07 LX470 - cat converters stolen...options?

[earlybronco]

The bastards stole both catalytic converters on my 07 LX470. They also cut away the protection shield.

I have a pretty high deductible for insurance for theft, so I am trying to figure out OEM versus aftermarket and what my options are. I welcome any advice/experience on aftermarket...and whether a exhaust shop is the place I should take it to (versus Lexus specialty?).

Thank you.

 

[Bisho]

If you're a purist, then dig deep into your retirement account. An exhaust shop will likely use Eastern Catalytics. They can be welded or bolted in. I have them on mine (put on by the dealer I bought it from due to codes). No problems in 30K miles.

Will they last as long as OEM? Probably not, but also probably 1/4 of the price.

 

[Trapper50cal]

There needs to be a special ring of hell for the lowlifes that steal peoples catalytic converters.

 

[GTV]

If insurance will cover it, definitely go OEM.

 

[excessive]

its probably expensive enough to total the vehicle if you go through insurance for OEM

 

[Snow Wagon]

Hello earlybronco,
I just installed one of these for a client.

MagnaFlow Exhaust Products Direct-Fit HM Grade Federal Catalytic Converter 93142.

With tax and shipping it was just under $1000 for 1 (plus install...).
There are cheaper aftermarket options, but in general, the cheaper the aftermarket option is, the less rust protection it has.
I'm in Pittsburgh, so we do get snow / salt / rust / etc.
We discussed the options and this was the mutual decision.
It's direct fit, so install was relatively straight forward.
3 nuts connect it to the exhaust manifold studs, 2 bolts / nuts connect it to the Y pipe.
Use the best lubricant you can afford (Kroil...), spray it multiple days, and thoroughly clean the threads of the studs coming off of the exhaust manifold.
I used a MAPP gas torch as well for the exhaust manifold nuts.
You do not want to damage the threads of the 3 exhaust manifold studs.
The 2 bolts that connect it to the Y pipe are through bolts, so just break them if they don't easily come off.

You'll need downstream O2 sensors as well.
I purchased a Denso from Amazon.

In addition to the MagnaFlow option, Rock Auto shows 3 Direct Fit options ranging from $335 to $635.
All should install the same as OEM.
All should pass emissions and be easily replaced in the future, if needed.
Most likely the more you pay now, the longer it will last, unless it gets stolen again :-(
If you decide to go with one of the Rock Auto options, I'd just do a quick internet search and check reviews on the different options.

In Maryland, you get some snow / salt, but not as much as we do.
IMO, what you go with depends on how long you want to keep the LX470, and if you want to turn this into your insurance or not.

I believe OEM Cats are around $1800 each (with discount) + tax (if applicable).

OEM you're looking at well over $3600 plus install.
Aftermarket you could get away with as little as $800 plus install.

Note: The MagnaFlow came with 3 gaskets (exhaust manifold, y-pipe, and O2 sensor).
I used an OEM Toyota gasket for the exhaust manifold, because IMO it was a better fit / quality.

Good luck.
Tom