s70 Catalytic converter

I must to replace my catalyic converter on my my 98 s70.
Has small rust holes and it is throwing codes.
Anyone have experence with aftermarket cats?
I have heard good and bad and am looking for more info.
If you have brand specific info please share.
I would prefer to stay with original parts, but at
just under US$1000 for the cat alone, I must investigate
alternatives.

Also I have had a look at the coupler between the cat and the
rest of the exhaust system to the rear. Mine is very rusted
and I would like to replace both halfs. When I cuts the what
I assume were bolts (now rusted to the point I can not tell if
it was originnaly bolted ot riveted) is there a sealing ring
or so called doughnut in there?

All tips and suggestions welcome.

 

Volvo warranty is 8 years, 80,000 miles on the cat.
You are probably above the 80K miles.
There is not a doughnut ring where the cat seals with the
pipe. It is a flange seal that is made into the two pipes.
A clamp goes aroung the two pipes to hold them in place.
An after market cat will do just fine.
Someone has got to make them.


BD