P5 Catalytic converter prices?

[minerleague]

I just got quoted, from Mazda dealership, $2700 to replace the upper and lower catalytic converters that are bad on my P5. The upper converter, off the exhaust manifold, is around $800 ($583 from mazda-parts.com) and the lower one down the pipe is quoted at $1000. Does anyone have insight on why a lower converter can be priced at $1000 from Mazda ($762 from Mazda-parts.com) and $80 from Autozone? From looking under the car, it appears to be a simple cut out and weld back in job. The upper converter is not available from Autozone so I can't compare that price. I will look for someone else to replace the converters and I haven't been to pick my car up from the dealership so I have not been able to ask the service manager about the pricing difference. Am I missing something? Any reply is much appreciated.

Steve

 

[stdntDrvr]

OEM = expensive.

you could probably find them used here for VERY cheap...or get a header, catted (or catless) midpipe for $350 - $500.

 

[mx-p5]

There are guys selling used entire stock header/cat/j-pipe for like $80 plus shipping. Install is a breeze

for stock midpipe, same thing. Just put a Want To Buy thread in the Forsale-Want to Buy area and see who posts up

 

[Dparks7]

im actually selling one for 80 bucks, i have a for sale thread in the protege section

 

[mx-p5]

lol.

There ya go!

Is it possible to link the thread? Our FS section has taken a mortal head shot

 

[Dparks7]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123753651 its actually 75 haha

 

[minerleague]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I will look for someone selling the upper cat.

 

[Dparks7]

(click link above)

 

[MaxPower]

If you want aftermarket, Walker makes both cats for the Protege. Try RockAuto.com.

I've started collecting OEM parts from the for sale section of this board for when my car's exhaust system breaks.

 

[NCZ13]

The 80 dollar vatozone cat is not the same quality as an OEM.

It may pass at first, but the chances of the cat failing sooner are greater

 

[slavrenz]

The 80 dollar vatozone cat is not the same quality as an OEM.

It may pass at first, but the chances of the cat failing sooner are greater

Not to mention the OEM cat underneath comes with the pipe as well, so there's no cutting involved. If you're gonna go aftermarket, just stay away from eBay for stuff like this. Ask me how I know!

 

[TWISFM]

i have the cat for under the car...but it needs to be welded onto a pipe....so you can take your stock cat out and put mine in.will be cheaper then anything...pm me..if you want it

 

[minerleague]

Thank you for the tip on the website. I will do some looking there.

If you want aftermarket, Walker makes both cats for the Protege. Try RockAuto.com.

I've started collecting OEM parts from the for sale section of this board for when my car's exhaust system breaks.

 

[minerleague]

I think I will go the route of an aftermarket pipe with the lower cat already mounted. I don't mind spending a little money if I can get some good aftermarket parts, I just didn't want to take it up the tailpipe for $2700 from the Mazda dealership. Thanks for the reply and offer TWISFM.