Exhausting - Which?

[ralnavman]

The exhaust on my 1997 MY 945 has finally given up. Not being the original owner, it looks like the failed unit may be an original Volvo. So I don't know what to replace it with.
I have been looking at stainless steel but I have seen posts that say they are brittle and that the lifetime guarantee is only effective if you have an annual check.....where and how much? On the other side, there are claims of improved mpg and as I only get 25/6 mpg that is of interest.
And are genuine Volvo exhausts still available?
I'm a little disappointed with the normal run of the mill exhausts, thinking that they aren't cost effective and that's not taking into account the availability and many different exhausts for a 940.

Does anyone have any experiences that they wish to share? Thanks in advance to you all

[john.wigley]

Dear 'ralnavman',

I'm not sure if it's still available, but we've had good experience with 'Kwikfit' lifetime guarantee.

We bought our '87 745 secondhand in '98. Six months later it needed a new exhaust system. We went to our local branch of 'Kwikfit' and purchased their 'premium' system for £189.99 plus an extra £40 for a 'lifetime' guarantee.

Last week, the same branch fitted the third replacement system in our ownership - no fuss, no bother! This would have cost some £300 and has probably doubled the value of the car!! (I've no other connection with 'Kwikfit' other than that of being a very satisfied customer.) I also believe that exceptional service should be praised, after all - we are quick enough to complain when things go wrong!

Regarding stainless systems; many, many years ago we bought a stainless system for my late MiL's 360 from an advertiser in the VOC magazine.This was subsequently fitted by our local garage. Approximately 8 - 10 years after purchase, the rear section failed on a weld and not corrosion, if I remember correctly. A phone call later and a replacement was on it's way - they even trusted us enough not to require the return of the failed part. Another example of good service in my book.

I think it will come down to personal choice, but these are a couple of options for you to consider.

Kind regards, John.

[Prufrock]

Genuine Volvo exhaust's aren't that expensive, in fact they're good value as they are long lasting. Genuine front pipes are best as the pattern ones are frankly rubbish - I don't feel the need to go into this in huge detail though.

Stainless steel can be misleading, what quality and are the internals/baffles etc, made of stainless? They often don't sound too good either.

Bosal would be my non genuine choice, good quality and possibly as durable as genuine.

Kwik Fit would be a no-no for me, find a good independent that would be happy to fit your parts.

Jon.

[rogerthechorister]

I aave found K-F OK for cheap and adequately durable. For a nice sound and a bit of extra wellie, I have been very pleased with Jetex.

[wrinkles]

I had mine fitted with a genuine Volvo exhaust by a Volvo dealer while I waited under 200 quid

[barkster1971]

My 1997 945 is heavily modded but got 29mpg. it's got a full 3" exhaust. I'm seeing if the Tesco petrol has an affect rather than Jet atm though.
Driving style does influence economy most rather than a free flow exhaust I find.

[Forrest]

The independent Volvo mechanic I use told me earlier this month that he'd been having trouble sourcing genuine Volvo 940 exhausts recently. I was surprised since Volvo usually seem really good at keeping essential parts available. Has anyone else had any problems getting the genuine article?

[Ian21401]

Acquired my '92 940 non turbo estate in April,2005, @ 102,000 miles.
Replace complete system excluding the cat. From local factors (brand not known) Feb.2007 @ 118,000 miles.
Replace from cat. back (Bosal brand) Oct. 2009@ 142,000 miles.
Replace cat. (Bosal brand) Dec.2010 @ 152,000 miles.
Front pipe expired May 2112 @ 166,000 miles, (welds around the threaded collar just upstream of the cat joint corroded away) so complete system excluding cat. replaced with a genuine Volvo system from my local main dealer. I previously obtained quotes from local factor and local exhaust specialist. The Volvo system was very competitively priced. The front pipe did appear to be much better quality than it's predecessor. The system was delivered as a boxed kit. Upon opening it at home I saw that there was a deep dent in the section which joins the cat. to the centre box as if something extremely heavy had been dropped on it. I returned it to the dealer and he ordered another. He and I examined the second kit at the dealership and foujnd that it was dented in the same place so deduced that there must be a reason for it. When I fitted it the reason for the dent became apparent. It is to avoid the pipe contacting a transverse chassis section. Did seem a bit rough and ready though.
Note, since acquiring the car I was aware that there was supposed to be some sort of bracket between the aft end of the front pipe and the bellhousing/block joint but had not been able to ascertain precisely what was missing. Whilst researching the Volvo system I enquired with Volvopartshop who kindly emailed me an "exploded" diagram which plainly showed the bracket components. It is basically a huge steel paper clip which is clamped to the engine bracket at one end and the front pipe at the other end, so I bought all the relevant pieces from Volvopartshop.
Now at 182,000 miles.

[ralnavman]

Barkster1971, sorry to appear a bit thick but how/what is your 3" full flow exhaust? Is it a bespoke system?

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by Prufrock

Bosal would be my non genuine choice, good quality and possibly as durable as genuine.

Kwik Fit would be a no-no for me, find a good independent that would be happy to fit your parts.

Jon.

As it happens, the exhaust system fitted by 'Kwikfit' was of 'Bosal' manufacture!

John