by Hefty » Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:23 pm
Not to long ago my Honda threw the infamous Catalytic efficiency below threshold code. If you do a Google search you can find plenty of sites selling aftermarket OEM replacement converters for lots cheaper then the dealer can provide. I believe i had to throw down about $130 to get a new aftermarket convertor. Don't get aftermarket confused with hi-flo high performance catalytic converters. You can spend big bucks on some nice high efficiency converters. I spent $450 on a discounted hi-flo cats H-pipe for my Mustang. And that was only because one of the pipes were bent and the Mustang has a much broader aftermarket performance parts selection that is was that cheap.
I've seen some people suggesting that there is some welding involved with the converter replacement. Being that the Catalytic converter is a serviceable part it usually can be bolted in and out. It is usually the resonators that have to welded in and out. You don't need to modify your exhaust or do anyting with your cat-back if you don't want to. I will warn you though that the bolts on a exhaust get corroded easily and pneumatic tools make the job a lot easier.
Its always best to go ahead and look into replacing the o2 sensor at a time like this. Sometimes the computer can be fooled by a bad upstream or downstream o2 into thinking it is your catalytic converter that is going bad. Now when it comes to o2 sensors I am particulary picky and usually try to get the direct OEM replacement from the dealer. But that is just me and having several bad experiences from going through the ordeal of buying several different aftermarket o2 sensor replacements until I finally find a new one that works correctly. In one case, by the time it was all said in done I'd just saved some money getting the original equipment parts from the dealer in the first place. But be warned again, the dealer is going to be very proud of their OEM o2 sensors. Usually $250 is on the cheap side, I think Honda wanted $350 for the downstream o2 sensor.
I've seen some people suggesting that there is some welding involved with the converter replacement. Being that the Catalytic converter is a serviceable part it usually can be bolted in and out. It is usually the resonators that have to welded in and out. You don't need to modify your exhaust or do anyting with your cat-back if you don't want to. I will warn you though that the bolts on a exhaust get corroded easily and pneumatic tools make the job a lot easier.
Its always best to go ahead and look into replacing the o2 sensor at a time like this. Sometimes the computer can be fooled by a bad upstream or downstream o2 into thinking it is your catalytic converter that is going bad. Now when it comes to o2 sensors I am particulary picky and usually try to get the direct OEM replacement from the dealer. But that is just me and having several bad experiences from going through the ordeal of buying several different aftermarket o2 sensor replacements until I finally find a new one that works correctly. In one case, by the time it was all said in done I'd just saved some money getting the original equipment parts from the dealer in the first place. But be warned again, the dealer is going to be very proud of their OEM o2 sensors. Usually $250 is on the cheap side, I think Honda wanted $350 for the downstream o2 sensor.
1999 Solara SE V6
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2003 Nissan 350Z Track
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2003 Nissan 350Z Track
- Hefty
- Just Licensed SolaraGuy
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:40 am
