How straightforward is replacement of cat-back exhaust pipes and mufflers in a 1987 244 for someone who hasn't done it before? I am relatively handy with tools, but also cautious, and don't wish to get in over my head. Bentley manual recommends against, for novices, although procedure looks straightforward. I have basic tools, jackstands, etc and can do various small jobs including replacing brake rotors, pads, master cylinder, and minor engine repair and maintenance, just to give you an idea of my level of competence. Most straightforward remove and replace jobs I can do, once problem is diagnosed.

Also, we just moved to SE Florida and are interested in learning of non-dealer repair shops who work reliably on RWD Volvos at reasonable cost. Any recommendations for shops in Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, DelRay Beach area or thereabouts greatly appreciated.

Get in touch with Tony Verrigni at Verrigni Volvo Marine (he imports tons of OEM Volvo car parts as well as Penta Marine parts). Tony sells to most of the indy shops in SFla. 800-888-6586 He's in Boca.

Guri --

It's an easy task if the car is safely on jack stands. The only part that might be troublesome is separating the pipe behind the cat.

The Volvo exhaust kit has every item you need for a full installation. For me, it's about an hour's job—maybe less, if the muffler gods aren't exhausted.

Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Thanks, Don. That was enough for me to take off the mufflers and pipes. The tail pipe had broken off the muffler due to rust, and was just dangling. After soaking with PB Blaster, I pounded a screwdriver in the slip fitting in front of the first muffler, then pounded the muffler off using a rubber mallet while the system was still attached. Otherwise, it wouldn't come off; at least in my hands. I hope I didn't damage anything upstream of the fitting. Now its a drive to the dealer to pick up the exhaust kit, $266 minus the VCOA discount, in case anyone is interested in the price.