i need to replace the front exhaust down pipe (the one from the manifold to the cat) and having a problem finding part numbers. i need one that has the fixed flange at the cat end. there seems to be some question as to chassis numbers etc mine is 44147 buld year 1991 no egr

anyone can help? thanks

 

OEM - https://www.ipdusa.com/products/6887/113445-header-pipe

AfterMarket - https://www.ipdusa.com/products/6886/102754-header-pipe

 

There are two basic downpipes used - one with the flared fitting that goes to the cat and takes a donut gasket. The second is a flat flange and takes a flat gasket - which is what I think yours is. When shopping, take care as to the two types. I researched this last year when replacing mine and I believe now there is only three manufacturers of this downpipe: Starla, Bosal and DEC. Bosal. I have tried both Bosal and DEC and have been disappointed in both. The Bosal I purchased lasted 2-3 years before it rusted out. I tried the DEC since it was supposed to be stainless steel but the build quality was poor. The first I bought had a leak where the two pipes come together. I sent it back as defective but the replacement was the same. I had to pay a muffler shop to weld it to seal up the leak.

I believe Volvo sells the Bosal pipe.

None will last like the originals

 

thanks nichals and act1292. yes mine is the original with the flat flange. i think i might end up with starla. just have to make sure of the flange type. my indy mechanic who has a LOT of experience on volvos and saab said he hates bosal because of the poor fit.

 

Frankly I find the Starla no different from Bosal. I haven't bought the Starla downpipe but I have used their mufflers and tailpipes and they seem extremely similar in quality, fit and longevity of the Bosal.

I have been really disappointed in the availability of quality components for the exhaust. There was someone on eBay selling a stainless steel exhaust for the 240 but it didn't include the downpipe (it also cost around 350 USD). I live in the rust belt and my original downpipe lasted 20 years but now it seems I'm doomed to replace it every 3 years.

 

yes agree. i saw that stainless system i think it's 300 now on fleabay. anyway i just got a starla catback kit (origin SE right on the sticker) delivered for $82. very happy with it, fit like a glove. now just to get the front pipe .. sigh..

 

Years back o Riley's sold one,strange is that every customer claimed to see better mpg.

 

Actually not so strange. Since the downpipe is upstream of the O2 sensor, having leaks there really hurts your gas mileage. Leaks let in fresh oxygen into the exhaust stream which is sensed by the ECU as a lean condition causing it to enrich the mixture.

 

i haven't noticed any major change , although honestly usually i don't pay too much attention to gas mileage...

 

went with the starla part labeled made in france.... have no heat here so had my indy put it in. needed a lot of torching but he managed without breaking any studs. all good. part fit perfectly. very quiet now. labor $ well spent..