Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches California Catalytic Converter replacement... hard/easy?

heya Guys and gals.. here's a question for you all... how difficult is it to replace the primary catalytic converters?
These are the converters that are supposedly in the lower manifold... Is it hard, easy, what?
I was quoted a $1,440 price tag on the piece of crud, and want to know if I can just do it at home.. Do I need special tools?
According to the guy at the dealership (as my car is still under warranty, I brought it there when the "Check Engine" light went on), bumber to bumper warrantys do not cover this.. is he full of it or not?

I look forward to hearing from you all, and appologize for my incoherent typing... I'm a bit in shock at the prices he quoted me...


Cheers,
Tom