Need Some Advice

[tpnotch420]

My wife has a 1997 ES300 in need of a replacement catalytic converter. It looks like there are a couple of options.

I can either order the direct fit cat and pipe setup for around $200 from Catco or I can have a new cat welded onto the exsisting pipe.

Is either of these options better the the other outside of the obvious pricing difference?

Thanks for any advice you can provide

[camlex]

it's tricky, in past i have to replaced three time before i found a good mechanic and installed right.

He bought from orailly "Walker" brand and total cost with weld was $240.

Hope that helps.

[tpnotch420]

Yeah from what I've read it can be tricky with welding one on. So i've been looking at this product by Catco does anyone have any experience with this?

[tpnotch420]

Here are some of the symptoms to ensure I'm going down the right path

1st the engine makes a constant noise (like the sound you make when giving someone a rasberry) and it gets louder as you accelorate.

2nd an occasional loss of power or hesitation

3rd I'm starting to smell exhaust fumes inside the car

[camlex]

Do you have Check Engine light on? and what is the error code? (P0420)

[camlex]

Here are some of the symptoms to ensure I'm going down the right path

1st the engine makes a constant noise (like the sound you make when giving someone a rasberry) and it gets louder as you accelorate.

2nd an occasional loss of power or hesitation

3rd I'm starting to smell exhaust fumes inside the car

1. can be just loose or rusted heat shield

2. so many otherthing can create hesitation

3. oil on exhaust (by oil leak from valve cover)