good morning,

I looked at three stores for a complete system for my 87-740, The price ranged from a high of $218(ipd) to a low of $125(fcp groton). What is what. Like everyone, I want a good system for fair price.

All advice, observations, input accepted. Thank you

L.

From what I have come to understand from reading posts hear over the past several years that Bosal was the OEM exhaust maker for Volvo throughout the 70's-80's. Very good quality stuff and at one time was the only decent brand you could find at Import" or "European" parts places.

FCP Groton also carries Bosal, but only in pieces, not as a kit. And it's about 20% more money. Better quality? I believe so. Nick at FCP can help you buy all the individiual pieces and clamps for your job. But get the Starla clamps -- those with the bolt going through them.

I have used the Starla/Walker kit, too. It went on. That's the best I can say.

Fit was mediocre. Leaked at every joint. And it droned louder at the rear, right seat compared to the Volvo original system.

It's been on my '86 240DL about two years now. Working OK as far as it goes.

Borla was another manufacturer. Never heard anything positive about their fit. Believe Borla costs a lot more anyhow.

I inquired about a 940 exhaust at IPD several months ago and was told the brand was Starla. I then bought the $125 Starla cat-back from FCP and have absolutely no complaints. Nice mandrel-bent curves. Not the corrugated Midas crap. Everything fit with no tweaks needed.

IPD has good stuff, but they sure don't discount at all.
--
Bruce Young,
'93 940-NA (current)
'80 GLE V8 (Sold 5/03)
'83 Turbo 245
'76 244 (lasted only 255,000 miles)
73 142 (98K)
'71 144 (track modified--crusher bound)
New 144 from '67 to '78
Used '62 122 from '63 to '67

I have gotten two 740 systems from FCP Groton in the last six months. They fit well and are made by Starla/Walker. When I need another, I won't hesitate to buy from them again. Of course the OE system would be the way to go if your budget allows. Shop around. rcs

I have had spectacular results from the OEM Volvo systems, which are higher than IPD but not that much. Try www.borton.com for good prices.

I am going to go with IPD, hope fully getting a nice sound too and while im out there, maybe a few hp.

Robert