My 2001 Maxima threw a PO420 code. The catalytic converter is in need of replacement. An OEM is going to be around $1200-1500. The car has 156K on it. What is everyone's suggestion? Thanks

 

It's probably not your cat converter, but most likely your O2 sensor(s).

Mine has 191,000 and started throwing that code a couple hundred miles ago and turned out to be the O2 sensors.

 

If you're sure it's the catalytic converter and not some other problem...if you don't have smog tests, I'd slap a set of headers up there and call it a day.

 

Did you say $1200-1500?

 

Y pipe. /thread

 

I have a set of 2001 OEM Cats w/ 20K....make PM me an offer or send Email to Turboxzx96@earthlink.net

 

Thanks for the information. I also got codes 158 & 159. These are bank 2 o2 sensor problems. I think I am going to replace the sensor and see if it helps before spending bigger $

 

Alright, I understand.

BTW, I also have the following that I might be willing to part with for the right prices;

1. Set of OEM (Federal Emission Std) exhaust manifolds (front and rear to bypass cats),

2. Stillen race y-pipe with extra O2 bungs,

3. OEM main cat,

4. OEM Catback w/ muffler,

5. Slightly used Frankencar Catback System.

 

Is this the first gen, equal length unit?

Or am I forgetting that was never available for the 00-01 ...

 

Actually, the Stillen race Y-pipe can do either equal or unequal length because on one side it has a bolted/removal piece. I needed it all on my 2001 20th AE.

 

I JUSTTTT went through this, so thought I'd crack my post with my advice.

Yes, it may just be your sensors. But with that many miles on an OE cat and sensors, they are both likely on the edge of death. I agree I also would change the sensors first.

I certainly wouldn't put an OEM on it. Too much money, and doesn't get you anything an aftermarket unit won't.

But, make sure you find out what caused this unit to fail. It could just be old age. But if it is carbon, or something worse (like fuel dumping into the exhaust), then you will burn out whatever unit you use to replace the old one

I talked to these guys and ended up buying through them. They were much help
www.ecatalytic.com

 

Just remember how the OEM sounds and hog long the OEM lasted. I am sure that the price of my used OEM parts would be about the same as or may be less than cost of any of the aftermarket parts.

 

That's an outragous price, anyways I have the same code which is related to converter, bad downstream sensor or a few other variables. You have 156k, sensors don't last forever.. That's probably the cheepest route, thats where i would start. Ever thought about gutting the pre cat's?

 

The last option is a viable one. You can gut your precats and then put an 02 sim in there and no more cel for you!

 

If it is your converter then don't by oem for it it will just be a waster of money for you especially with that mileage.

If people come into the shop and need new cats i tell them to buy aftermarket and then come back in for install.

If you want to buy new cats then go to www.rockauto.com

you can get the factory style y-pipe and then buy the front precat and rear cat and still cost you under $500 for all with sensors.

But if it was me i would install header / y-pipe for that money and then install a new rear cat and call it good.

My suggestion above all depend on if your area has smog inspection with visible and machine test since then you'll atleast need a rear cat to pass probably.

 

Just trying to sell my used parts to a site member wanting to upgrade performance in the 2001 AE or SE from CA to Federal emission standards.


Some good suggestions to save money, but used OEM Cats are without any possible fitment issues whatsoever lasting 150k plus and have been know to last quite a while. This is compared to unknown the useful longivity of aftermarket parts to include CATS and etc.

Is the performance y-pipe still manufactured for the 2001? Try locating and pricing of the OEM Federal Exhaust manifolds to eliminate the OEM Cats.

I also agree that O2 sims to eliminate CEL, but how will you know if you have any CAT problems?