Catalytic Converter

[gluegirl]

The Saturn dealer is telling me that my 1996 SL2 is starting to need a new Catalytic Converter. I'm figuring if they are right I won't pass emissions in the spring when I am due to go. The part is $870.00 from Saturn so since I have 170,000 miles I am not planning on investing nearly $1,000.00 into this car. The dealer is telling me that 1996's and newer cannot use an aftermarket catalytic converter. Can anyone confirm this? Also, should I consider a used catalytic converter perhaps from a used parts dealer? If anyone else has had this issue with their car, I would love to hear from them. I recently replaced the muffler and that was when they realized the catalytic converter was going.
Thanks.
gluegirl

[socketz]

Sounds fishy.

Call your local muffler shop to confirm.

Try one of the reputable chain places like Midas/Mieneke.

[miamisl2]

read my reply in the sl section

[gundogg13b]

when I had my car shipped to Germany I had to get a new cat and I got a aftermarket one, the guy at saturn is shafting you

[sierrap615]

keep in mind some states care more about emissions then taking drugs off the streets. 96 and later saturns have the OBDII, witch means there is a O2 senser in the cat, i don't know of any univerrsial cat with a slot for the sensor, if there are any they're rare. i have heard of people drilling in to the exhaust pipes, but i don't think most shops would do that (unless you have a buddy who can weld). also you can't get a used cat, used cat are illegal to sell, not even a junkyard will sell them. i got a new muffler and univerrsial cat for 94(older design) for about 350 at a shop, but with the OBDII i have no idea on price. on the other hand my univerrsial cat isn't a year old and its already going to the crapper.

[Stik2885]

I have a 96 SC 2 and i replaced the catylitic converter on mine. Call up a parts dealer in the yellow pages. Mine was a direct fit but there needs to be a little bit of cutting and welding, but it doesnt throw a check engine light so therefore a check engine light will fail the inspection.