Hi,

I have a 2003 V70 that I purchased certified pre-owned in 2006 and I have personally maintained since that time. The car is in excellent shape and all along I have planned on driving it into the ground.

A few weeks ago the check engine light came on, coupled with chugging under hard acceleration. I took it to an independent Volvo mechanic and they told me the catalytic converter was bad and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic wants $2100 for the converter and O2 sensors (even though the O2 sensors are not throwing a code) and the dealer wants $2500.

I am looking for a much less expensive fix for this problem and have been looking at DEC and Eastern Catalytic after market converters, but cannot find any reviews of either. Has anyone on this forum installed an after market direct fit converter on their Volvo and if so, how did it work out?

I need to fix my car as it is not drivable right now but don't want to spend more money than I have to. Thanks!

 

Hi,
I replaced the Catalytic Converter on my 04 V70 this summer. The check engine was not on but the car was making a very loud hissing noise when you accelerated. I took the car to my indepentant Volvo Mechanic. The cost to replace the whole converter(front to back) was $1500.00. The dealer wanted $2100.00. After deciding not to get the converter fixed right away I started looking for other mechanics. I found a mechanic that cut the old converter out and replaced it with an after market converter for $350.00. So far so good !!!!
The other mechanics wanted to replace the whole exhaust.
The after market converter I installed does not comply with CA emission laws. I live in Texas.

I'm not sure what the after market converter brand was but I've heard of the two you mentioned.

Hope this helps
Jesse B.