Where can a guy get a direct replacement catalytic converter (front, pre cat) for a good price? I have seen them from 350.00 up WTF? Ant ideas/sources would be greatly appreciated.

 

try ebay, autozone and www.partstrain.com

 

Looks like your best price just might be from the dealer froggy13!!! A front warm up cat, part #B6CK-20-500B shows suggested retail of $230.65 with dealer cost at $177.65.
Checked over at www.onlinemazdaparts.com to see what his reduced price would be and think his numbers are a little out of whack. He listed MSRP instead at $295.50 and his price at $236.40. May be just a typo screw-up but would definitely contact them and have them double check those numbers.