Cat Replacement For Explorer
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Freshman User
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Cat Replacement For Explorer
my cel has been on for a while and my mechanic says that the codes say that there is something wrong with my CAT efficiency. I was wondering if anyone knows about how much it costs to replace a CAT? my mechanic says it would cost around $1100, but I have seen them online for around $40. I dont really know much about working on cars, so I wouldnt be able to replace it myself. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated
1997 explorer 5.0 AWD
also, does anyone know what kind of CAT i need? is there a specific size?
thanks
1997 explorer 5.0 AWD
also, does anyone know what kind of CAT i need? is there a specific size?
thanks
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Cat Replacement For Explorer
Your mechanic is in the right ballpark as far as the cost of a cat converter replacement. I've got a '99 Explorer Sport, and it would have been that price. However, if you've got under 80,000 miles on your vehicle, the cat should be covered by a manufacturer's warranty. Ford might replace it. But depending on why it went bad in the first place, you might have other damage. Just two months ago my Explorer turned 80k, and the "check engine" light went on. The cat converter went out, and several sensors melted with it, in addition to the intake manifold. $$$$$$
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
Cat Replacement For Explorer
cw,
I suggest taking it to a custom exhaust place and have them remove your cats and replace them with two hi-flow cats. You have four cats on your Explorer now (2 pre-cats and 2 cats). They can remove them and install the hi flow cats in their place, along with the O2 sensors in the correct places.
Yes, this is legal. Some might think it is not, but it is - even in California. You will notice a world of difference once you get some of the restriction out of the way on that 5.0!!!
Any local shop should be able to do this for around $250 - give or take. I had my entire exhaust done from the headers back, including 2 cats and a Flowmaster and all the pipe for $350...
I suggest taking it to a custom exhaust place and have them remove your cats and replace them with two hi-flow cats. You have four cats on your Explorer now (2 pre-cats and 2 cats). They can remove them and install the hi flow cats in their place, along with the O2 sensors in the correct places.
Yes, this is legal. Some might think it is not, but it is - even in California. You will notice a world of difference once you get some of the restriction out of the way on that 5.0!!!
Any local shop should be able to do this for around $250 - give or take. I had my entire exhaust done from the headers back, including 2 cats and a Flowmaster and all the pipe for $350...
Logistics Pro
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From: Fort Smith
Cat Replacement For Explorer
I don't think Auto Zone does it, and Pea Boys might be too **** about the cat removal. Most Meineke or places like that will do it, but they usually charge a little more. Try the yellow pages first and call around. Also, if you know of a performance parts shop, or a shop that does performance work, stop by there and ask them who they recommend to do the work. I know a few guys in NJ with X's. I'll try to get a name of a reputable place for you. Where are you in NJ?
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Cat Replacement For Explorer
Hello, cobraxp to you have daul exhaust out the back ? or do you have single exhaust.
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Cat Replacement For Explorer
I'm in Essex County, by West Orange. Also, if I wanted to buy a CAT online and just have someone one install it, is there a specific size I should buy? And how do I know if it'll fit or be fine for my explorer?
Thanks for the help Cobra
Thanks for the help Cobra
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Logistics Pro
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From: Fort Smith
Cat Replacement For Explorer
93explore - Mine is dual until the Flowmaster. It is a 2-in-1-out 40 series. I just run single 3" out the back. I go on too many trips right now to drop my spare. Once I get my X out to Salt Lake though, the spare is gone, and it will be 3" all the way back ture dualled... 
cwh82 - Just about any made for SUV's, full size cars, or trucks will work. It is not really the size of a cat, but what its flow restriction is, that makes the difference. As long as you don't get one for a Honda Civic, you should be fine.
I would just buy one from the shop that does the work for you. Most shops carry the cats and mufflers, so you would spend just as much online (by the time you add shipping) as you would buying from the shop. Plus, you get the parts from them instead of bringing them in, they tend to want to do a better job for you. I sent my friend an email asking about where to go the in NJ close to you, and will let you know as soon as he lets me know...
cwh82 - Just about any made for SUV's, full size cars, or trucks will work. It is not really the size of a cat, but what its flow restriction is, that makes the difference. As long as you don't get one for a Honda Civic, you should be fine.
I would just buy one from the shop that does the work for you. Most shops carry the cats and mufflers, so you would spend just as much online (by the time you add shipping) as you would buying from the shop. Plus, you get the parts from them instead of bringing them in, they tend to want to do a better job for you. I sent my friend an email asking about where to go the in NJ close to you, and will let you know as soon as he lets me know...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
Cat Replacement For Explorer
Go to: Summit Racing
Search for Catco, Dynomax, or Edelbrock catalytic converters. Or just search for 'catalytic converters'. You will see them all.
Here are a few Catco model numbers:
Catco CTO-8004
8005
8006
8007
8012 - (dual)
9005
9006
9007
Look at those and look at the prices....
Search for Catco, Dynomax, or Edelbrock catalytic converters. Or just search for 'catalytic converters'. You will see them all.
Here are a few Catco model numbers:
Catco CTO-8004
8005
8006
8007
8012 - (dual)
9005
9006
9007
Look at those and look at the prices....
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Freshman User
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I went to midas and they said they can cut out the bad cat and weld in a new one. I just want to know if this will actually work, and finally get my CEL to turn off? I dont know because I called meineke before, and they said they didnt have the CAT, and its a special CAT that they need to order from the dealer, for around $1100. So will cutting out the cat and just replacing it with any new one work?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
I cut all 4 of my cats off and replaced them with a Catco Universal 2-in-2-out catalytic converter. The place that did my exhaust had them in stock, but they are the same ones from Summit I posted above.
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From: Monterey
The "special" cat many places refer to are the OBDII compliant cats. Yes they are expensive but if you buy them at the right places they are relatively cheap. Here are some links where you can buy a high flow cat and also another link which explains the "special" terminology of 96 & newer vehicles that require them:
http://www.discountconverter.com/news/obdii.htm
http://www.discountconverter.com/news/obdii.htm
