Catalytic Converter Recommendation?

I need to buy a Catalytic Converter, and need help doing so.
They range from $50 at Autozone, to $1000 at the Ford Dealer.

I haven't done one before, so any advice/recommendations would be great.

Should I also replace the O2 sensors?

'96 Ford Escort LX
1.9L
Manual

Thanks!

I also am in the market for a new cat, or if it won't do too much damage, hollowing mine out, it's making my car hesitate and my MPG is suffering too....

As far as replacing your cat the one from Autozone is a good as any. There are a lot of places that you can purchase them and if they meet the EPA requirements then you shouldn't have any problems. As far as replacing one they usually bolt on although depending on the model they may have to be welded. The hardest part of the removal is getting the bolts loose. Use PB blaster as it will help you get the bolts to break loose. I recommend that you replace the O2 sensor since it may be contaminated from the bad cat or just simply worn out if it hasn't been changed in a while.

As for removing the cat or hollowing it out, I don't recommend it. On a fuel injected car it is important to have the cat in place since it will help not hinder the performance of your car. It is also illegal to remove one permanently. If you O2 sensor is after the CAT the car will not run correctly and you mileage will suffer greatly.

Might be wise to use a torch to heat up the cat.flange mt.nuts,stud in/near the ex. manifold.Then an impact to loosen them.OR to take it to someone to do this.This to avoid just wrenching them and breaking them off.Even then this is no guarantee that the studs won't be toast..or break.Requring no fun drilling.easier to change the pipe,manifold.
Cat. replacements are of 2 kinds.Direct fit and universal.Most cheaper cat's are a universal fit'..AND need THAT companies adapter kit.Sometimes this is cheap and good..other times..FORGET IT!
Best way is to get the ORIGINAL cat for that vehicle.I'ld go to a good bone yard and get the original cat..pipe,AND an exhaust manifold..that way..you have the manifold,pipe, WITH good studs..just in case..HAHA. AND a cat. that IS the right one.This is cheap.
Should then just be a matter of breaking/cutting the flange bolts where the cat.joins the ex.pipe.Seperating the two.Leaving you two flanges to join.Cleaning it up a bit..2 new bolts,nuts..away you go.

Ex.,manifold,pipe,studs,cat's, on 10 y/o cars can be a BIT**.

I agree with Arnoldtheskier. I just replaced the one on my 98 with one from the junkyard I got for 50 bucks, and it just bolts right up. The cheaper one from autozone will more than likely need to be welded onto your old pipes, and this cost can add up.

I replaced mine because whoever had my car in it's former life rodded the cat out. It was loud and annoying, so I don't reccommend that either. Also, the check engine light came on - computer knows when "catalyst efficency is below normal."