Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon (manual) with close to 300,000. I purchased this car new. Unfortunately a crack has developed in the "flex pipe" of the exhaust manifold. It's that portion of the manifold that is comprised of braided steel. The after market manufacturer Scan Tech sells a replacement manifold that is nearly half the price of a new Volvo manifold. I plan on holding onto this car for quite a while.

Any comments regarding the quality of Scan Tech manifolds?

Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh

Hello Hugh,

Klaus is right as usual. Scan Tech is the way to go if you want to save money and time in the short term.

Every Volvo I've owned has had some scan tech part fail. I've learned to buy the parts that work. My 96 855 had a scan tech endlink on the passenger side, installed by PO @ 230k I removed it by hand... it broke to bits, and the other side had the original Volvo part with 253k miles on it and it took a lot of bp blaster and it came off intact.

Look online for a deal or a good used part that is not scan tech, and save time money and aggravation.

Good luck!

greendread

If you didn't want to keep your $700 car, go Scantech. Otherwise, get a good one that will get you to 500K+.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Klaus,

I like to argue, but I can't with you. You're right, my car is probably worth under a $1,000. My motivation for holding on to it, is not its value, but the cost of replacing it. Plus, here in CT, besides the sales tax you pay when your purchase a car, you have the privilege of paying personal property tax each year on the value of your car. So if you purchase a new (or newer car) you get penalized with a bigger tax bill. Oh what a feeling.

Hugh

And Will is correct. If the Scantech exhaust is 1/2 the price and lasts only 200K miles, you will be that much ahead. At least you can drive to Groton and pick up a new one and not pay for shipping.

I lived in CT from 1978-90 and know about the property taxes. In MN, the annual registration is also based on price, but gets lowered every other year for 10 years. At the 10 year mark it is only $40 forever, regardless of residual value. AND, there are no inspection stations! We do have to be on the watch for cars with bits falling off, lights that don't work, and brakes that don't do that either :)

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Not to mention having to go to the DMV, twice if you're lucky. Makes me feel much better about paying the dealer's "convenience fee".

Me, I'd still go with scan-tech.
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