Hey gang. I haven't been on here for a while but I know that you all are the ones to go to for some real information. Ok heres the situation.

My 2005 Scion TC failed inspection for emissions at the local NJ inspection station. So I took it to Autozone for an analysis of the error code. The one that came up was "P0420" and they printed me out a list of the possible causes. Now, I prefered the actual problem to be pinpointed more specifically so I brought to a shop for a true analysis.
The analysis left me with this, "Manifold Cat. Low Efficiency and Bank 1 Sensor 1". I then asked the mechanic if this meant that the exhaust manifold, and the catalytic converter inside, needed replacing. He said yes and also the 02 sensor. The quote he gave me for the repair was over $1100 bucks, but since I am familiar with the exhaust system as at one point I put on DC headers and a Megan downpipe by myself, I figured I could find the parts online and put them on myself.
I checked online and found the parts for @450 for everything. Which is alot better than $1100.
Anyway, my question is this: Are those analysis done by the mechanics, which they charge $85 for, completely accurate? Also, do you all think that is a good price for parts, the $450 (manifold and O2 sensor)? And finally, has this happened to anyone else and if so, have they done this and have everything work out?
Any information that you all could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone!

 

Are those analysis done by the mechanics, which they charge $85 for, completely accurate?

NO

Also, do you all think that is a good price for parts, the $450 (manifold and O2 sensor)
NO
look here in the classifieds you will find cheaper

and the code "P0420" is from no CAT and you need a CEL eliminator .
found here
http://www.fastscions.com/strup-cel-...d-asa-002.aspx

you could make it for less but buying is a lot quicker.

 

The way OBDII Works leaves a fair amount of guessing to find the culprit. While at one shop paying 85 will get a bad experience, you could pay 45 somewhere else and get a good experience or worse. It just all depends on who works on your vehicle and who you trust. Having been a mechanic for 4 years before moving on, and being on several car forums during that time, its funny to see why some people hate mechanics and dealers so much. Double sided sword most of the time.

I'd check for used parts, but then again new wouldn't hurt. You said you had a header on before. Did you change the header out for the stock manifold then go in for the inspection? My light took a few drives to go off when I went from a header to stock. Also, you don't always need a new O2 sensor when you change out a cat.

 

VINC3TC1-I don't think that thing would fix my issue that the car cannot pass the Emissions Test. Tricking the computer in the car is one thing, but tricking the NJ State Emissions machines is probably not going to work. As for the classifieds, I could not find much of anything on this site. A heat shield was the closest thing. All the other posts about an exhaust manifold for sale have long been closed and the parts sold. Thanks for the attempt though. If you have any other imput, please do not hesitate to share it.
Spicy_McHaggiz-I had the stock parts on the car when I took it in for the inspection. The performance parts were removed about 3 yrs ago, ironically to pass the inspection, and up until the past two months, no CEL. You also say that the o2 sensor may not need replacing. While this may be true, the mechanic did say it needed to be replaced. Do I trust the guy? Meh, he tried to gauge how much I knew prior to the analysis and I was able to keep up with all his attempts to try to confuse me. I also told him that I have redone the exhaust manifold and the up-pipe for this car and a couple of friends ones. Now, do I still think he may try to screw me over? This is Jersey and people are scumbags here so I wouldn't doubt it. But thanks for the imput. It's always nice to hear a few opinions. I appreciate the time.
Anyway, I think I am going to go ahead and order the parts needed and put them on myself. As mentioned earlier, I don't think there should be many problems as I am familiar with the exhaust system of the TC. But if you guys, or anyone, has any ideas, pointers or cautions, let me know asap.
Thanks again guys! Have a great day!