2000 S70 muffler system replacement

zeke1256 · Post by **zeke1256** » 16 Apr 2018, 13:55

I have a 2000 S70 non turbo FWD and the center muffler is shot. There is a rear resonator/muffler near the back bumper. I'm looking to replace the center muffler from the cat back. Is the rear resonator/muffler needed for this car. This seems to be the only model S70 year with this rear resonator and wonder if it's really needed. I can get a center Volvo OEM muffler and have it cut in and use the current resonator or I can get a muffler with no resonator (aftermarket) to replace it. I would like to know what the resonator does and if I can go with out which I prefer to do. Seems all early models up to 2000 didn't have a rear resonator. Any help appreciated.

Post by **scot850** » 16 Apr 2018, 15:11

Not sure why the change. My older copy of Vida just has 3 muffler options for non-turbos. There are 2 part numbers for the version without the resonator, one for up to 1999 and one which I have to guess is for 2000, but it does not state that.

Then there are 2 others with resonators, but one has no info or part number against it, and the 3rd is like on my 2000 wagon and has a rectangular (ish) resonator as a separate part that attaches near the LHS of the fuel tank. I think the difference is the resonator version my car has supecedes the other version with a round resonator.

Some of this can be market driven, or market specific.

Some resonators can reduce the noise output and give a nicer tone to the muffler output.

I think pulled out my hard copy parts manual and it again shows 2 versions only for non-turbos, 1 with and one without the resonator.

I can only speculate that maybe the system without the resonator has a different main muffler.

Main thing for anyone buying a muffler system, especially if your area does emissions testing, is that a muffler is compliant for your area.

Neil.

zeke1256 · Post by **zeke1256** » 17 Apr 2018, 08:38

Yes, sounds like your system is the same as mine, with the rectangular resonator near the rear, drivers side next to gas tank. There are two Volvo numbers for this.#31372156, is for the rear resonator only, quite expensive, # 31372159 is the middle muffler. Seems they come in two parts now. I checked mine under the car and it's all one piece, no clamps, etc., as I know it's the original. So your center muffler is still lasting on your 2000 V70? Hard to believe. I may buy the center muffler only and piece it into the rear resonator via clamps, etc. My rear res. still seems ok.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Apr 2018, 10:38

Yes surprisingly. Yes it is shown as 2 parts. I think this is Volvo's thought process that the resonator typically fails earlier. On our XC70, the rear muffler fell apart, and the muffler was also one part from new. Now you can buy the rear muffler separately (still $500!!) and cut the pipe just forward of the rear muffler and the new one is sleeved and comes with a clamp. Possibly that is what Volvo has now done?

With the long life of mufflers on Volvos, maybe worth a call to Erie Vo-Vo, maybe they have a good used one?

Neil.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 17 Apr 2018, 10:59

The replacements in two parts have a *lot* shorter life span than the originals. At least on the P2s. So keep as much as possible.

zeke1256 · Post by **zeke1256** » 17 Apr 2018, 11:58

Yes, I called Erie Volvo and they can't help with the muffler, said they're seeing very few S70 coming in lately. I'm going to check around and try a used Volvo OE muffler, and I know they'll last longer.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Apr 2018, 15:49

I wish you luck. If you had been on the left coast I would have suggested trying vandsautodismantlers as being based in Sacramento CA, they may have low rust mufflers available.

Neil.

zeke1256 · Post by **zeke1256** » 06 May 2018, 11:13

So, We ended up getting an aftermarket system believed to be a Walker 47733 system from the cat on back, no resonator. Got a very good price shipped to my door from an ebay supplier. Had some "Parts International" stickers on it. Came in three pieces with wide clamps. Put it on with some modifying - welding, where it attached to the cat area. Also used a Starla pipe extension on rear. I spray painted with high heat paint to try to make it last longer, if it makes 5 years, I'd be happy. Sounds really good, quiet like new. Quite happy with it. This is the link where I got it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Exhaust-muffle ... 2948896116?_