I just replaced my OEM cat on the 960 as one of the pipes started rusting through.

I got a Magnaflow 23954 replacement as it appeared reasonably well built compared to the other stuff out there. The Magnaflow uses single wall tubing but it is mandrel bent as opposed to the crush bends used by the competition.

The cat is much smaller than OE so I don't expect it will match the original in durability (over 13 years).

The front O2 bung interferes with the heat shield. I had to bend it slightly but I think I'm getting contact on acceleration. The Magnaflow definitely is louder than the Volvo unit, in cruise as well as acceleration. If I had the $$$ I'd definitely pick the OE Volvo over the Magnaflow.

Anyway, here are a few pictures for those interested:







Cheers,

Richard

Shoulda done the E36 headers while you were at it...

That was tempting, but yearly safety inspection was due a couple of weeks after the exhaust system decided to spring a leak, so no time for mods...

Have you installed yours? I may still do that or opt for an LPT.

I still can't get over how smooth this car is, but the auto trans is driving me nuts. I may try to find a T5 before any other changes. Do you know if the pedal cluster on the '97 is compatible with the 740? That would simplify the conversion if I don't have to fab a new clutch and brake pedal.

RT

I suspect the pedal cluster will work on all 7/9 series cars. I haven't done the header swap yet. We'll see if it happens this summer. The tranny drives me crazy too. Fortunately I don't drive the car that much and when I do it's usually on the highway so the tranny isn't quite as irritating as it might be. I understand the Getrag from an E36 is an option for a swap. We're supposed to be getting a drawing or an actual adapter plate from Sweden to adapt to a whiteblock. Apparently the E36 Getrag is capable of holding 600hp and, according to eBay, they're really not that expensive. Guess we'll see how all that works out.

what was the price difference richard? are the stock pipes double walled? They look alot bigger, except same ID when looking from the end. do you get emmission testing there, to see if the cat is as effective?
louder must equal more power at least!;-)

About 7 or $800 more for the OE piece. The Magnaflow came in at $500 with shipping and tax. The Volvo unit was $1200 before tax I believe.

It doesn't feel like it has more power, but the difference may be slight. The OE piece is indeed double-walled and must be 20 lbs heavier.

No emmissions testing here yet but I still like clean air.

Let me know what you find about the Getrag adapter Dale, that sounds promissing.

RT