A local shop priced me out at 290 dollars to install a new cat and muffler on my 96 xj. I'm supplying my own cat and muffler. My question is: Is this a good price or should I shop around a bit more? Maybe it will help that I"m supplying them with drop in fitting parts? Also, is there any more parts I should order for the shop like clamps etc...?

 

Install it yourself. All you need is a sawzall and ratchet. Only takes about 30 to 60 min to do it yourself and it's free. And yes, That is an outrageouse price!

 

Not to ask a dumb question, buy why not put them in yourself?

That seems pretty steep to me.

 

It is steep, but also consider that shops really don't like it when the customer supplies parts. Know this. Shops make money on marking up parts!! Many shops won't even install customer supplied parts as a policy. And if they do allow it, they have to jack up the labor rate to make money.

But that being said, I'd get at least one more estimate if you're not up to doing it yourself.

 

Agreed. I installed a Dynomax HI-PO cat-back and cat for under $200 and it came with all new clamps and hangers too. Had to buy nothing else.

 

with you supplying parts thats insane.... at $75 an hr.(my labor rate) it would cost you $75, $100 if for some reason the welder came out.. i hate shops like that

 

Yeah I've thought about doing it myself but with all the exhaust leaks it has right now, I got a quote from a shop. I thought that was a high price. I'll shop around a bit and if nobody can do it for a reasonable price I'll take a hack at it.

 

If you put all new parts on then your leaks will go away too whether a shop does it or you.

 

I think a problem I'm going to run into is that all the hangers are practically rusted out.

 

If you get a cat-back system then it will come with new hangers at least Dynomax does.

 

around here my guy does it for 40 welded if you supply your cat/muffler and he said for 120 he will do every thing from down pipes back high flow cat and 10" glass pack i dont know the quality of his parts but he does good quality work

 

I had the old system cut near the oil pan on each of my jeeps and stainless pipe fabricated all the way back. I supplied the parts. The shop guy welded everything after he had it together. it took about 1 hr and he charged me $45.00. Don't go to major shops.

 

well unless he tig welded it stainless was pointless it will now rust at the seems and unless he is a friend $45 an hour is stupid cheap he is undercutting and his business will not last... going private shop rates in newengland are $60-$100per hr depending on the specialty of the shop. i can't imagine it's that much cheaper where you are.. if the op can get a decent shop to do it less than $125 the is doing good.... i suggest buying a $35 tailpipe too that will reduce the labor bill.. well it would at my shop

 

I you go with a direct fit cat and exhaust system, is basically bolt on.
Remove you old system and install them with your basic tool.....you could have done it with just a freaking lock pliers ....that simple.

Issue you might face would be removing your old system if they are rusted, but a cheapo harbor freight saw would do the job.

If you want to be creative and get universal cat and muffler, you would need adapters and hangers which are easily available at your local part store like Autozone.

I did my very first and it was fairly easy.

GL.

 

here in ca things are different with cats op never stated where he was from i have a buddy that owns a muffler shop and he charges $100 if you supply your own cat weld it in and about $50 for a muffler depending on how much work is needed with hangers and what not maybe a little bit more and he does top notch work !!