colenzae

So we have an 02 with 230,000 miles that has seen 13 winters and it looks like we need to replace the exhaust from just after the front pipes to the rear. Local repair shop is quoting me ~$6200 using genuine Lexus parts. Any recommendations on aftermarket or should we stick with Lexus OEM?? We plan on keeping this car another ~3 years. I shudder at the thought of doing this repair myself but I can't pay that price for an exhaust repair.

carguy07

Walker parts are pretty good. You can get just about everything from rockauto.

hypervish

I'm doing some work on my exhaust next weekend.

Replacing my rear catalytic converter which has been leaking at the hanger for years. Installing a Walker Ultra 49 State Converter-Ultra DF ($180 at Pepboys after discount code, and Pepboy Rewards) in addition to the Walker 56096 Exhaust Resonator Assembly ($50 on RockAuto).

The resonator doesn't need to be replaced in my case, but since the OEM Catalytic Converter is welded to the resonator, It's easier to buy a new assembly and clamp them together.

So in essence, it should not cost you $6300. You can replace the entire exhaust system with Walker parts for well under $1000. I've used Bosal in the past as well, and they too are good. Walker usually has rebates as well, which can bring the price down even more.

colenzae

Thanks for the help. I'll dig into those sources and if I have any install issues I'll post questions here.......

carguy07

hypervish, let us know how that goes, I need to do the same project on mine, thanks!

Bobster999

There are times when OEM parts are advised. And there are other times when theyre not. This is one that is not. In fact its not even a realistic option to pay $6k for exaust work. Aftermarket all the way with exaust.

hypervish

Absolutely, will do!

colenzae

The only appeal to me on an of an OEM exhaust is an exact no fuss no muss fit. And my original lasted 13 years so that's kind of a plus! My local shop seems to insist that after markets will only last 2-3 years.

carguy07

I would think a decent aftermarket system would go 5 years or more depending on climate. Even if it only lasted 2-3 years, you would still save thousands replacing it several times.

hypervish

Seeing that you are in NY, I guess its feasible for a new aftermarket exhaust to rust out in that time. I

You can spray it with high temp paint to help prevent that, but the likelihood of that happening in just 2 or 3 years is very low, IMO.

Bobster999

Then i would question your local shops knowledge.

hypervish

Install went fairly well. The Walker parts fit well enough and didn't cause any issues.

My 02 sensor nuts were rusted and there was just no way to get them off. Started to cut the nut off, but it wasn't worth the effort. So, I just went ahead and bought a new 02 sensor.

The RX is nice and quiet again, and no CEL's right now. I'll be getting it emissions tested in September, I suspect it'll pass with flying colors as always.

carguy07

Thanks for the update. Did you do the muffler too? It looks like all of the connections use those bolts with the springs and a gasket. Just an old school muffler clamp between the resonator and cat? Thanks!

hypervish

No, I didn't replace the muffler as it isn't making too much noise. I may replace it next year, but I'm hoping it'll last another 3 years which is when I'll start looking into another RX.

Yes, all of the connections are spring and bolt/nut. I just bought some bolts and nuts at home depot beforehand. I can post up the part numbers once I get home, if you're interested.

Yep, used a 2&1/4 inch clamp between the catalytic converter and resonator. It worked great, and is not leaking. This was my number one concern, and it seems to have worked out.

carguy07

I'll probably just buy the spring bolts from Walker, thanks. That's awesome that it's not leaking. Mine is in pretty bad shape now and getting annoyingly loud. I'll probably do the muffler too. So not a bad job to do in the driveway with no lift and no torch? I'm out of town right now and can't look at mine. Of course, Walker just had a cool rebate that ended.