sold.

Our company practices the best in environmental work practices, along with a very strict Work Place Safety ethic. VolvSaab is a long-standing member of APRAA (Auto Parts Recyclers Association of Australia) and also a member of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and an original supplier to the Capcricorn Society.  VolvSaab is always abreast of the latest trends in our Industry, which we are keen to pass on in the form of better service, longer warranties, better packaging, and better & faster deliveries etc.

All Recycled (genuine) panels are graded by the APRAA code for ‘accurate parts description’ (A/B/C) to enable easy description via ‘phone, email or Internet.  We also offer digital images of all parts for electronic viewing along with easy references from our huge range of Catalogues and computer inventory control.  Check out our dismantling list to see what we have bought in lately

VolvSaab has dismantled over 2000 vehicles in the past 18 years and in that time has established a reputation second to none for service & price. All our Staff are trained in the product, and they are keen to help you.

Rebuilt Products

VolvSaab offers a comprehensive range of rebuilt products with 12 months warranty. These include steering racks, engines, transmissions, cylinder heads and brake calipers. Contact Us for details.
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