mlchris2

I need to replace the catalytic converter in my 03 SE. I called the dealer and they want $400 for a OEM replacement. I searched online and found a replacement for $57. the replacement looks like is needs to be welded or clamped to the original pipe, etc.

Im wondering if anyone has replaced their cat with a replacement or went the easy route and bought the OEM replacement? Did you weld or clamp it on is my true question? Also, how hard was it? (was it a royal pain or just a typical swap with minimal issues)

thanks

Mark

tbird100636

Don't go with the replacement, it is a universal type for other applications. Which engine, 3.0L Vulcan or 3.0L Duratec??? Don't know about 2003 specifically but it should be the same as 2001. Vulcans have Three cats total. Two that are part of a Y-pipe, a third which bolts to the outlet of the Y. Duratecs have 3 also, but the Y-pipe only has one cat for the front, the rear cat. is part of the rear exhaust manifold. This bolts to the Y-pipe. Then there's the third cat. like the Vulcan that bolts to the other part of the Y. Vulcan Y is harder to do than the Duratec one, but the rear exhaust manifold cat on the Duratec is almost as hard. You have to unbolt the motor mounts and the roll restricter up top by the alternator so you can lift the enigine up top remove the Vulcan's Y-pipe. The third cat is easy to do on either engine. If you local parts store doesn't have an exact fit aftermarket alternative then you'll have to go stock. Why are you replacing the cat or cats anyways???

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

mlchris2

This is what I was afraid of... I havent yet looked under the car, etc to see what I'm dealing with.

I'm replacing the CAT cause the state I live in requires yearly Emissions inspection as part of your registration and a week before I got it inspected the Check Engine light came on and the the Autozone code results were "bad cat" (not exact wording). I took it in for the inspection test and it didnt pass.

tbird100636

Probably P0420-1/1 Catalytic Converter Efficiency or P0430-2/1 Catalytic Converter Efficiency. These codes do not deal with the third cat. They are for the cats. in the Y-pipe that bolt to the exhaust manifolds (Or rear cylinder head for the Duratec). Make sure you don't have any exhaust leaks in the area of the downstream O2 sensors. Outside air can actually be pulled into the exhaust system through a pinhole leak. The extra air influnces the reading of the downstream O2 sensors and can cause an abnormal setting of these codes. I sort of doubt this would be an issue on yours, its been happening on Chryslers lately and you have to pressurize the system with about 8 psi of air and check for leaks by spraying soap on the exhaust system. In rare cases a bad downstream O2 sensor can cause this code, but it's still rare.

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic