Replace Catalytic Converter 97 Volvo 850

chn718 · Post by **chn718** » 03 Jun 2008, 21:00

Hi, I have 97 Volvo 850, and check engine light turned on, took it to dealer and they said I need a new cat converter the part alone is 790 dollars. so I have been looking for aftermarket, does anyone know if those are good? Also what kind of catalytic converter do I need, the direct fit 4 bolt on like seen here http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo-98 ... 0242376169

or the Magnaflow Catalytic Converter seen here

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magnaflo ... 0059712589

Also, do you guys know the tubing for volvo is 2.5 inches or 3 inches?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magnaflo ... 0214749445

Also, forgot to mention that is non turbo volvo 850 wagon

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jun 2008, 07:47

I would get a second opinion. Many times the dealer says expensive parts need replacing when they really don't. If you really need to replace the CAT, the Magnaflow is pretty popular among other Volvo enthusiasts but if you want to stick to OEM, some deals can be had on eBay. Oh and I believe your tubing is 2 1/2, not 3.

7 VII 7 · Post by **7 VII 7** » 05 Jun 2008, 14:35

I got the CAT from ebay that you posted... not the magnaflow but the whole piping and everything on my 98 NA S70... it is doing just fine

if I would do it again I would go with the magnaflow because it probably flows better and is cheaper

buy the magnaflow (2.25 in and 2.25 out) and get it installed a muffler shop and make sure there is a bung hole/o2 sensor spot after the cat for the 2nd o2 sensor

Post by **igel513** » 01 Sep 2012, 14:14

I replaced the cat.con. on the 98 S70 NA w/ Magnaflow 34105 Universal type w/c is CARB compliant. It was only 57.89 from Amazon. It has a distinctive growl - louder than stock and I like it. Just passed smog test yeterday. HC was pretty high tho.

g-volvo · Post by **g-volvo** » 01 Sep 2012, 23:26

The original Cat on my 96 wagon cracked a few years ago, and I replaced it with a Davico for $250. for the following 3 years I had varieties of emission related problems which were all traced back to an underperforming cat. Eventually the cat burned out with rattling pieces in it. I immensely regretted not trying to weld up the the original one. I ended up purchasing a used original volvo CAT from EerieVovo, for $325 which included shipping and testing. this has been working fine for 2 years now. Used Cats are hard to find because emission standards are regulated by the EPA and most used parts dealers don't want' to deal with the added compliance hassle.

People have widely different expectations from exhaust systems. I'm a pretty boring guy- I don't like loud cars, I don't like emission code errors, and I don't like failing state inspections, and I'm not interested in trying to re-tune my engine, or fake out O2 sensors.... going with an original ended up being the correct thing for me. Granted, I may have been unlucky with a bad apple... but if you look on these and other forums you'll find others with similar complaints. Keep in mind also, that parts like catalytic converters don't show their true colors until some time has passed. It's easy to find a lot of positive reviews and experiences for parts that have been installed for 1 or 2 days. Sure, everything works great when it's new... but the real test is if ages gracefully.

I would fight hard to keep the original until you are unequivocally convinced it is faulty.

Just my $0.02. Many others where will a completely different position on the matter.

g-volvo · Post by **g-volvo** » 01 Sep 2012, 23:30

do you know what the error codes are? this would be important info to post here as many can offer some diagnostic advice. Places like Autozone will often scan for free (in case the dealership only gave a quote and no engine error codes).