Ok I have a problem and I've had it for awhile and now im finally trying to get it fixed. I have a 98 accord auto and my catalyistic converter has been messed up for Awhile (more than a year or two) and Im trying to figure out whats the best route to go. I've been told by some people that taking it off will give me more hp
and to get a test pipe or straight pipe or whatever it's called will do it for me. But on the other hand my gas mileage is already crappy and will that make it worse since the converter is tied up with the gas mileage? When I took my car to the mechanic they told me that getting a new cat. would run me about 250. But if I do get test pipes could I still get an exhaust since Im planning on getting the basics bold ons in the future i/h/e or will I have to get the cat. or will the test pipes still work?

 

Depending on how tight-assed the Great State of Alabama gets ay inspection time can have a bearing on your course of action. Most states who adhear to federal emission standards (for highway funds and such) require an operable converter be present at the time of the inspection. On top of that, the state inspection proceedure for OBD2 vehicles involve no more than hooking up the machine to the Diagnostic port for the ecm. Your car tattles on you.
Just put a replacement Converter on it and drive it, cuz:
A 'test pipe" will increase the volume (noise) of the exhaust system.
Add a Cat-back system to a test pipe and you're gonna have every 'bama trooper doin a "Cops" episode on your head.

P