Are aftermarket catalytic converters OK?

I have a 94 Concorde with 125K miles on it. I've just had the transmission
rebuilt and the transmission shop guys noticed that I had an exhaust
system leak which wasn't a surprise since I'd been smelling something for
the last month or so. My local mechanic says I need a new catalytic
converter. He is going to put in an aftermarket catalytic converter which
will cost me $550 vs $1200 for a Chrysler part. Seems like a reasonable
price to me assuming that there aren't any major issues with using a
non-Chrysler part. I only plan to keep the car for another year or two.
Are there any problems with using a non-Chrysler CC?

 

Well, since exhaust components like mufflers and catcons are out-sourced
by the OEM anyway, you're might well be just buying it direct from the
guys that build it for Chrysler in the first place. If its a
recognizable brand (Walker, for example) then I wouldn't hesitate an
instant.

 

None at all, as long as it's a quality unit. I've had good luck with the
Catco brand over the years; Walker and Goerlich's also make good
converters. $550 still sounds high, even with labor. Check the prices at
one of the online sites like www.discountconverter.com or
www.napaonline.com .

DS

 

That price is with labor. What do you think is a reasonable price for this
job? BTW I live in Massachusetts which is a high cost state.

 

Given the fact that Chrysler just settled a lawsuit with the EPA that
caused them to extend the warranty on many of their Catalytic
converters because they were failing at such an alarming rate, I think
taking a chance on an after market is not a bad idea.

$550 sounds high. Installation shouldn't be more than a couple of shop
hours tops. I just purchased a Catco for my Dodge truck for self
installation at $134. BTW the Catco has a 5 year warranty.

Frank

 

That's not "high cost" thats "highway robbery."

Ahem:

http://napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=430&CatId=6&SubCatId=3

OR

http://tinyurl.com/hbbg3

I recently installed the one on that page listed as "universal fit
premium" myself in my driveway in about an hour. I am familiar with
working on cars and had a big tubing cutter to remove the old convertor
easily, so I'm not recommending that you do that yourself, but $500
should get you an OEM-equivalent quality convertor INSTALLED on this
vehicle.

 

If your only going to keep the car for a few more years and the catcon
is still doing it's job of reducing emissions, then go to an exhaust
place and they should be able to weld a patch over the hole. Of course,
it won't last permanently but it should last until you sell the car.

Keep in mind that because of where you live and the age of the
car, there's a good chance that the entire exhaust system is getting
close to being rotted out anyway. Might as well patch it and wait
for it to be completely rotted out, then replace everything.

Ted

 

Could it be completely rotted in?

;-)
DAS

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