I called my local Honda dealership and they want $895 for a new Catalytic converter with a $150 core charge. And $225 for the O2 sensor that goes into the Cat.

Car is 1998 2dr Accord 2.3L. Is throwing P0420 code. I shut the code off a few times and now the car has low pickup/low power. And code come on frequently.
Car has previously had plugs done, time belt, front O2 sensor.

I was looking at this, since well it's cheaper.
http://www.carparts.com/details/Hond...TS4aAq0I8P8HAQ

Anyone recommend a good cheap Cat? Or an OEM O2 sensor that goes into the Cat?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

 

advanced auto has a bunch of cats available, be sure to get the 20% discount, it'll be like $200 or so, you can cross reference the part number with rockauto to check the best price, use their part number search

 

You can check the junkyards too, if you want to go that far (cheapest, riskiest option).

 

P0420 does not mean dead cat, 'catalyst below threshold efficiency' is what P0420 is.

If your car has a mild misfire or other codes, ignore p0420 and fix the other issues first.
If your car has not had a tuneup, valves adjusted, mis adjusted or loose timing belt, vacuum leak, or fueling issues, the P0420 code can be set.

As for a cheap cat, you get what you pay for.
Calif requires E.O.# cats as the scam in the late 90s was to blame emissions failures on bad catalyst, which would be replaced with a cheap catalyst that would only last long enough to pass emissions after replacement. By the time the bi-annual test was due again the catalyst was dead and you would need to get a new one to pass. This was a boon for shady shops. It is also why there are 'TEST ONLY' stations in Calif. If you are in Calif the only acceptable catalyst replacement must have an E.O.#.

Check rockauto for catalysts, if it is indeed a catalyst problem. Verify the engine is in optimal tune first.

 

Check rock auto for a reference and get the model number of the cat you need and see if advance has it. Use code trt30 for 30% off up to $50 off. Should be about the same price as amazon.

 

You will not be able to find any cats in California junkyards. This may go for other states as well.

 

Yes, memory tells me that is a federal law not just a CA law.