Fair Price Catalytic Converter?
- Thread starter sashcraft
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KidVermicious
New member
Be very careful who you're buying that from. I'm fairly certain it's illegal to sell a used catalytic converter - I don't know if that applies to just businesses or individuals too.
sashcraft
Member
Yeah, I thought so too. But I looked it up on the EPA website and it is apparently legal if the seller tests it by EPA standards. It's a reputable reseller so I think it may be ok.
sashcraft
Member
I've been looking at both Walkers and Catco. They seem to have the best reputation as far as aftermarket. But I read so many threads about the recurring CEL problem with aftermarket cats. And...like everyone else $1200 for new OEM is too steep... and that's just for the rear cat. I don't actually think my cat is bad...it just has some pipe perforations (rust) around the hangers. For now, I'm patching with Quicksteel but that won't last forever.
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sashcraft
Member
No CEL problem? And did you also install an O2 simulator?
I had installed a new O2 sensor in the rear position and the code persisted. One of the cats had been replaced before, so I went ahead and just replaced both cats and have not had a CEL related to the cats since.
The CEL I have now is evap related and I'm sure it's going to drive me crazy tracking it down!
white_n_slow
Senior Member
Go aftermarket new, don't get a used one. With a used one, you don't know the truck's history--if it had a blown head gasket, bad sensors or was running poorly for a period of time, there is a good chance the cat has lost some or all of it's effectiveness.
Walker, magnaflow, there are plenty of good brands out there that will be as good as OEM at a fraction of the cost, and certainly better than OEM with 106k miles. It's just exhaust--it's not mission critical hardware and it's certainly not proprietary or complicated. I get that OEM is best for most parts, but this is one area where it simply doesn't make a difference. A good aftermarket brand will be just as good.
Selling a used cat is illegal in CO, so check your local laws. I personally wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole
Walker, magnaflow, there are plenty of good brands out there that will be as good as OEM at a fraction of the cost, and certainly better than OEM with 106k miles. It's just exhaust--it's not mission critical hardware and it's certainly not proprietary or complicated. I get that OEM is best for most parts, but this is one area where it simply doesn't make a difference. A good aftermarket brand will be just as good.
Selling a used cat is illegal in CO, so check your local laws. I personally wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole
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Rocky5000100
New member
I just bought a walker one last night for $170. Plus gaskets for a few dollars each.
sashcraft
Member
OK, thanks for the helpful advice. You've changed my mind. I'll probably go with both cats new aftermarket. Less than half the cost of one new oem.
sportscarfan
New member
You can get some cash for your old cat - I've unloaded several to SellYourCatsDirect.com - We buy scrap catalytic converters nationwide!
HammerHead
New member
When I replaced mine it was from rock auto and it was a good price. I know there is a 5% off code on here.
Twisted Sid
Member
Rockauto discount code 3919962735634891
exp. feb 7th 2016
exp. feb 7th 2016
Have you replaced the O2 sensors yet?
I had this code and took a chance by just replacing the sensor. CEL went away immediately. If the CEL is the only indication you might want to try this first.
-Jay
