97 Es300 Catalytic Converter

[97ES300ME]

Hello,

The catalytic converter on my 97 es300 needs replacing (check engine light is on--I can't remember the code at the moment) but it's for the cat. Does anyone have experience using an aftermarket cat or remanufactured cat? I'm told an OEM is going to be $1800+, and at nearly 200k miles, I can't justify that--especially if aftermarket will work. Thanks for the help.

[dcfish]

I would also like to hear opinions on this subject, Has any Member replaced the factory Cat with an aftermarket Universal Cat ? Interesting B)

[TGS1969]

A universal should be just fine, less than $200.

[dcfish]

Should be doesn't count, Any experience with installing the aftermarket universal Cat ?

[97ES300ME]

Hi,

Now I'm thoroughly confused. The other night, out of nowhere, the Check Engine light turned off. The code (P0420) still shows up, but the light went off on it's own--I did not clear the code with the OBDII scanner. I just drove it about 250 miles round trip this weekend and it ran great--the Check Engine light never turned on. Any advice?? Thanks.

[97ES300ME]

Hi again,

Even more confused. I stopped at a local auto parts store to price the converter. The guy told me my car has 2 converters (bank 1 and bank 2), and the one I need (bank 1) is a dealer-only part. Does this sound right??

Thanks,

John

[J Random User]

Hi again,

Even more confused. I stopped at a local auto parts store to price the converter. The guy told me my car has 2 converters (bank 1 and bank 2), and the one I need (bank 1) is a dealer-only part. Does this sound right??

Thanks,

John

Wrong.

Your car sounds like California emissions. (but look under the hood to make sure)

FOr California emissions, the Bank 1 pre-cat is bult into the Y-pipe (along with the main cat). Tha Bank 2 cat is built into the front exhaust manifold. (Federal non-California emisisons cars do not have pre-cats and a different main cat)

I would suggest a direct-fit aftermarket converter. They run from $200-300 each online. Be careful though, as the cat for California emissions is different from the regular cat--it has the bank 1 pre-cat and is physically shorter than the non-California cat.

I have had good luck with RockAuto. I think Walker is the OEM supplier of Toyota's exhaust for the 1MZ.

Are you in California?