I failed my CALIFORNIA SMOG TEST DUE TO A old rotten CAT.
i'M LOOKING TO ORDER A CA approved cat and have an exhaust shop remove the bum cat and install the new cat.
I've found a CA approved cat Magnaflow Catalytic Converter from Autoparts warehouse for $178 including shipping. When I contacted Autoparts the guy said the cat would need to be modified even though its a cat for my model 1984 Volvo 245 DL. He said autoparts warehouse do not carry a CA approved fitted cat for my model which would cost over $300.

My question is how big a deal would it be for me to get the Magnaflow which is rated for my model and have someone who does welding, i.e. and exhaust shop install? Does it still make sense? Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks. Robin Davidson

I replaced my catalytic converter on an "89 740 Sedan a couple of years ago. I purchased it from FCP (at that time) now they are named FCP Euro- but they still have the catalytic converter. You can also get them on ebay (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.X1989+Volvo+740+catalytic+converter&_nkw=1989+Volvo+740+catalytic+converter&_sacat=0&_from=R40
you will have to modify it to fit and unless you know how to weld, it can be difficult.
The metal in the exhaust pies is a cast steel so you can't use a lot of heat to form the weld.
You will need the pipe extension from the old tail pipe to use on the new one. Also the flange bolts may need to be replaced, and they are a press fit, You may not be able to get the old ones off. so be careful in taking the old ones off, or loosening the nuts- if the nuts are corroded, replace them with new but they have to be high tensile steel nuts with a shoulder (or should be).
If you go to a muffler shop, they may not have the patience to fit the converter into place, so make sure they do a good job.
Good luck.
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89-740 GLE;91-940 Sedan ;98-V90 Wagon ___ all running well

Thank you so much for this information. It is very much appreciated. I was able to order a cat that was CA approved by searching the web. It was a magnaflow which seems to be a good name for new cat's. I then called a number of muffler shops and found one that would remove my old cat and install the new cat for $50. He seemed to do a decent job. I also had a problem with my volvo wagon's back door having rusted holes which was causing a lot of exhaust to come into the car. For $40 he's redirected the back exhaust pipe so the pipe comes out of the back side of the car instead of the back. Getting a new door would have been expensive and the door doesn't fit exactly so that would be tough. Will have to see how effective that is. When the old cat was removed it was completely blown out so the car sure needed a new cat. Wish me luck on my smog test and thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. Robin

You need to go to a local muffler/welding shop and talk to them. Oh, don't let them kept your old cat. You can sell it to recyclers for at least $100.
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Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

Thanks for your reply and advice.
Very much appreciated.
Robin Davidson