Question about replacing catalytic convertor?

[98EXPY 5-0]

Apparently my exhaust leak is my pasenger side catalytic convertor has rusted through. The mechanic quoted me $350 for the part (no labor, just a replacement convertor.)

I found several online, including Magnaflow #47206 for under $100. Is there any reason NOT to use that one? I found a few others under $150 as well.

The Magnaflow is 49 state legal, and I don;t live in Cali, so it shouldn't be an issue right?

I was going to call the junk yards, but a new one for $90 might be a better bet, right?

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

This is a work vehicle and I am not looking for added performance or sound. Think of it as a New York Taxi cab. I just want to get it to 1 million miles as cheaply as possible (but still legally and safely).

It actually helps that it's quiet. Since it has 4, and it seems that the rear two are not legally required, could I remove the two rears, and use one to replace the front? Then I would just have to buy the tubing to fill the gaps in the rear.

I did see a universal CAT listed at JCWhitney for $60. The issue I see is that the picture doesn't look like a cat, it looks like a really short glasspack muffler. I'm not sure if that would pass the visual inspection.

 

[walnuts4x4]

you can remove the rears and not have any problems that is what I did... but I don't remember if the fronts are the same as rears but all else fails have a pipe welded in and remove them

 

[joezek]

I think the best option is to get a pair of universal stainless steel high flow cats on ebay. They're dirt cheap since so many people are selling them. You can get both of them for about $80. Then have a local shop install them and remove all (4) originals. At least you know both converters are new, and no more worries about the other (3) also rusting out.