Hey everyone! I'm new to the board!

I have a 2000 ULEV Accord LX 5spd. That is the California version, for those that don't know.

I live (and bought the car) on the East Coast.

I have 111,500+ miles on the car. So, yes I am beyond the 8-year 80,000 mile warranty.

The Catalylic Converter is rattling (something internal - not just a heat shield like usual). The mech tells me that I need to replace it. The price on the PART alone is $1500!!!! This is compared to a "normal" LEV one that I can get for just over/around $300.

I don't have to meet Cali. emissions so I figure that I can get the LEV one. Well, the dealer tech is telling me that the O2 sensors won't line up or something.... And they also said that I can't have the wiring extended so that it will reach or whatever because it will burn up or something...(I don't know... I figured you could just "up" the wire size to be rated for whatever new distance or new conditions...whatever.)

So, bottom line is... Do I have to take this one raw with no kiss, or is there something cheaper I can do? I mean, my main thing is that I don't have to meet West Coast emissions. So why can't I get a different Cat?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Btw, the car is stock with the exception of a AEM CAI.

 

Tell the mechanic to try and stick somebody else. Buy any cat you want (as long as pipe and flange size is correct) and extend any wires you want. This guy's an idiot.

 

dude, had the same exact problem, except i knew why it was rattling... carbon deposit from i think, when my cousin by mistake put a full tank of diesel and drove it for almost a 9 miles...

anyway, shopped around, (i live in MD too), and found that the best price i got was from salvos, an OEM, if i am not mistaken for something like $120. Now, i have to be honest with you... i still need to get the O2sensors fixed, for my car is hesitating... i asked guys here about the problem but only a few have answered( i think me being new, most of them don't give you dap... which is alright i guess).. i just want to learn... so try salvos dude... labor, if you have a good mechanic would be around $50.. i paid $50...

 

for $1500, they are indeed ripping you a new one.

Try this: http://www.switchboard.com <--- this is the best free interent phonebook out there.

1) first, get an accurate description of your problem ie any codes your car is throwing, what is happening, etc.
2) search all Honda Dealers in your area.
3) call each service dept, get quotes for total service.
4) call the parts dept, get quotes on the convertor.
5) THEN, get a referral for a local independant shop (honda hopefully) and tell them what you want to do. Seriously, doing this job is about an hour if that....even with the wiring.

 

what do you mean by "salvos" i need a cat as well and $120 sounds good.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by digme &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">dude, had the same exact problem, except i knew why it was rattling... carbon deposit from i think, when my cousin by mistake put a full tank of diesel and drove it for almost a 9 miles...

anyway, shopped around, (i live in MD too), and found that the best price i got was from salvos, an OEM, if i am not mistaken for something like $120. Now, i have to be honest with you... i still need to get the O2sensors fixed, for my car is hesitating... i asked guys here about the problem but only a few have answered( i think me being new, most of them don't give you dap... which is alright i guess).. i just want to learn... so try salvos dude... labor, if you have a good mechanic would be around $50.. i paid $50...
</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

he means salvage yard...aka junk yard.