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3rd Party Catalytic Converter

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by The Old Wolf, Dec 14, 2018.

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  1. The Old Wolf

    The Old Wolf Junior Member

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    My 2007 Prius has been throwing a P0420 for some time, so I'm not surprised the cat needs to be replaced. Toyota wants $2500 for the job. Meineke is around $700.00.

    But I can find multiple websites that advertise "2004-2009 Toyota Prius 1.5L Catalytic Converter Direct Fit" for around $104 to $116.00.

    Are these worth anything? Are they Chinese garbage? Or will they do the job just fine and the other shops are just charging ten prices for the same kind of thing?

    Thanks for your time!
     
    #1 The Old Wolf, Dec 14, 2018
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    #2 Mendel Leisk, Dec 14, 2018
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  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Since you’re not in CA or NY, they could work.

    Just depends on how long you want the fix to last.

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #3 Raytheeagle, Dec 14, 2018
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  4. The Old Wolf

    The Old Wolf Junior Member

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    I will do just that, thanks for your input! :)
     
    #4 The Old Wolf, Dec 14, 2018
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  5. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    I did this with the help of a welder in CA for $300 IMG_6424.jpg the four bolts are easy enough to remove and take the center section of exhaust in to your favorite welder to splice in the replacement. IMG_6388.jpg


    iPhone ?
     
    #5 Paul Schenck, Dec 15, 2018
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  6. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    That would never pass in Cali. But will probably work fine. Cost for cats is directly related to the amount of exotic metals in the catalyst. The one you got is a generic one size fits many. A 420 code does not necessarily mean the cat is bad, btw. It also does not equal the "go private" price of a share of Tesla.
     
    #6 William Redoubt, Dec 15, 2018
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  7. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    This explain the big price difference of OEM vs aftermarket. And why I remember someone's universal fit only lasting a year.

    Warranty is the other equation too. CARB certified catalytic converters require testing to prove that they are as effective as OEM, thus being certified as CARB compliant. AND, aftermarket catalytic converters must have a MINIMUM warranty of 5yr/50,000miles. Aftermarket ones only seem to have a 1yr warranty.

    Thus the price difference in catalytic converters. Low cost = shorter longevity due to less precious metals, and no testing certification.
     
    #7 exstudent, Dec 15, 2018
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  8. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    BTW, if the engine is burning A LOT of oil, this will kill all catalytic converters, quickly.
     
    #8 exstudent, Dec 15, 2018
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  9. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    This one is specifically Cali approved. It does fix the problem and actually has more platinum coated ceramic in it than the originals. The OEM is the entire mid section $1900. Which includes an additional cat converter past the second O2 sensor.


    iPhone ?
     
    #9 Paul Schenck, Dec 26, 2018
  10. oil_burner

    oil_burner Active Member

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    I bought the cheap Ebay version for $100, you have to cut your exhaust just past the 2nd cat and bolt it on. It turned off the CEL for me and I really don't expect it to last for the price how much platinum in the cells could you expect once you factor in the cost of the pipe, hardware, welding, etc. But my car burns a lot of oil so once this cat becomes clogged at least I can take it off the car and punch the honeycomb out and let the exhaust free flow.
     
    #10 oil_burner, Dec 26, 2018
  11. The Old Wolf

    The Old Wolf Junior Member

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    The deed is done, I scored a direct fit cat from Arctic Exhaust on eBay for $104, my local mechanic installed it for $167. A lot cheaper than the $2600 Toyota wanted, cleared my code, and will last long enough for my needs. No emissions tests up here in Maine. Thanks for all the input!
     
    #11 The Old Wolf, Jan 11, 2019
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  12. Briana Giselle Jauregui

    Briana Giselle Jauregui Junior Member

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    THANK YOU!
    Our battery light came on and mechanic said it was the cat.
    Gas had been flying out of here (Prius 07) super crazy fast.
    The drives were a bit crazy though. Very hilly and the area's residents drive so fast you must keep up. I thought maybe that was why.
    Though for a few months now when turning car on I experienced an odor. Fumes of some sort. A few times there was splatter from exhaust of which the mechanic was aware.
    I'm thinking maybe I could do with another mechanic?
    Anyways, I'm in California.
    Thanks for all the info y'all.
     
    #12 Briana Giselle Jauregui, Mar 11, 2021
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