When replacing my 02 sensors and exhaust recently I noticed one of my catalytic converters no longer had the honeycomb-like material and was hollow.
A call to the Acura dealer (local -- didn't try discount) was around $1100. Next!
Googled and found a place that sells an aftermarket direct-fit component:
http://www.catalyticonverters.com/ACNSXACU10309194.html
~$274 shipped for the one I needed. Bill (ext. 304) was very helpful.
For anyone that finds themselves in need of a new cat, this is a great way to save enough to buy a new set of tires. I consulted a friend who does emissions testing for a living and he explained there should not be a big quality difference in parts. Cats are pretty simple.
Now, getting to the source of the problem (cats really shouldn't blow-out) -- I believe running original 02 sensors (car is a 91 with 110K+ miles) have long since expired and I assume the car's been running in open loop (extra rich) for a while.
At any rate -- hope this helps anyone else who finds themselves in the same bind I'm in.
Regards,
-Matt
A call to the Acura dealer (local -- didn't try discount) was around $1100. Next!
Googled and found a place that sells an aftermarket direct-fit component:
http://www.catalyticonverters.com/ACNSXACU10309194.html
~$274 shipped for the one I needed. Bill (ext. 304) was very helpful.
For anyone that finds themselves in need of a new cat, this is a great way to save enough to buy a new set of tires. I consulted a friend who does emissions testing for a living and he explained there should not be a big quality difference in parts. Cats are pretty simple.
Now, getting to the source of the problem (cats really shouldn't blow-out) -- I believe running original 02 sensors (car is a 91 with 110K+ miles) have long since expired and I assume the car's been running in open loop (extra rich) for a while.
At any rate -- hope this helps anyone else who finds themselves in the same bind I'm in.
Regards,
-Matt