OEM vs. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters

[jbw1273]

So the cause of my CEL turns out to be a "dead" catalytic converter (two different mechanics agree, so assuming I'm not being ripped off). They suggested changing out both of them because the other one is operating at the low end of functional. I'm being told that it is about $1,200 parts/labor to replace both of them with an aftermarket cat that meets standards for all 50 states and approximately $3,500 for replacement with an OEM cat. A few questions:

1) Why would this be the case? Why so much for OEM vs. aftermarket?

2) What are people's experiences with aftermarket vs. OEM? I obviously don't relish the idea of paying 3X more for OEM, but OEM is my strong preference.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Jason

 

[cashmoney]

OEM is usually always pricier. Search around for walker exhausts. Last I checked you can do both cats bolt in for under $600.

 

[RedSled]

Magnaflow cats. seem to work well also.

 

[rideexileex]

OEM typically has much more of the precious metals inside to do the actual catalytic conversion process and will last longer than the aftermarkets.

My real question to you, is would you be comfortable with a rear O2 sim and a gutted / cheap cat? That would be the cheapest fix, if you don't care about what's actually coming out of the tail pipe.

Also, what what the CEL? Was it a bad front O2? I've heard that the rear O2 check engine light comes from the ECU not detecting enough of a difference from the front O2 sensor to the rear O2 sensor... Sometimes a new front O2 sensor might fix the CEL too. Does the truck still drive fine?

 

[jbw1273]

The code for the CEL was 0420, so it is in the neighborhood of bad O2 sensor and/or bad cat.

The truck drives fine. I have yet to notice anything different in how it drives. I haven't paid much attention to the gas mileage because I just assume it's going to get bad mileage, so I can't say whether the mpg has gone down.

I would like to be as "clean" as possible as far as emissions go, but 3X the cost seems pretty steep.

 

[RedSled]

The code for the CEL was 0420, so it is in the neighborhood of bad O2 sensor and/or bad cat.

The truck drives fine. I have yet to notice anything different in how it drives. I haven't paid much attention to the gas mileage because I just assume it's going to get bad mileage, so I can't say whether the mpg has gone down.

I would like to be as "clean" as possible as far as emissions go, but 3X the cost seems pretty steep.

If they are Calif. compliant they catch the same amount of contaminets as oem. They just will not last as long. I believe walker has a 5 year warrenty.

 

[jgue467]

The code for the CEL was 0420, so it is in the neighborhood of bad O2 sensor and/or bad cat.

...

Not necessarily. Per the FSM a P0420 can be a small leak in front of the first cat or between the two. Attempt repairs in lowest to highest cost order unless you test the part and find it to definitely be bad. Luck. :cowboy:

 

[SnowLizard]

I'm being told that it is about $1,200 parts/labor to replace both of them with an aftermarket cat that meets standards for all 50 states and approximately $3,500 for replacement with an OEM cat.

WHOA!!! both prices are a knife in the wallet!!! they are steeling your money!!!

you need a new mechanic!

Rockauto.com has aftermarket BOLT ON 50 state cat's for 190 each! that's $380, add shipping (think is was free for me) they work great.

My Stealership wanted $1800 for the cat's, and that's them installing.

wow, $820 for 11 bolts and 60 min of work.

 

[rideexileex]

How old is the front O2?

 

[jbw1273]

I recently bought it used and have no reason to think they have been changed out, so I would say original.

 

[1996_4_runner]

personly I would go buy a universal magnaflow cat for a little over 100bucks it's 2.5in inlet an outlet. And find s small local garage that'll put it on. That's just imo

 

[pluton]

I understand why one would want to use the OEM product as a general principle, since in almost all, or maybe all cases, the Toyota OEM part is better than aftermarket.
Mine will need a new cat next smog test in 1.5 years, and I'd love to get the $1600 OEM. If I feel rich, I will.
Question: If your truck is 49 state, why would you want California compliant smog equipment?
Your mechanics are nuts(or corrupt) if they are advocating Cal smog gear on a 49 state truck.
Agree with the earlier posters that the quoted prices are out of line for aftermarket.
Also I agree that the aftermarket cats never last as long. I had one(on my old '91 4WD truck) that didn't even make it two years to the next smog test.

 

[rideexileex]

I would personally start with a new front O2 and see what happens