Hi, I'm a newb to the board, been a 245 owner for at least 5 yrs, done some of my own work & farmed some out...
My '92 245 has an exhaust leak near the front--last summer it cracked while I was on vacation & I got it welded, but it's leaking again. Reputable local shop says I should replace the entire system, which is aftermarket. Estimate to replace w/OEM parts is roughly $2,500, half of that is labor. I love my car, problem is I can't afford to spend that kind of $ on my exhaust system, esp. when the car needs some other things. My 245 is worth fixing & I intend to keep it a long time, however.
A). Why are Volvo exhuasts so damn expensive? I think one can get a generic exhaust hung on a more common car for about 1/10th the price.
B). Can I get away with an aftermarket system? Not looking for performance (hahaha--bone stock b21 automatic), just want my car to be quiet. FYI, I live in Michigan where we don't do any emission testing or vehicle inspections, by law cars that were built with catalytic convertors are supposed to keep them, but no one will be the wiser if the shop is willing to bypass it.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!