my mechanic told me yesterday i needed to replace my catalytic convertor because it is damaged. He said it would be $2600 for the whole deal. I was wondering if this is a good deal or not?
This is a ford dealer service too


1997 ford explorer 4 dr
5.0L V8
83k miles

I could use any advice anyone can give me


Thanks

 

A new CAT is in the $200-$300 range installed by a muffler shop. It's very likely that a Ford dealer would sub out the work to a muffler shop. The "whole deal" must include additional work because that's completely unreasonable for just a new CAT.

How do you know the CAT is bad? Did you fail Smog Check, or is it plugged off? I would take it to a muffler shop and get a second repair estimate.

 

my CEL has been on for about a month, and everytime I bring it in to the dealer, they say they dont know whats wrong with it. first they told me to change the O2 sensor, but the CEL still came back on. now theyre telling me the cat needs to be replaced. i have no idea if its reliable or not.

also have you heard of CATCO cats? theyre selling them on ebay and it says universal CAT, and theyre going for about $40 each, i dont know if i should buy them or not

 

what a rip...dont take it to Ford man, they'll overcharge u bigtime and i should know i take it there for everything haha

 

what size is the CAT for an explorer 5.0L V8?

 

get a highflow cat and have it installed for $50..

 

where exactly can i get the highflow cat and have it installed for $50? and does anyone know what size the CAT for the explorer 5.0L V8 is?

 

cwh82, where in Jersey are you located? I'll let you know where you can go to an aftermarket direct-fit converter that will solve your problem. Depending on how mechanically inclined you are these are not that hard to install. If you want to post your e-mail address I'll contact you outside the forum for details.
The Ford dealer is selling you an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) service part. That means it is the same as what was installed at the factory. These parts are usually the best but are very expensive because of the low production volumes to suppliers.