Hello car gurus! I need more advice here. Looking to sell my husband's mazda pick-up truck, and purchase a 97' Blazer with 130,XXX miles however the owner says it won't pass inspection - it has a bad Catalytic Converter. My question is, on average what's the difficulty and cost to change one out?
This truck is a STEAL for only $1500.00 and I'd hate to let it go.
Thanks all!

 

well you can get them for around $200. for a shop to install just the catalytic converter would be probably $400 including parts. i've never replaced one on the blazer, just on my jetta vr6 and it was $1100.

 

It's not that bad and you can find them online for under $150.

Basically, it's just a few bolts. Spray with penetrating oil and remove them. If the bolts are just on a clamp, break them off for easier removal and replace the clamp with a new one. There are bolts to a mounting bracket as well as bolts to the pipes, but one you've got them all out it's pretty easy.

Note: this info is for a '93/'94; I really am not sure if the '97 is more or less complicated.

 

You can get a direct fit for under $200 (CLICK HERE for a search at summitracing.com - hopefully it works) and replace it in your driveway. You should be able to get a universal installed for much cheaper than that, but it would require some cutting and welding.

 

Thanks guys. We actually found out there were WAY more issues than the Cat and decided against it - bummer!