I'm renewing a 240 exhaust system for about the hundredth time in my life. Over the years I've had 240's with two different tail pipes, one was a simple L-shape and, more recently, an S-shape. Is there any reason to use one over the other?

The reason I ask this is that I want to have a tail pipe fabricated out of stainless and the simple L-shape will certainly be less of a hassle for the tube bender. Since they last so damned long, I've been using factory exhaust systems but the tailpipes do not last nearly as long as the rest of the system.

Thanks,
Rich

The exhaust theory is correct. The "L" shape allows exhaust to be sucked back in to the wagon via the hatch (sliightly open for cargo, or weathered seals). The length of "L" tail pipe extending from the rear of the bumper is also a factor. The "S" shape (look at installed ) terminates just to the left of the wagons hatch. Doubters (I was), ride in a wagon having the "L" shape with the rear hatch open a bit/ not fully closed. Do the same in a wagon with the "S" shape. Which one irritates your eyes, or smells like exhaust ?

Enjoy

I like the L-pipe better. That is all. I don't think there's any advantage, just preference.
--
'93 244: 'A' cam 4 deg. advanced, 25/22 sways, custom heim endlinks, fully converted to poly bushings, HD springs front, wagon springs rear.

I like the S pipe better. It just says Volvo to me. A little odd-lookig, probably unnecessary. I just like it. I even paid about two extra bucks for it a few months ago.

It was my understanding that the S pipe is the OEM volvo style--something about routing exhaust away from the car. The L pipe is aftermarket--simpler and cheaper. I could be totally wrong though.

I call the S-pipe *required* for 245. It gets the exhaust gasses routed further out to the side. That one time when you have something in the cargo bay and need to drive with the tailgate open, you don't want the exhaust exiting right under the open 'gate.

Coupe or sedan? Doesn't matter which tailpipe you use. Unless you have a hitch. I don't think the L-pipe works with a hitch.

A hitch works fine with my L-pipe.

I don't buy the exhaust gas outlet theory. If they really wanted to route the gas clear of the opening they'd have it pointing out sideways just behind the mud flap.

If it went straight out the side, it would be hit with snow/salt/ice (and it would be ugly). Straight out (L shape) doesn't allow the air running down the side of the car to "catch" the exhaust and send it behind you. The straight out the back design could potentially allow the low pressure area behind the car to hold some of the exhaust, which is not a good thing on a sedan or a wagon,especially if you have a bad trunk or hatch seal. The S is the superior design in terms of safety.
Charles