[jerryp]

Hi All:

My '97 TJ cat just started rattling and making big 'rock in a can' type noises at 72k miles.

I took a look at it and decided with the welding required replacing it myself was beyond my ability, nor do I have the proper equipment and facilities to do this myself. I took it to a muffler shop and was quoted over $500 to replace JUST THE CAT, not even any piping. $320 for parts (cat) and $100/hour * 2 hours for labor.

I know this is a ripoff and I've seen replacement Jeep cats online closer to $100.

I heard about the federal emissions warranty, etc but was told by a Jeep dealer that after running my VIN and finding out that my Jeep supposedly has a CA emissions system on it (even though it is from Texas), that it only qualified for 7/70 warranty and not the 8/80 that all the other states enjoy (As I said, I have over 72k now).

My question to those in the know is what would you do? Can anyone clear up the CA emissions 7/70 issue? I thought about driving to nearby NV but since they look up the vehicle by VIN I don't think that would get me out of it. If I do need to pony up the cash myself, what is a fair amount for parts and labor? I live in NorCal where *everything* costs more so I'd prefer to hear from someone in the know about NorCal.

Thanks!
Jerry

[joeyprice]

I just replaced the CAT on my 97 - they must be OBDII compliant for post 96 models and are more expensive - You should be able to find one retail for $300 bux - or call the guys at www.performance-curve.com - they quoted me $200 and change for it - there are very few after-market Cats. that are OBDII/CARB compliant - the one I got was a MagnaFlow 43000 model - stock TJ exhaust is 2.25 if I remember right so you'd need model 43035 - but to be safe I'd check with a shop.

http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/converters/converter04.htm


I also needed to get a new muffler - pieces of the cat had broken off an jammed up the muffler - they're cheap - performance curve has 'em for $40.00

They guy that put mine on had to do lots of cutting and welding, but it still only took him and hour or so - at $60.00 per hour, not 100 - I would shop around a little.

Hope this helps,
Joey

[Jerry Bransford]

Good information Joey, I bookmarked that page for when I need a new cat. Thanks!

[joeyprice]

Praise from Caesar!!

Glad I could help.

Joey

[jerryp]

Yes, thanks a bunch Joey. I'm surprised to learn that the CAT is that pricey but I guess its the CARB requirements, etc.. Of course $100/hour labor is pretty insane but most Silicon Valley shops seem to be charging at least in the high 90's/hour.

Can you (or anyone) comment on this one I found (either DC23219 or DC23217)?

http://store.yahoo.com/collinsbros/catcon.html?__yltc=s:13126288,d:23501379,mid:47331 ,pid:catcon,lt:1,sec:sr,slk:title

Thanks!
Jerry

[joeyprice]

Well, it's hard to tell without knowing who made it, but my guess would be that it is not an OBDII cat. From what I've been told, the actual catalyst is different - and an OBDI cat would have quite a short life span on an OBDII car, I don't know the specifics. I don't know why if the thing would go on a 1997 it wouldn't go on a 1998-04 Wrangler - my guess is that Collins Bros. goofed - there is no such thing as a 1996 TJ.

Trust me on this one, I looked for months trying to find a short cut/cheaper way - I was finally forced to give up and fix it one day when the Jeep wouldn't run more than about 10 mph due to the ceramic plugging up the muffler. Call Performance Curve and ask them how much, they were by far the cheapest I found.

Surely somewhere up there in the Valley there is an area populated almost exclusively with muffler, body and upholstry shops (south San Francisco?)- find somebody there to do it - not Midas or Mineke - it will be MUCH cheaper.

HTH
Joey

[jerryp]

right on. thanks!

-Jerry