I got a quote from Midas to replace my 1998 3.0 CL Catalytic Converter with an aftermarket "OEM" for $650. The part number on the invoice (099085) was for:

1997-1999 Acura CL Catalytic Converter - Bosal - Direct OE replacement
Part #: BO099085
Mfr #: 099-085

Is this product / manufacturer any good?

I'd prefer an Acrua EOM cat ($550-700) and willing to pay, but the guy at Midas didn't convince me that that's the part they quoted me for was Acura EOM -- he kept saying it was the Honda part, eventho its (obviously) aftermarket.

I was quoted $900 for all the work -- replace valve cover gaskets (oil leaks) + new brakes/rotors + replace cat -- so if this Bosal part is good, I won't push for an Acura OEM.

Anyone know if this part is worth it?

 

HELL NOOOOO!!! those cats go for like 150 TOPS on rockauto.com. ur brakes are easy bc u have a 98 and they are rotor over hub. the cat is easy as well...if you have access to an air hammer it makes life easy as sometimes those connection bolts seize. valve cover gasket is four bolts....which are never seized and are the most easily accessible bolts possible. please don't pay this joker 900 dollars if you are mechanically inclined at all you can do the work.

 

I just replaced the Catalytic Converter with an aftermarket "OEM" for $200 installed at the local muffler shop here in NC. Check for a small business' to do it, midas, monroe, etc... will rip you off.

 

Thanks guys. I was reading mixed reviews online, so I went with OEM for $500 vs $300 for part + installation. (negotiated a better deal with Midas)

I was hoping for a slight performance improvement since they claimed my catalytic converted was also clogged, but I don't really feel a difference. In retrospect, I probably should have went with an aftermarket OEM-standard, and saved myself the cash (especially on a 12 y/o car).

As for doing the work myself, I would have done so, but i didn't have a garage or jacks to work on the car -- but thanks for input / suggestion!