DanaCat

I believe I am needing to replace the catalytic converter on my 89 Nissan Hardbody 2wd for the first time ever, and I am getting quotes anywhere from $830.00 to $40.00 (yes I said 830.00 list price, from an online nissan parts supplier for a standard converter, nothing special). I have one auto parts store selling a Walker direct fit w/o air trap converter for around 120.00 (do I need an air trap, will I miss it?). Another store wants 79.99 for theirs (I thinks its an Avril brand(or something like that). I would like a good performance fuel mileage booster type converter if there is such a thing.
Any recommendations would be much appreciated since I know so little about them.....
Oh yeah, Meineke wanted 40.00 for theirs (140.00 total installation) , said theirs was a stainless steel.....

 

chacono

I recalled getting a catalytic converter for my '89 nissan over a year ago and I paid $120 including shipping from an online retailer. My mechanic installed it for $80.
Do NOT get the one from Meineke. Their mufflers suck, so you can imagine their catalytic converters.

DanaCat

Thanks Chacono, I will cross Meineke off the list, that's good to know. How about the one you ordered? Are you happy with it? Where did you find it and what brand? I would be willing to pay that for a good converter. And is it a direct fit, or universal?

spec240sx

If you have the 4banger SOHC, you can get a Hi Flow from Walker or FlowMaster. And also get a 2.5" exhaust done from the CAT back. This will improve EVERYTHING.

DanaCat

Thanks Spec240sx! I just talked to a local shop who said the cat they would install would be a Magnaflow brand. Would this be equivalent to your suggestion? I appreciate the input, I will see about doing the 2.5" exhaust as well...

 

87nissanKC

I have a Magnaflow on my truck right now and love it more than the flowmaster on my other truck. The Magnaflow has a more stock deep tone and the flowmaster has a higher pitch. Can't say anything about the cat, but i may need one soon...(Tell me if the pic don't work)

chacono

Sorry man. I've been away for a while. Taking into account that my truck was old, I did not spend a lot money on it. I believe that I got it from http://www.nissan-autoparts.com/ but I am not sure anymore. I do remember that it was a direct fit and I got what I paid for (i.e. it had an intermittent rattle that went away after a couple of months).
My truck was a working truck so I did not mind it much.
If you are going to keep your truck for a long time, I'd consider spending the extra money.

// Omar