bbeeler12

Hey guys,

I am trying to find out some info for a family members car. They have a 2004 RX330 and it was throwing a code for the bank 2 cat. The dealership is saying around 1k just in parts and I know from previous car experience that aftermarket cats are a ton cheaper...even high flow ones are alot cheaper than OEM. So can anyone give me some ideas on buying an aftermarket one and putting it on myself or just having a muffler shop put it on or even just going to a muffler shop and letting them do it. I have changed cats out myself on my personal cars, (maxima, G37, STI) and I know all cars are different but I did my cars in my driveway...

As I look at pictures of RX330s it looks like there are some cats that have a piece attached that looks like the bottom of one side of headers...

So any advice is appreciated on whether I can just get them a single cat only or if it has to be that cat and piece that goes with it...also which side is BANK 2?


I know how forums work as I am a super mod at myg37.com and spend most of my time on IWSTI.com for my STI and yes I have searched and not found alot yet so dont bust on me and tell me to search as I have and will still be searching after I post this as I need to know this info ASAP. As 1000-1500 is alot different from 200 bucks and put it on myself....I just dont want the dealership to screw them.


Thanks in advance guys...
Ben

lexus114

Carver? you want to handle this one? I personally have not played around with cats since I used to gut/reinstall them. Pre obdII day`s.

bbeeler12

Has "Carver" had this problem? Care to comment on it?

lexus114

Carver knows more about this stuff right now than I do. Also,my buddy Lexmex.

bbeeler12

I read some stuff Lexmex posted but it wasnt exactly what I was looking for... hopefully they can help when they see this... thanks!

lexus114

I`m sure they will,I wish I could be more help. If it were me, I think I would at the very least get a second/third opinion from other shops. Including a Toyota dealer.

bbeeler12

heres the pic with the attached piece.




If the cat is bad does this whole piece need replaced ?

bbeeler12

Your the 3rd person thats said go to a Toyota... must be a common thing.

lexus114

Oh I see what you mean. Hmmmm,that might be an easy fix,but too hard to tell from the pic. If there is enough room,might be able to cut it off,and install a new one.

lexus114

Most of the time it`s the exact same parts. But with out the "L" badge on it,makes it a whole lot cheaper! (Ya kind of feel like your cheating.)

RX330inFL

Looks like it...

http://www.lexuspartsnow.com/Page_Pr...onentsIndex=17

RX330inFL

The engine in the 2004 Lexus RX330 is the same sans a few tweaks and some programming changes to the 6 cylinder engine in the 2004 Toyota Highlander.

RX330inFL

It is also important to know whether this RX was built in Japan (JT) or Canada (2T). Part numbers are different sometimes depending on the part in question. Here is similar info to what I posted above from one of our sponsors. Discounted pricing is available if you create an account... price change shows automatically when you put something in your cart.

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...X330-2004.html

RX330inFL

NAPAOnline shows that part from them as shown in your picture to be $374 to $389 -- direct fit. Gives you a price comparison to work with. Am guessing you might need a manifold gasket as well.

Carver

"Carver" doesn't know beans about cat replacement, all my exhaust adventures have been after cat.