So, after finally bringing my car into Honda to get what I thought was just an O2 sensor code....turns out "apparently" my CAT is bad, which is understandable after almost 90k miles. Whats nuts is that they want to charge me 1800 to replace it, including a new O2 sensor.

I'm wondering if any of you have had to replace yours, and which after market ones pass in CA.
Also If anyone has a write up on removing/installing the new one.

Any input on the matter is appreciated

Thanks

 

U can find a used cat for about $100 and o2 sensors for about $20. Some of us run test pipes or high flow cat and swap back on the cat when smog is required

 

2 bolts on the header side and 3 bolts on the exhaust. forgot what size but somewhere between 10 and 12mm
new o2 sensors go for $30-40.

 

Majestic sells the OEM converter for $643 and the O2 sensor with wiring attached is $210. It should take a person who has never installed an exhaust component no more than 4 hours to replace both, including jacking up the car, etc. Your $1800 seems about what I'd expect with dealer labor, FSM time estimates, dealer parts markup, etc.

If I were you, I'd just replace the O2 sensor, have someone reset your light, and see if that solves your problem.

I'm pretty sure most of the $20-$40 O2 sensors others are referring to here are just the sensor without the wiring and harness. These are just fine, a little more work to install, but you have to take care to leave the opening where the wires go into the sensor open to ambient air. O2 sensors compare the ambient air with the air in your exhaust to determine fuel content.

 

didn't know they came separate?
id get the cat replaced as well. mine took a poop at around 80k and the honeycomb inside sheared the o2 sensor right off, which caused the CEL.
you won't know all this until you actually take the cat off and inspect your o2

 

I had the same exact problem, but thanks to eBay and my friends here on S2KI, I was able to secure a replacement for both the catalytic converter and the 02 sensor for a lil more than a hundred for everything. Good luck on your search.

 

i'm almost certain that there is no such thing as an aftermarket catalytic converter that will pass smog. i would buy a new one from honda (magestic) or buy a used one here. I can swap one on my car in less than 30 minutes. It's easy as long as you use lots of PB Blaster for the bolts.

 

Ive seen a lot of s2000's lately where the honeycomb breaks apart and destroys the o2 sensor. Usually i tell everyone the cheapest way to fix it is buy a used cat from craigslist. Make sure its not damaged. Usually people find them for about 100.00. And a o2 usually runs around 200.00 depending where you look. Both are easy to replace.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm gonna go with all brand new parts. Some of my buddies said they could help me with the install.

One more question though..
About these universal fit cats. There not direct bolt ins are they?

 

For the downstream sensor in the cat, Amazon warehouse has some competitive prices. This sensor is for ap1, may not be for DBW ap2:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Your upstream (primary) o2 sensor should be unaffected by the cat and not need replacing.
If you buy a universal (= weld-in) aftermarket cat, any shop in california is legally obligated to sell you a core that passes smog. Would be about $160 for cat, and $30 for crappy labor or $60 for better labor. I went the crappy labor route and do regret it.