Land Rover Repair: replacing a cat converter, land rover discovery, exhaust manifold studs

Question
John,

I am currently shopping for a used 1997 Land Rover Discovery and have found one on the market for a bargain... the only catch is the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. What should I expect to spend to solve this problem, and what other problems might this failure be linked to or cause in the future?

Thanks,
Nicole.

Answer
First, you should be cynical when buying a used car and assume the converter is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of problems.

Replacement of the catalyst, the four o2 sensors, and repair of the exhaust manifold studs that will break when you do the job will cost $1,200-2,200 most places, depending upon the brand of catalyst.

Atlantic Brisish and Rovers North sell aftermarket converters for less than the dealer.  I would avoid welding in a generic muffler shop converter as I have not found them to work out well.

As to cause of converter failure - usually it's a rich running or misfiring engine, but you'd have to check it to know for sure.