Notices
Old 04-06-2015, 09:29 AM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:

Browse all: Engine and Powertrain
Print Wikipost

How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

Old 11-11-2008, 08:21 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
HooptyREX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: atlanta, gausa
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

I'm really poor, and my mechanic told me that my CAT was bad.

How hard would it be to install the cat myself. I just called a muffler shop and was told that it will need a direct fit for $230. The going price seems to be 199-350.


I have a loopy idle, the car was shaking like mad, it died, and my tail pipe burnt my back bumper. I was able to drive it back from the mechanic, and I just hit the gas in my driveway and all this dark grit started to spray out the pipe. Beside the loopy idle, and tendency to get jump at real low speeds, it runs ok.

Old 11-11-2008, 08:44 AM
  #2  
Is Partying at your House
 
Dc4iNtEgRa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bay Area, Ca, USA
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (HooptyREX)

Jack, jackstands, PB blaster, 12mm wrench or 14mm, 14mm or 12mm socket wrench, 5 bolts. 30 minutes. Undo the hangers at the resonator. Done.
Old 11-11-2008, 08:53 AM
  #3  
Honda-Tech Member
 
DCRB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Portland, OR, USA
Posts: 5,191
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (Dc4iNtEgRa)

he's right as long as the cat's stock it's that simple. just do it in lots of open air, pb blaster STINKS and will give you a fat headache if you don't ventilate the area. but yeah stock cats are just bolt on.
Old 11-11-2008, 10:22 AM
  #4  
Honda-Tech Member
 
ys1civicsi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: NoRtHeAsT
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (DCRB)

If you are as poor as you claim, you can just bang it out hollow for the time being. basically just take the cat off and start banging a metal pipe through the honeycomb like material. Your choice but if I was flat broke I would bang it out for the time being and then put it back on.
Old 11-11-2008, 10:31 AM
  #5  
Honda-Tech Member
 
radex7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Willows, CA
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (HooptyREX)

Yup, it is pretty easy. I put a direct-fit Magnaflow i got from http://www.performancepeddler....22635 in my hatch, the only problem I head was that the flare flange on the new cat was not as wide as it should have been but I took care of it by using longer bolts. if you do not have an extra hand you can use a piece of wire to hang things down there while you are fitting things. oh, and wear eye protection! Dirt, grime, rust, you name it it is there why take chances. Good luck.
Old 11-11-2008, 10:37 AM
  #6  
Junior Member
 
aptyk88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: glendale heights, il, usa
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (ys1civicsi)

+1 thats what i did on my bros car
Old 11-11-2008, 11:10 AM
  #7  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Black4thgenEF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (aptyk88)

You might want to buy a set of replacement bolts and gaskets before you start the job. Every time I take off a cat, the bolts break -- you might not have that problem in the south though. If they end up not breaking, you can always return the parts.
Old 11-11-2008, 12:03 PM
  #8  
Honda-Tech Member
 
D16Z6racing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: The Emerald City, USA
Posts: 3,025
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (HooptyREX)

Originally Posted by HooptyREX
How hard would it be to install the cat myself. I just called a muffler shop and was told that it will need a direct fit for $230. The going price seems to be 199-350.
How much of this is the part and how much is the labor?

It should take around 15 minutes with all the tools laid out and ready to go. The last CatCon I bought was an aftermarket one from Napa for $102.00 and I passed emissions every time after it was installed.
Old 11-11-2008, 12:16 PM
  #9  
Pirate General...YARRRR
 
Ass$nyper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Kills, United States
Posts: 12,355
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (Dc4iNtEgRa)

Originally Posted by Dc4iNtEgRa
Jack, jackstands, PB blaster, 12mm wrench or 14mm, 14mm or 12mm socket wrench, 5 bolts. 30 minutes. Undo the hangers at the resonator. Done.
I'd add in bolts and gaskets and don't forget.



But to be fair that should be assumed when touching a car for upgrades or maintaining it.
Old 11-11-2008, 12:35 PM
  #10  
Junior Member
 
VTECHSiLO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: LOS ANGELES, CA, CALIFORNIA
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

U WANT DO iT UR SELF?
Old 11-11-2008, 01:18 PM
  #11  
Is Partying at your House
 
Dc4iNtEgRa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bay Area, Ca, USA
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (***$nyper)

Originally Posted by ***$nyper
I'd add in bolts and gaskets and don't forget.



But to be fair that should be assumed when touching a car for upgrades or maintaining it.

I thought the studs, nuts and new gaskets came with the cat? I allways have a beer when working on my car. As long as he's over 21, or can steal his dads beer, thats cool too, just no joy riding afterwords.
Old 11-11-2008, 01:42 PM
  #12  
Honda-Tech Member
 
hatcht9x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CA, USA
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (Dc4iNtEgRa)

While we are on the subject.. Where can you buy a good cat for our cars? I looked on eBay but they are almost all "High Flow" or 'test' pipes.. And I need something that will pass smog.. and Im thinking the high flows wont burn up enough of whatever thay burn up..

thanks guys..

BTW.. I have a custom exhaust.. (welded in) so it doesnt have to be an exact length..
Old 11-11-2008, 02:44 PM
  #13  
Pirate General...YARRRR
 
Ass$nyper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Kills, United States
Posts: 12,355
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (Dc4iNtEgRa)

Originally Posted by Dc4iNtEgRa


I thought the studs, nuts and new gaskets came with the cat? I allways have a beer when working on my car. As long as he's over 21, or can steal his dads beer, thats cool too, just no joy riding afterwords.
Depends on cat really.

Originally Posted by hatcht9x
While we are on the subject.. Where can you buy a good cat for our cars? I looked on eBay but they are almost all "High Flow" or 'test' pipes.. And I need something that will pass smog.. and Im thinking the high flows wont burn up enough of whatever thay burn up..

thanks guys..

BTW.. I have a custom exhaust.. (welded in) so it doesnt have to be an exact length..
magna flow and catco are CARB and 50 state ok
Old 11-11-2008, 03:59 PM
  #14  
Junior Member
 
1phatEG8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: here & there, TN
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter? (HooptyREX)

yeah its pretty simple to change, but as said earlier, if you really are broke just hollow it out. I just helped a friend do his on a H22 prelude, it ran alot better, but it was really clogged. Just make sure to bust up all the honeycomb and knock it all out.
Old 11-11-2008, 05:07 PM
  #15  
Honda-Tech Member
 
rbwdriven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Woodstock, ga, usa
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

only issue is if it is a dx. the cat is infront of the engine instead of under the car. Not really a direct replacement cheap.

easier to put one under the car.

if it is a dx I might have a cat for it.

Depends on where you live in atlanta. I'm in the big town of woodstock. If you are near me I could look at it and tell you what you need. I work in norcross near gwinnett mall. depends on your location I can have a look see and tell you what actually is wrong.

Plus look on import atlanta under car clubs and crews (ef squad) good bunch of guys local.

Richard
Old 11-11-2008, 05:13 PM
  #16  
Honda-Tech Member
 
hatcht9x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CA, USA
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (rbwdriven)

Originally Posted by ***$nyper
Depends on cat really.

magna flow and catco are CARB and 50 state ok
thanks man!
Old 11-11-2008, 05:22 PM
  #17  
Junior Member
 
1phatEG8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: here & there, TN
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (rbwdriven)

a DX has a cat infront of the motor, not under it? i've never heard of that, or seen it.
Old 11-12-2008, 04:40 AM
  #18  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
HooptyREX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: atlanta, gausa
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thank you for all the suggestions.

I wish I could hollow the cat out and put in a tube, but I have to get my emissions test done by Saturday. They don't check to see if everything is stock in GA, but I don't know if those cheap performance carbs on ebay would block out enough toxins.

Here's one problem that I have:

My car is a DX that has a SOHC ZC non-vtec, it's basically a DA16A6 with a slightly more aggressive cam. Does that change anything?

Old 01-06-2010, 07:14 PM
  #19  
New User
 
Da Kydd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

Hey JBWDRIVEN,
Can you check out my 91 Accord? I can meet you in the old theater parking lot infront of Frys Electronics. I failed my emmissions last month and have until Sat to take the re-test. I failed the NOx and I have purchased an new oxygen sensor that I was trying to test today but the car went dead on the jack due to no gas getting from the tank to the engine and now my batt is too low to start. So I will be taking it to Wal-Mart tommorrow for a replacement. I would like someone to check out the cat converter to see if it need replacing as well. I got an Code 1 on the diagnostice test (which is an oxygen problem) and started to replace the O2 sensor first. You can call an leave a message on my office line @ 6) 740-9424. I'm located in L'Ville.
Old 01-06-2010, 07:17 PM
  #20  
Honda-Tech Member
 
D16SiHatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ohio
Posts: 5,314
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

this thread is over 2 years old...

if you need help you'd be better off starting your own
Old 01-06-2010, 08:35 PM
  #21  
Honda-Tech Member
 
hatchet_honda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: HOBART, INDIANA
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

Originally Posted by HooptyREX
I'm really poor, and my mechanic told me that my CAT was bad.

How hard would it be to install the cat myself. I just called a muffler shop and was told that it will need a direct fit for $230. The going price seems to be 199-350.


I have a loopy idle, the car was shaking like mad, it died, and my tail pipe burnt my back bumper. I was able to drive it back from the mechanic, and I just hit the gas in my driveway and all this dark grit started to spray out the pipe. Beside the loopy idle, and tendency to get jump at real low speeds, it runs ok.
a good cat is gonna cost over 100 bucks...but if you are indeed pooor then as stated just unbolt the cat...and hollow out the inside with a pipe or something. only do this if you dont have emissions to worry about. im using 2 cats on my b16. emissions testing sucks!!!
Old 07-25-2011, 06:05 PM
  #22  
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
 
BiG ChOr!Zo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Evil Empire,CA
Posts: 9,673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

anybody got a pic of the stock cat mounted...trying to put my bolts on correctly since im not the one who removed them and it rattles...!!!
Old 07-25-2011, 06:41 PM
  #23  
Honda-Tech Member
 
SuicideError's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

isnt it just two bolts?? thats what i can see on mine. btw its gutted
Name:  070611145935.jpg
Views: 21045
Size:  61.3 KB
Old 07-25-2011, 06:45 PM
  #24  
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
 
BiG ChOr!Zo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Evil Empire,CA
Posts: 9,673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

is there supposed to be a gasket between the cat and the downpipe...!!!

edit:
nevermind there is supposed to be one and i found the pic i was looking for:



Old 07-25-2011, 06:58 PM
  #25  
Honda-Tech Member
 
SuicideError's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?

im not sure. i only took it off from the closest part to the cat. didnt see anything nor did i pay attention to check and see.
It is kinda tapered so it fits into each other, not sure if that makes a difference.
i do get cel 1 all the time(or at least i think its cel 1) even after i replaced the o2 sensor.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: How Hard to Replace Catalytic Converter?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:56 PM.