Catalytic converter swap question

I did a thread search and didn't find anything about swapping Cat's so if anyone can help I would appreciate it.
I have a 98 Taurus SE with the 24 valve Duratech engine. I failed the smog inspection due to a bad catalytic converter. As you may know a new catalytic converter can go as high as $700. I can't afford that!
I have access to a 98 Taurus 12 valve Vulcan parts car. My question is,
ARE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS INTERCHANGEABLE ON THESE ENGINES?
I have the Haynes manual which show how to remove the cat so I have an Idea but any time saving tips are welcome.
Thanks,

TaurusGLenn

I don't know if the part will physically fit exactly in place but I have a highflow universal cat on mine and it hasn't caused any problems

Mike
:smokin:

I don't particularly know why you couldn't use that cat unless it is considerably smaller. I replaced a cat on one of my vehicles with a universal one that was the same size, but I had to weld it in because clamping it was not an option due to the pipe configuration. I hated welding it, because I didn't have a wire feed welder and it was really tight, so I couldn't do a nice job on it. The joints leaked, and I had to keep plugging the holes so it would pass inspection and because it was noisy. Fortunately, we don't have to pass smog.

My most important recommendation, besides avoiding welding it in at all costs, is to replace the old cat with one as close as possible in size. A larger one would be ok and one just a wee bit smaller should be ok, but not a lot smaller. The most important measurements to be sure your replacement cat is similar in size is to compare the width (of the body not including the flange), thickness and the length of the middle section that stays the same width. Do not include the ends that neck down like flattened funnels, as they do not contain the catalyst element. Another way to look at the comparison, is to calculate the volume of the two cats using the above measurements(Length X Width X Thickness) and be sure they are close in volume. Also, make sure your used one does not rattle inside. That means it's loose and or coming apart. That's why I had to replace mine. It plugged the exhaust like a cork and caused some unbelievable back pressure and cooked a bunch of stuff at the dpfe port!?! It also ruined a day out with the family to a swim park!?! Rrrrrrrrr!!!

If the cat that's bad is one on the Y-pipe (and I think it is because that's the one that would cost $700 to fix) then, no, unless you are a very good fabricator you will not be able to replace it with a generic cat.

You can have a complete new Y pipe and exhaust system built including universal cat for around $400.00

Your performance will increase also.
You can see from this factory Y pipe why.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/mwt60/IMG_1347.jpg


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/mwt60/IMG_1301.jpg
This is a Duratec on a 2000 and almost identical to your 98
Mike
:smokin:

After a visual inspection it looks like the Y-pipes are not interchangable between the Vulcan and the Duratec. It looks like the exhaust manifolds are shaped different.
I went to the junkyard and removed a Y-pipe. It wasn't too hard. The forward pipe comes off pretty easy, just two bolts. WD-40 helps a lot! One bolt on the pipe on the rear bank is kinda hard to get to. You really need a swivel head socket (5/8")
All three of the forward 02 sensors need to be removed, the very rear one near the flex pipe can stay in. The rear 02 sensors are kinda hard to unplug. I used a skinny slotted screwdriver to push down the plastic clip and with a twisting motion it seperated.
The rest is kind of self explanitory.

Good luck,

TaurusGLenn