I was told that my cats are clogged, which kind of makes sense. The truck is a dog even though it has the 454 in it. It's a 98 GMC k3500 dually with 84K miles. The truck was regularly serviced and is in pretty good shape for its age. How much should I expect to pay for two new cats? I'm getting prices that are through the roof. Are there cheaper aftermarket cats and I know I'm not supposed to, but can the cats be removed all together without effecting the engine performance?

The cats can be removed and the truck operated without any issue, but do you have SMOG testing in your area? If so, then you are at the mercy of the State beasts. The places like Summit Racing, sell aftermarket cats for about $65.00 each, for a universal to a $100.00 each for a direct fit cat. The direct fit cats for later Camaros and trucks are around $300.00 each. So if the Smoggies are prevelant in your area, then the aftermarket cats are you out, in this situation.

You can get new generics for around $80 ea. Why does your '98 have aftermarkets on it? Was the exhaust changed at one time? The reason I ask is that a stock cat has a governmental warranty of something like 80,000 mi. If they go bad in that time the government mandates that it is a mandatory replacement with a stock cat. If you don't have E-Check you may be able to get by wothout them depending on where you live. Plugged cats will screw up your computer but no cats will let it run fine as it is all behind the engine and sensors. The primary purpose of the cat is to burn up unused gases and keep our air cleaner.

Kevin

You can get new generics for around $80 ea. Why does your '98 have aftermarkets on it? Was the exhaust changed at one time? The reason I ask is that a stock cat has a governmental warranty of something like 80,000 mi. If they go bad in that time the government mandates that it is a mandatory replacement with a stock cat. If you don't have E-Check you may be able to get by wothout them depending on where you live. Plugged cats will screw up your computer but no cats will let it run fine as it is all behind the engine and sensors. The primary purpose of the cat is to burn up unused gases and keep our air cleaner.

Kevin


No one said that there were generics on it, but if you have to replace them, then get what can fit. The Feds have a set of rules that are out there for the muffler shops to use factory direct replacments or face a fine. I personally am in an area that does not test for emissions, to date. However, the greedy critters will some day come for us too.

Are there cheaper aftermarket cats and I know I'm not supposed to

Oops. My bad. When I first read it I thought it read "they are cheaper aftermarket cat". I guess I'm a little dyslexic.

If they are the factory cats, then I would check with a dealer or two about replacing them. 4000 miles over shouldn't be questioned by some, or at least I wouldn't think so.

The Feds have a set of rules that are out there for the muffler shops to use factory direct replacments or face a fine.

Around here they have replacement cats but they are an off brand / generic brand. They are a replacement for factory cats but not a direct factory replacement.

Here is some info here and it should be in the owners manual also http://www.catalyticconverter.org/law/

Basically what it states:
Rules for Replacing Converters
In 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new guidelines for the construction, efficiency and installation of aftermarket catalytic converters. All CleanAir converters listed in this catalog have been designed, tested and manufactured to meet this policy.

In addition, CleanAir converter listed in this catalog is appropriate for use under the current requirements of the California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.).
E.P.A. guidelines state that replacement converters may be installed only in the following situations:

1. The vehicle is missing a converter
2. A state or local inspection program has determined that the existing converter needs replacement
3. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1996 must have more than 50,000 miles, and a legitimate need for replacement must be established and documented
4. In cases of OBD Il-equipped vehicles (1996 and later), the O.E. manufacturer's 8-year/80,000-mile warranty must have expired and a legitimate need for replacement must be established and documented.
Please note that Federal law prohibits removal or replacement of a properly functioning O.E. converter.

When replacement of the converter is appropriate (as outlined above), the E.P.A. further requires that:

1. It be installed in the same location as the original
2. It be the same type as the original (i.e., two-way, three-way, three-way plus air/three-way plus oxidation)
3. It be the proper model for the vehicle application as determined and specified by the manufacturer
4. It be properly connected to any existing air injection components on the vehicle
5. It be installed with any other required converter for a particular application
6. It be accompanied by a warranty information card to be completed by the installer.

If you could prove that you had it looked at before the 80,000 miles were up....

there are several choices of GM catalytic converter (http://www.replacementgeneralparts.com/gm-catalytic-converter), the price really varies on which brand you want to install + the place where you purchase..