Catalytic Converter may need replaced, wondering on options available

[grumpyg1t]

Hello All.

I am after a little advice if anybody can help please.

My wife's EP3's engine light came on 4 days ago which, according to the code reader, was down to the secondary o2 sensor.
I reset the code and it has not came back on.

Approx 8 months ago, Honda diagnosed a slight rattle as being the cat but suggested living with it unless I wanted to spend £1200.

Although her car is driving fine with no obvious performance issues, I am wondering whether the light is associated with the cat rattle and whether it is about to go completely.

We've always replaced parts with oem but don't fancy paying over £2000 which is the last oem price I noticed, although not sure where Honda got £1200 from.

Was just wondering what options there are for replacing the cat if it does end up needing to be?
It still has the original back box with a recently replaced new oem B pipe.
I have seen a few second hand cats on ebay etc, but wondered if there are any "pattern" makes that can be a straight swap without increasing noise or needing to be remapped?

The aim isn't to increase performance, just to replace the cat if needed.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

many thanks

 

[EP3 Pete]

I am sure you would be able to find a blueprint copy of a cat for a more reasonable price, how good the quality would be though could potentially be an issue.

Might be worth asking an independant garage to have a look as now the EML is on I am pretty sure Honda would point you in the direction of a new cat almost straight away, potentially it could be an issue with the O2 sensor which is a lot cheaper to replace.

I think I still have my original cat stored in my dads garage, its covered around 70k but if it does turn out you need one I would be happy to let you have it for a reasonable price.

 

[fn2sam]

I would go and get a second opinion mate, Honda just want to take your money! Try a motorsport company, TGM motorsport are really helpful, give them a call they should be able to help you out!!

 

[grumpyg1t]

Thanks for the advice guys, it's really appreciated! and thanks very much for the offer EP3 Pete, I may take you up on that.
I'll check things out further as I must admit I just took their word at the time but being in the North East, I am not aware of any local specialists. I will give TGM a call though.

cheers.

 

[EP3 Pete]

Definitely worth getting it double checked by a well regarded local garage mate, if the Honda dealer has the opportunity to sell you a £1200 cat then that's probably what's going to get suggested but it could turn out to be a much cheaper fix.

 

[grumpyg1t]

Definitely worth getting it double checked by a well regarded local garage mate, if the Honda dealer has the opportunity to sell you a £1200 cat then that's probably what's going to get suggested but it could turn out to be a much cheaper fix.

cheers EP3 Pete, will do!

As I say, we,ve always used the supplying dealer from new (using oem parts) but her car's done over 140000 miles now so can't justify £1200.

It's also driving perfect (except for the slight rattle) so don't know how soon/whether it will need changed but just want to be prepared as I don't want to end up having to change at the last minute to stay on the road and end up spending £££s or getting a cheap kwik fit job that is too restrictive or throws engine lights on etc.
Will definitely get a second opinion though!

thanks again