So, apparently my catalytic converter needs replacing. They're telling me its gonna cost $1500...but I found the part for like $300 online. My question is this: Is it absolutely necessary that I have the mechanic buy the part? Or can I trust the online parts?

2/1/2010 5:04:45 PM

Go to Henry's Muffler, either Milbrook or Capital location, and get it done for $150 OTD or close to that.
You don't need a bolt in, and it will be good for another 80-100k miles.

2/1/2010 5:13:19 PM

people will weld on your parts. they might want your old one though.

2/1/2010 5:39:14 PM

I have a vibe with the same 1.8L toyota engine. It needs a cat converter but i'm waiting until my registration is up to fix it.

I did find a few online new for down to $85, and was wondering this same thing. Is it worth it to just get it online and pay extra to have welded on? The direct fit ones are ridiculously expensive. Also, how can I be 100% sure the one for $85 fits, are they a 1 size fits all type of deal if you are going to weld it anyway? Here is the link fyi:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Pontiac/Vibe/Eastern/Catalytic_Converter/2003/Base/4_Cyl_1-dot-8L/EAST83165.html?loc=Front&tlc=Engine+%26+Drivetrain

[Edited on February 2, 2010 at 9:52 AM. Reason : .]

2/2/2010 9:51:31 AM

Quote :

"Go to Henry's "

2/2/2010 10:24:59 AM

who told you it needs replacing? is there a check engine light? my dad's 99 corolla has 170k on the original cat and still hasn't needed replacement

2/2/2010 10:52:13 AM

^Check engine light....I don't remember the code, but it's something about the two oxygen sensors telling you the cat isn't doing its job (not sure how that crap works but had 2 people tell me it was the cat converter).

2/2/2010 11:31:18 AM

p0420?
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)?

2/2/2010 11:37:48 AM

Yea I believe that is it....anyway I called Henry's muffler today and they quoted about $550 for the replacement. I can find the cat converter online for around $100 (Eastern Catalytic is the brand). Anyone know if these are complete crap or if it is worth it to try?

2/3/2010 9:54:36 PM

First try a new rear O2 sensor. That is usually the cause of the 0420 code.

2/3/2010 10:34:59 PM

0420, man...that bitch is smokin' yeeaaah.

Any exhaust shop can weld in a new one. Why anybody would do any different is beyond me.

But yeah, replace the rear O2 sensor first. That might take care of the shituation without having to replace the cataclysmic converter.

2/4/2010 9:19:31 AM

550 really? i called them about 6 months ago for a friend that has a corolla and i want to say it was less than that..

still beats 1500..

2/4/2010 10:03:43 AM

Maybe the converter went up in cost?
I had them put one on the fiance's jeep a couple years ago it was $200 for a cat and a muffler.

2/4/2010 10:53:35 AM

I'm amazed that my original cat is still getting the job done after 280,000 miles. Then again it hasn't been tested for emissions in 3 years or so

2/4/2010 11:26:20 AM