How much should I expect to pay to replace a catalytic converter?

[Stinsok]

My son's 98 Ford Explorer (zillion miles) started running very rough. My wife took it to a local guy that said it was in the converter, but he didn't do that kind of work. It has two converters. One is a bolt on, the other is not. If it was the bolt on, I could probably do it. I am going to have to go to a muffler shop.

[Mike N]

Depending if they use an oe fit converter versus a universal weld in type will dictate the price. Oe Ford converters are ridiculously expensive, aftermarket direct fit converters can be somewhat cheaper (avoid Walker if at all possible), while a universal type could be as cheap as $75, plus the labor to cut & weld it in. On something as old as a 98 I'd go the cut & weld route if the direct fit ones are out of your price range. It's what I did on my Wife's 98 Chevy pickup.

Whatever route you choose, ask for the old converter or converters to be returned to you. Scrap prices are crazy high, and converters at a scrap metal recycler could net you anywhere from $50 to $100 each. They might tell you that the EPA mandates they hang on to the old ones for 15 days (which is true), but you should reap the benefit of the scrap price, not them.