Cat Replacement

[Jim LaCasse]

I have a 2001 Trac with 125k that recently started having a consistent vibration when driving. It's gotten increasing louder but nothing like blowing a hole in your exhaust. I took the car to Pep Boys to have fluids, plugs and wires replaced and they also told me I had a leak in my catalytic converter. They were unable to quote me a price because it was a Sunday couldn't get cost for replacement parts.



Two Questions,

Has anyone replaced the stock cat converter?

What is a rough estimate of how much it "should" cost to replace?

 

[Dave S 2]

I've never heard of a cat having a leak. Only a meltdown where upon it restricts your exhaust flow, thereby reducing power.



I don't think it is not possible for a cat to have a leak, but if it did, I would think it would sound like a "blowing hole in the exhaust!



As far as replacement. there are (3) cats: (2) pre and the main. Dependes on which you are refering to but each one should be priced under $100 a universal part alone. With that said, I wouldn't pay much more than the part cost + whatever (1) hour labor goes for in your area.



Good luck...





Edit:

Now that I look at it on repairpal, it scares the hell out of me what a stealership will charge you. If anything, buy a universal cat yourself and find an independant shop to install it for you!



WTF???...$'s for labor look like 3 to 4 hours??? That can't be right...



1tech...how many hours does your book state for a cat replacement?

 

[Todd Z]

I know of a place where you can get a cheaper than OEM high performance cat.

Shameless plug.



Todd Z

 

[Alan Peters]

You have a hole in your exhaust system. I would look at it yourself and see if you can pin point the leak.



Cats melt they rarely rarely spring a leak.

 

[Dave S 2]

+1 to Big Al!!!!

 

[Dave S 2]

+2 to Todd though...

I was thinking a whole new exhaust considering the repair quote but can't beat a brand new Y-pipe as Todd suggests.

Ought to be able to do it yourself with the new 'Y'. Literally, cut / tear / rip / hammer-off off the old and install the new. Simple as installing a new clamp / nut & bolt!!!

 

[Dre L]

I thought kitty kicked the litter box.

 

[TrainTrac]

Yep, the R/T exhaust parts are easy to install, and the results are great! Great sound and performance!:banana:

 

[Mike Yatkowitz]

I would check the two donut gaskets by the exhaust manifolds and go from there. If you need a direct placement (aftermarket ) I may be able to help you out a little.

 

[Dan Long]

IIRC, there aren't any gaskets on the manifold to y-pipe connection, just a flange fit. I know I didn't use any there when I put my RT pipe on.

 

[EddieS'04]

No donut gaskets. Ball and socket flange...