Catalytic Converter Replacement
 

I've been dreading this job even though it looks straight-forward. Trying to be an optimist.

My question is has anyone had experience purchasing aftermarket catalytic converters for the V70. I have a NA 2.4 liter with a plugged cat that needs to be replaced. FCP does not list one but I called and they recommend DEC on the west coast. DEC's cat for this car can be had for about $450 (not chump change, my friends) and the best price on the internet for an original Volvo is about $900 and they want the old one back or a $100 core charge. Anyone had experience with this? Thinking the install will be easy. How about original volvo cat vs DEC?

Year? any pics?

2004.... pics?
 

Sorry. I should have mentioned the year. What's your experience with replacing the Catalytic Converter? I think I found the cause, but the converter is still toast and I have to replace it. Whose do I use?

Is this the one where it is part of the manifold or downstream?

link to picture
 

Yeah, those are not hard, if it not rusted, pretty straight forward.

DEC or original equipment Volvo?
 

Is the aftermarket comparable to original Volvo and is it going to fit... ?

What about new gaskets (2)? I see the exhaust manifold has studs (4) and I assume the pipe into the exhaust does as well (2).

Figure on putting anti-seize on the fasteners. Aftermarket or original Volvo for gaskets?

It looks comparable, anti-sieze and gaskets are a good idea. Gaskets should be fine aftermarket, you will have to remove the o2 sensor and install in new, not hard, I use 22mm wrench.

Checking for your opinion
 

I know this is an old thread, but I am looking to replace my cat on my '03 v70. Did you do the job yourself? Any lessons learned? Thanks.

Kyle

I recently finished a similar job on my S60, which has a lot in common with the V70. Mine is a non-turbo and that section was just a flex joint and the rear oxygen sensor.

Here's what I can tell you about my experience.

If you are going to replace the oxygen sensor, go ahead and disconnect the connector before you lift the vehicle. I spent much more time trying to reach it after it was up on ramps.

An impact wrench would be very, very helpful. Those bolts have years of heat cycles and corrosion on them.

Don't do it on the hottest day of the summer, like I did. I happened to be replacing the entire exhaust from the converter back.

Other than that, there's not much to it.

Pat yourself on the back once it's done. You just saved a boatload of money.

This is the message I posted on the brick board. Still agree.
 

You can't buy a used cat. You can buy original volvo (best quality but probably overkill for a car that is ten years old), find someone to weld in a universal cat (it's not that cheap, and finding someone to do it well for a reasonable price could be a challenge), go to someone like smithcat in chicago who will take your core and send you a rebuild (if they have one) or buy an aftermarket direct fit. I did the last one. Klaus is right. I bought a direct fit benchmark (which is a private labeled DEC - diversified environmental catalyst) from US Auto Parts. One of many internet parts companies that are different fronts for the same company. If you sign up with US Auto they will email you coupons and discounts to get you to order. The cat on my car was about $467 and I think I ended up with 20% and free freight. I probably paid more than that, and I'm just trying to forget the pain. I called around to local muffler shops because I love working on my own car but I hate laying on my back and working from underneath. I got quotes from $70 to $200. The shop that did it for $80 was totally professional and capable.

Just make sure you discover the reason your cat failed. You might have an intake leak, a bad O2 sensor or any number of problems. I changed an O2 sensor.

It made an amazing difference in performance and fuel consumption.

I installed a turbo back SS system
 

From EuroSport Tuning, www.eurosporttuning.com.
The complete system was less than a factory replacement cat. installed easily, and has a nice rumble to it.

help guys, I need to have my cat replace, I called around and some tell me that a universal cat can not be used on a volvo. Is this true. Everyone keeps giving me cost of 1400 can it be done for less. Had one guy at a shop tell me 600 is that possible?

Aftermarket CAT
 

Mine works fine.

Any threads on HOW TO replace the catalytic converter on a 1998 V70? I would like to know where it is located and how difficult it is?
Thanks much,
Matt

Check PartsTrain online for price. I bought mine and had no issues for an 850. AWD will be most difficult due to driveshaft and angle drive.

Check either FCP or Eeuroparts for exploded diagrams. Take your time and you will finish.

Thanks for the response VT. I already have the converter but really need guidance and insight. I will look at the sites you noted for exploded views if I can find them. Any other insight would be much appreciated!!
Matt

Turbo Back System
 

I purchased several years ago a turbo back system for my V70 and the installation was very easy. It was a complete Stainless Steel syatem and I am very happy with it. The one thing that you will want to make sure of is that you install the emissions pipe that comes out of the top of the elbow that goes down to the cat. My instructions said not to install it and leave it open to the air and I kept getting fault codes. Once I re-installed it the codes went away.
The company I purchased it from was Euro something. I will track down my slip and get the name for you if you are interested.
Mike

A very nice and informative topic i like it very much i love this post thanks for this. I will tell my all friends such a good site.

2007 Volvo XC90 Catalytic Converter
 

Do I need to replace all 4 of the O2 sensors when replacing the cat.
Will I need anything else - I just bought the cat online.