I did some reviews and I see people having to spill out 3K for their mechanic to change the catalytic converter. Is their any other way that is better and cheaper?

 

Better or cheaper? Depends on exactly what you goal is. For those of us that do not need emissions checks, a O2 sensor simulator on the rear sensor is cheap and easy. It would probably even work for those that have to get their emissions checked.

 

3K for a mechanic to change a Cat., no way. How much does a cat cost? Wow, I'm in shock.

 

3K Yeah that's not right.... I was quoted $850.00(Canadian) by my friend who is a mechanic. Including new OEM cat. and labour.

 

I went onto Magna Flow, who makes Cats, and MSRP is around $350.00, so retail is gotta be cheaper. I went online and found Magna Flow Cats for California cars starting around $250.00 and labor cant be more then about $100.00 dollars. Total around $350.00 give or take.

 

^ are the cats. real though because some are "hollow" and give the impression that they are real but actually aren't. I heard it's used when you get pulled over by the cops - just in case they look under your car they will see a cat. and think its legal or something along that line..

$350 is stupid cheap though lol.

 

Calif. hasnt the strictest emissions and they wont just replace a Cat. unless they can find something wrong with the existing Cat. As of 1 Jan. 2009 in California the law got more restrictive regarding Cats. and getting them replaced esp. on vehicles made after 1996. The Cats are real, other wise they cant be sold in Calif. or much more ordered and shipped to Calif.

 

oem cat alone costs $750 not sure of the labor costs.

 

Is it necessary though? CEL was up the second day a new engine was installed, drove it since July 2009 with the CEL on lol...