Exhaust

[nnunez]

I have a 1996 Silverado 5.0 and I think it needs a Catalytic Converter.
The mechanic did a code diagnostics.
The price for the part that I've been quoted is $275.00 + labor. Is this reasonable?

Do I have any other options?

[03chevy]

one of the tell tell sings of a cat going bad is when you have the truck up to normal running temp look at the cat best when it's dark outside to see if it is glowing red that's the best way to see. but i would call around diff muffler shops bc you will get diff prices

[PickUpGirl787]

eh just take it off!! Kidding but it would be fun to be the loudest one on the road for a while dodging the cops

[75K30]

most aftermarket high flow units cost about half of that, and a muffler shop can install it for considerably less.
The glowing cat only works after say a run on the freeway, and exhaust temps are high. A cat will not start glowing at idle. Engine will not create enough heat at idle to make it glow. Also it will only glow if the cat is plugged. A cat that has broken pieces inside that may not restrict flow, will not impede flow enough to cause a super high heat symptom.

[nnunez]

Originally Posted by PickUpGirl787

eh just take it off!! Kidding but it would be fun to be the loudest one on the road for a while dodging the cops

I'd take it off it I could..........

I dont want loud though.....

[nnunez]

Originally Posted by 75K30

most aftermarket high flow units cost about half of that, and a muffler shop can install it for considerably less.
The glowing cat only works after say a run on the freeway, and exhaust temps are high. A cat will not start glowing at idle. Engine will not create enough heat at idle to make it glow. Also it will only glow if the cat is plugged. A cat that has broken pieces inside that may not restrict flow, will not impede flow enough to cause a super high heat symptom.

I've heard about the red glowing deal before. I didnt think it worked in every case.

[nnunez]

Originally Posted by 03chevy

one of the tell tell sings of a cat going bad is when you have the truck up to normal running temp look at the cat best when it's dark outside to see if it is glowing red that's the best way to see. but i would call around diff muffler shops bc you will get diff prices

I will give it a shot tonight and see what happens.......

[Bonnor]

i thought 95 was teh last year you could just cut the cats off...96 has 4 o2 sensors so you can't just cut it off unless u get teh o2 simulators..or am i thinkin wrong here?

[mudseeker]

Originally Posted by Bonnor

i thought 95 was teh last year you could just cut the cats off...96 has 4 o2 sensors so you can't just cut it off unless u get teh o2 simulators..or am i thinkin wrong here?

yes you are right, the cat is part of the exhaust cross over. there are o2 sensors at each end of the cross over, and i belive one befroe and after the cat. the price sounds about right, i found out the hard way, stupid sawsall.

[75K30]

A little food for thought. I run a 6.0L chev from an 01 silveerado with no cats, and all 4 original O2 sensors, with no check engine lights.
I also have a G.M. performance parts LS7 427 ci sbc, and it too runs without the use of cats, and uses a 4, O2 sensor system, no lights, or codes......