Need Parts Advice!

[junior3382]

I have a 1998 Mazda B3000. I need a cat, and have been told it needs to remain OEM, but it seems that I cannot buy one at the local parts store, I need to hit the dealers. It is a dual cat setup, and the dealers want like 1400 bucks for it! I do not want a bone yard peice due to reliablility issues, but is there anywhere esle, or any other products I can use? The motor FORD, Mazda parts do not seem to work at all.

[stuvw2mny]

Check with independent suppliers like autozone, checker, napa. I got a replacement for my Nissan from Checker that worked just fine at considerably less cost than the dealer. Too many federally regulated parts are being used by dealers (especially) and parts suppliers to rip the public off.

It is far past time politicians are told by us users about this and for them to require only what is necessary. A lot (not all!) of "pollution control" equipment is unnecessary, and the regulators aren't paying for it. We are! What is being done by regulators to streamline the traffic control system to limit unnecessary braking, idling, and acceleration of huge numbers of cars. NOTHING! Write your politicians and highway departments about that.

[greasemonkey]

Have you looked into getting a universal cat? You can get them through JC whitney for about $40-60 each. They just bolt on in place of the originals.

[junior3382]

I tired Advance auto, AutoZone, Napa, Car Quest and even some local shops, Mineke(sp) and other muffler shops, and no luck. They ahve no parts listing or way to get it. All offered me a universal set-up but none can garuntee it will pass emissions due to the O2's not reading accurate. I trried a Mazda Dealership, the wanted just over 1400 just for parts, and tried a seperate Ford dealerships, and they wanted over 1700 just for parts. All have said they need to be cut and fitted too. so labor is anywhere from 300-600 bucks depending on the shop. I have still been looking, and may just take my chances with a Universal set-up, running two, maybe three in a row, and save somemoney and hope the temp readings are correct. One guy suggested three to add a little more back pressure. Then they should read right. The universal cats are only like 65 bucks a peice, and labor is much cheaper, so i may go that route. In fact, while I am at it, I will probably run a cat-back dual system as well.

The computer only has to read good for inspection, so I may just get one cat, reset the computer and drive straight to the inspection station, praying it will not trip again. I have hit a brick wall here, and think it is beyond retarted to be forced to spend that kind of money. So I WILL find a way around it. Just havn't yet. I will let you guys know what comes of it though.

[greasemonkey]

What county are you in? I know Columbia has no emissions requirements right now.

[junior3382]

Lancaster county, and I heard that.... but not here. And it does not need to pass the serious test, it is just visual, but the check engine light is on, and reading exhaust issues. The EGR was just replaced, and I think what led to the demise of the cats.... The O2's are new too, the converter being clogged will still trip the O2 behind it, and therefore force it to fail emmisions since it is an emissions based issue. Like I mentioned before, I know if I can make the code go away, then it will pass, and to do that I need an exhaust, but I am not spening 2000 dollars to fix this, it is not worth it to me.

[greasemonkey]

Im not really any good with emissions, you might want to ask 75K30 or 4x4FordChik27, they are both good with that sort of problem.