I hear of some people paying more than $500 for just the cat and installation, I was just planning on buying one of those direct fit magnaflow cats for the 92/93 dakota for like $145, with myself doing the installation or the local muffler shop for no more than $100. What's the advantage of buying an OEM cat (which supposedly cost a lot more) rather than an aftermarket one like magnaflow's.

 

IMO, there is no advantage to buying an OEM one!! Aftermarket cats typically flow better.

Also, it seems crazy to me how much exhaust work costs to have done at a shop. The piping is so cheap. I would honestly look for a $200-300 used welder on craigslist and spend the same amount of money doing it yourself and getting your own welder at the same time!!