Best place/price for new Catalytic Converter

[sterling]

So I have replaced all vacuum lines and have a new smog pump, now for the cat.
I have searched here on Mud but still need advice.
I want to get the direct bolt on type with the bung for the sensor, so I don't have to go to the muffler shop.

Magnaflow maybe, seems to be around $139 online?
I read about discountcoverters being good but I can't get on their site for some reason,down maybe?

Any advice on where you got your direct replacement type cat and how much it was would be greatly appreciated.


Emissions rule

 

[Phila cruise]

discount convertors. the Catco convertor, direct bolt on and thermosensor bong. You don"t use the same bracket, but it hold the semsor just the same.

 

[Gappy]

I have 2 of MAF's hi flow cats, working good for me.

 

[macneill]

Ditto on MAF kit. I have their header and high-flow cat. Replaced their Dynomax with a Magnaflow for a muffler though.

 

[sterling]

hey Phila
Are you able to get on discounts website?
When I try my computer locks up

Thanks

 

[Matt60]

the best place for a cat is in the recycle bin...

 

[Dave-T]

Your local muffler shop might be your best bet. Mine recently charged me only $100 for a new magnaflow cat.

 

[JLH911]

So I have replaced all vacuum lines and have a new smog pump, now for the cat.
I have searched here on Mud but still need advice.
I want to get the direct bolt on type with the bung for the sensor, so I don't have to go to the muffler shop.

Magnaflow maybe, seems to be around $139 online?
I read about discountcoverters being good but I can't get on their site for some reason,down maybe?

Any advice on where you got your direct replacement type cat and how much it was would be greatly appreciated.


Emissions rule

I got a MagnaFlow CAT directly from MagnaFlow Part #23894 for my 87 FJ60. I haven't put it on yet, but it looks like a direct bolt-on replacement.

And yes, it was bout $139 or so.

 

[djawahir]

I got a cat from JC Whitney. It was something like $120.

But you need the special part #.

Catco brand #9652

Double check that it has the hole for the thermosensor. I had to call them since I couldn't find the part on their website. They gave me the secret link to purchase it online after we talked.

 

[JLH911]

So I have replaced all vacuum lines and have a new smog pump, now for the cat.
I have searched here on Mud but still need advice.
I want to get the direct bolt on type with the bung for the sensor, so I don't have to go to the muffler shop.

Magnaflow maybe, seems to be around $139 online?
I read about discountcoverters being good but I can't get on their site for some reason,down maybe?

Any advice on where you got your direct replacement type cat and how much it was would be greatly appreciated.


Emissions rule

If I remember, I'll take a picture of my new Cat tomorrow so that you can compare it to the original. It does have the tube for the Thermosensor.

 

[djawahir]

The one I got from JC whitney was bolt on and fit perfectly. The only problem was that they had to special order it.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

While not the best price, I bought a new one from Toyota. The emission numbers I got afterward were amazing--like 5% or less of the allowable values for HC and CO. I figured the first one got through California smog for 22 years, the second one was likely a bargin. There are too many stories of aftermarket cats going bad after just a few years. Even the muffler shop guy said the OEM was a better unit than any of the replacements. I forget how much it was, but I think about $350-$400 from Cruiserdan.

Anyway, if you do get a new cat, get the sealing donuts as well. If you are lucky enough to live in a place with no smog testing, replace the cat with a flanged piece of exaust pipe.

 

[sterling]

Thanks for the help guys...
gonna order the magnaflow online

 

[sterling]

New cat arrived today
I ordered it from JC Whitney it was 117.99 w/free shipping and has the hole for thermo sensor.
Its the Catco brand (brand not listed on the website).
Not installed yet, looks promising for fit etc.
Best price I found on the net for a fj60 replacement cat, just thought I would pass it along

 

[chichiflys]

How do you guys know you need a new cat? Mine looks nasty - but is there a way to tell if it needs to be replaced? Do they get too hot? If so how hot is too hot? I know too many quesitons...

 

[Wile E Coyote]

How do you guys know you need a new cat? Mine looks nasty - but is there a way to tell if it needs to be replaced? Do they get too hot? If so how hot is too hot? I know too many quesitons...

Well, if there's excessive restriction, one way to test for that is to unbolt the exhaust forward of the cat and see if the severe performance loss goes away. Another way, is to unbolt the o2 sensor(s), and then check for improvement as before. Yes you will throw codes, but you have created one or two exits for the otherwise restricted exhaust.
If the cat is just non-functioning, you would see little or no temp. difference from cat inlet to outlet areas using an IR thermometer. A working cat increases combustion, therfore increases the outlet temp relative to the inlet temp by at least 50 deg F.

How's that?

 

[chichiflys]

I guess the "excessive restriction" is throwing me - what is excessive? Do I unbolt the exhaust forward of the cat and drive it to cehck for a performance gain? I have a 60 - so no codes or O2 sensor.
How do I know if the cat is non-functioning? Don't have an IR temp thermometer, but if I did what are the tolerances?

I guess I could just say screw it - drop $120 to JC Whitney and get a new one - hell it's 22 years old/150k - should I expect it to still be clear?

 

[hychamaz]

The best place by far has to be Ebay. I found aftermarket direct fit replacements for $74.80. They are listed all of the time. If you want Universal ones, they are $24.41 but fitting is required. The $74 ones fit perfect and passed all smog tests with flying colors!!

 

[sterling]

update:
JC Whitney sent the wrong one, on the website if you order a Catco direct fit converter for an 87 fj60 with the thermo-sensor you will receive model #4351. Wrong

The catco model needed as mentioned in other threads is #9652.

So someone from Catco will call me to discuss the special order, lady in customer service did not seem to care when I pointed out their website was wrong. Went with Jc Whitney due to price and free shipping,however I would have paid more to get the right product the first time