I need to replace the exhaust system anyway...but I'm wondering whether or not I need to buy a catalytic converter. The state I live in doesn't require inspection stickers....but if I move to a state that does, I figure I'm hosed. My question is this: Does the car need the catalytic converter to run right? Also...what have you guys paid for a catalytic converter and where?
Thanks,
Cabbie2169

Check this link for a Cat.

http://www.catalyticonverters.com/volvo_240_catalytic_converter.html

Mario

Genuine Volvo converters are very expensive. You can get a universal catalytic converter. They are under $100. I got a new AP 2 1/4" high flow converter free from a friend and had a muffler shop put in on for $25. The car had an increase of power immediatly. The old converter was a solid hunk of rust and carbon buildup. Call around, check Ebay and other web places and you may find a new one cheap. Universals do not have the 3 bolt flange, but just cut the pipe in front and weld on the new one there.
You didn't hear this from me, but you can clean out the old converter with compressed air or a high pressure water washer and shake out all of the loose garbage then reinstall it. If you can see light through the catalyst, and it's not all broken inside, it will still work. Most probably it's junk and a new one is a better bet, especially if the case or flange is rusted. Check around.
Ben

You're not kidding. My Volvo dealer quoted me over $850CDN for a replacement cat. I could hardly contain my laughter. I ended up getting a direct fit (with 3-bolt flange, pipes properly bent) Bosal cat from NAPA.

Before shopping around find out where your 02 sensor is located; some are in the pipe and some are in the cat.

It doesn't "need" it, but you should still replace it. A couple years ago, I paid just under $100 for a pre-formed one from AutoZone. Straight bolt-on installation.

Nowadays, around here in SoCal, a muffler shop will weld in a new one for about $80-$120. A universal 3-way cat can be had itself for about $50 or so.

-- Kane
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Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

check these http://www.fastbodyparts.com/cgi-bin/fast/index.html?make=VOLVO&model=240%20SERIES&year=1985&cat=ALL
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big rich in arkansas '62 544 132K, 85 244 210K, 95 855 105K

If your car came with a cat, it is illegal (federal) to remove it regardless of whether or not a seperate emission inspection is done.

Are the feds now going to crawl under our Volvos to see if we are compliant? I doubt that so it sounds like we need yet another gov agency to enforce.
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David Hunter

Are the feds now going to crawl under our Volvos to see if we are compliant? I doubt that so sounds like we need yet another gov agency to enforce.
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David Hunter

Preach it. Part of the Volvo owner's oath includes the pledge to be socially and environmentally responsible.

The car will run the same with or without the cat, since the O2 sensor is ahead of the cat. (Newer OBDII vehicles have two O2 sensors, one ahead and one behind the cat, and they will definitely notice the cat is missing!) It will not smell so good to the people driving behind you.

If the cat is rattling my advice is to remove it (preferably replace it for the sake of the environment) sooner than later, before the loose chunks start making their way to the muffler and plug things up.

It might not even be the cat that is rattling. I just removed the metal shield around the collector right in front of the cat that makes it sound that its coming from the cat. Check that out before doing anythign first.