Cat Converter 2001 Neon

squeeze · Post by **squeeze** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 3:43 pm

So the dash light went off on my 01 Neon LE and I took it into the mechanic and he said the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. He said it would run me $300 for the part alone not including the install. So I looked around to see how difficult it would be to install a new one myself. I started to look at the prices for a cat converter and I see them ranging from anywhere between $50 - $240 and I can't really tell the difference nor am I even sure which one I should get (any help here would be great), so it looks like I'll probably be getting my mechanic to do it. But why are the prices so different? Is he over charging me? He said it's fine to run the car with the cat converter the way it is and he reset the light but that eventually I need it done to do my emissions test. Any help would be great. Thanks.

Addicted2Boost · Post by **Addicted2Boost** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 3:45 pm

its really easy to remove the cat its basically 4 bolts and the one in the middle go to a junk yard shit u can have mine in a few weeks for 50+ shipping

Neon4Life · Post by **Neon4Life** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 4:59 pm

yeah it is easy. dont pay a mechanic to do that kind of job for you. i mean yeah in one sence it might cost that much but thats just because thats probably what the book says it might cost. but in reality itll only cost you for whatever you payed for your cat.

squeeze · Post by **squeeze** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 5:44 pm

Sounds good. Thanks a lot. I got some ramps so I'm going to see how easy it is to take it all apart before I get the cat tomorrow, but is there any particular cat I should be looking for? Or as long as it's a 2nd gen Neon cat it should be fine?

Addicted2Boost · Post by **Addicted2Boost** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:12 pm

any 2 gn cat will work go to a junk yard

Post by **occasional demons** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 11:22 pm

If you are not going to a JY:

You want a vehicle specific one. A universal will be a huge PITA to install with out the proper equipment. You would need to reuse your 4 bolt flange, and if it is like mine that isn't an option. (The pipe has rusted away and is too thin to weld to.)

You can go here to get some numbers to cross reference.

http://www.rockauto.com/

Magnaflow 23268 (usually can be had for $201.00)

NAPA: EXH 53419 $439.00

Crack smokin' biotches!

INVUJerry · Post by **INVUJerry** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 11:39 pm

A cat off an 00-05 Neon, SRT, PT cruiser, I think a stratus should be able to fit. Don't quote me on the stratus one.

03blackrt · Post by **03blackrt** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 11:56 pm

Addicted2Boost wrote:any 2 gn cat will work go to a junk yard

Not quite true…

Neon's built up to and including 10/11/2000 (according to the factory parts manual) have a 2" exhaust. All later Neons have a 2.25" exhaust. The earlier style will have a 2" connection between the down-pipe and the mid-pipe and the later style will have a 2.25" connection. Also, r/t cat's have the upstream O2 sensor bung in the cat pipe (just before the cat but after the 4 bolt flange).

And it technically is an easy part to replace... BUT, the four bolts on the flange will be very rusty and difficult to remove. And the slip joint between down-pipe (which has the cat integrated into it) and the mid-pipe will likely be seized together with rust and whatnot.

Post by **occasional demons** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:05 am

Even early/mid '01's have the 2" exhaust, like mine.

I have a Magnaflow cat waiting to be installed, but my clutch decided it needed attention more than the Tru benz cat back I had plans for.
So it goes....