# Prism cat. Converter replacement **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [June 30, 2011, 3:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prism-cat-converter-replacement/65855 "2011-06-30T03:10:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NealD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/839c29/32.png) [@NealD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NealD)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 3:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prism-cat-converter-replacement/65855/1 "2011-06-30T03:10:53Z")
So I recently took my 2001 chevy prizm into a local mechanic because I had a check engine light on. I got a call back a few hours later, and I was told I have a bad catalytic converter and that it needs to be replaced. They told me it was gonna run me around $800 for parts and labor. I’m really just trying to pass my emissions test, and on the cheap. So I have a few questions: is this a fair price? Could I use one of these universal catalytic converters (they are considerably cheaper), could I maybe buy this part and have them install it for me? Will this involve any welding? I thank you ahead of time for your answers. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 3:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prism-cat-converter-replacement/65855/2 "2011-06-30T03:30:41Z")
The price is fair if a direct fit type catalytic converter is installed. A universal type catalytic converter can be installed but this requires the removal of the flanges from the old cat so they can be welded to the universal cat. But I don’t know too many mechanics that can weld very well. Tester ---
**Author:** ![NealD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/839c29/32.png) [@NealD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NealD)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 4:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prism-cat-converter-replacement/65855/3 "2011-06-30T04:03:33Z")
Thanks for the speedy reply, Tester. Anyone else have any thoughts or tips they’d like to add? ---
**Author:** ![chaissos](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/chaissos/32/2347_2.png) [@chaissos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chaissos)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 1:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prism-cat-converter-replacement/65855/4 "2011-06-30T13:39:38Z")
While the “original” replacement may seem pricey, the extra work involved in fitting a universal replacement (at $100 an hour for the mechanic) may end up costing more. plus, there’s no guarantee a generic replacement will actually perform as good as an original. If it were me, I’d use an original…but I’d also do it myself. Just sayin’. Chase ---
**Author:** ![JoeMario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3bc359/32.png) [@JoeMario](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JoeMario)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 2:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prism-cat-converter-replacement/65855/5 "2011-06-30T14:10:37Z")
Autozone sells a Bosal catalytic converter with front pipe and resonator for $313.00. That’s a direct-fit converter and Bosal makes reliable converters. What that tells me is your local mechanic should be able to find a direct-fit aftermarket converter locally in the low $300 range, which he’ll understandably charge you around $500 for. Then you can add gaskets, bolts/clamps, hangers and labor. The price of $800 quoted to you may seem a bit high, but it is defend-able. ---
**Author:** ![NealD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/839c29/32.png) [@NealD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NealD)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 4:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prism-cat-converter-replacement/65855/6 "2011-06-30T16:47:40Z")
Sounds good. Thanks for your responses, everyone.