carnut222 The genuine ones are quite rare and were an accessory item (not factory fitted except maybe on some higher-spec cars). I don't think it will make much difference to the noise levels...is the rubber boot in good nick? I've used aftermarket leather ones from the likes of Autobarn on 240s with success...they usually have an elastic sewn into the bottom, and string tie at the top to allow them to fit snugly. Shop around as they vary in quality. The 240s had a foam insulator under the tunnel below the rubber boot. Not sure about 740s, but that made a big difference to the sound level. I'd be surprised if the 7-series only has a rubber boot - there must be some additional soundproofing as the 7-series were meant to be quieter and more up-spec that an 240...maybe investigate insulation under the rubber boot in addition to adding a leather boot on top for looks.
There definitely was insulation under the tunnel on 740s, but my manual conversion kit came from a 240 and did not include any insulation as a result.
The rubber boot is in perfect nick, but even with it properly fitted and the center console installed there is still noticeable engine/road noise. With the auto there was no where near as much road noise.
I applied some noise-proofing foam around the edges where the rubber boot meets the hole in the floor, which should deaden the noise a bit.
The supercheap auto "univeral" shift boot turned out to be "not-so-universal" and did not fit the shifter properly nor did it look any better, so that's why i was hoping to find a genuine Volvo boot. The dealer doesn't even have the part number in their system, so no luck there. Some bloke is selling a reproduction of a 740 leather shift boot in the UK but he wants $150 + 30 shipping - absolutely absurd for a piece of fake leather. The financially sensible part of me won't allow.
I think i'll try to find a diagram of the transmission tunnel from 740s and see if there is any foam insulation there, but in the meantime i'll order that shift boot you sent me. It looks quite close to the original.
