1996 850na What's hardest part of changing exhaust manifold?

[oragex]

A side-by-side visual of two manifold for area around the flex...any comments?

DNA Motoring


Estonian variation

The first part is by far of better quality. It also seems to be in inox. It has very good welding.

The cuts on the second part look really poorly done which can be a good indicator of the general quality. The welding seem acceptable. It also seems to be regular steel going to rust everywhere. Even then, a cheap part might be worth if it lasts a few years, but this one looks so poorly manufactured, I won't buy it.

[xHeart]

Good to know oragex.
I will update on how Estonian manifold performs, meanwhile, we know for certain our bigdaddylee is running on the DNA Motoring's manifold for few years without change of heart, I guess.

[osman]

"The Estonian Variation" sounds like a chess opening gambit.

[xHeart]

"The Estonian Variation" sounds like a chess opening gambit.

Interesting take osman. The Latvian gambit is known.

[burnout8488]

Other than the EGR (Just delete it!), how is the fitment of the Estonian manifold as far as lining up with the exhaust pipe, and does the heat shield bolt on perfectly with no bending?

The only way I'll ever get an aftermarket manifold is if it is dimensionally identical to an OE part. If I have to stretch or stress the exhaust in any way to get it to bolt up, the manifold goes back. So I'm really interested in hearing someone's install experience as far as "bolt-on" fitment went.

I just realized that the EGR bung for you guys with older 850s is shared with the SAS system on later N/A 850s. I deleted the SAS on my gf's 850 using an M16x1.5 drain plug from Advance Auto parts, with a standard Volvo oil plug crush washer.

[xHeart]

The only way I'll ever get an aftermarket manifold is if it is dimensionally identical to an OE part. If I have to stretch or stress the exhaust in any way to get it to bolt up, the manifold goes back. So I'm really interested in hearing someone's install experience as far as "bolt-on" fitment went.

There were plenty of clues in cn90 and bigdaddylee write up.

Removing two vacuum lines at EGR was the best clue, it made removal and installing of the EGR assembly easier, not effortless.

Use of bottle-jack to support CAT after the 4 nuts were off at the flange help lowering CAT just enough to pull-off manif, which was a hint for me to pre-screw the 4 studs fully at flexible flange while on the bench, loosely install at the head first and then raise CAT back for the flange studs to align and come through. It worked like docking with ISS.

Just an easy fitting exhaust manifold method, and excellent writeup with lotsa clues.

The bracket ears were bit off, it needed an upward push for the pre-heat plate holes to align and screwed down straight.

Now, I want to restore the original Volvo exhaust manifold at the Flex, put the weaved thingy back on, and find an alternate for the broken bracket. After a closer look, Volvo's manif appears welding free.

Planning on replacing the corroded exhaust pipe south of CAT. I would prefer Volvo's but nothing lasts on our slated roads. Starla is OEM - $100 less - a coat of high-temp paint may add few more years to Starla... or Walker.

[xHeart]

A view from below two weeks after the install of Estonian Variation. It appeared wet so I ran my finger, the red arrow points to the skid of my finger. Is it normal, or does it need tightening?

Exhaust manifold - a view from below

MVS_0999.jpg (899.01 KiB) Viewed 2730 times

[plumsmooth]

Hey it looks like this can be done from above!
Considering I replaced the PCV system maybe I can pull this one off too...

And considering I would be letting a muffler guy finish the rest with new Cat and Muffler I would still save a bit of $!

And avoid the hassle of a Mechanic messing something up -- up top?

[Nevada1906]

The hardest part of the job?

Wanting to do it.