Hi, I have a completely stock '97 Civic DX with approx. 130,000 miles on it that won't pass PA inspection because of a bad catalytic converter. The O2 sensors may also be bad, not sure.
I have a crack in the cat. that I tried to weld back together, but the engine light still comes on. I am not sure if it's the cat or the o2 sensors. Unfortunately I don't have a volt meter to check.
Anyways, I decided just to replace the cat anyways and started looking around on Ebay. I found one that is very similar to the OEM style (cat built into the headers)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

and I found ones that are high performance headers like the EX exhausts (headers then the cat.).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

I really like the high performance headers, not only they look alot easier to install, they also produce more horses (10-15 so they say) and they are about half the price ($120 comparing to $300). The question that I have will these high performance headers pass PA emissions inspection? If not are there anything out there that is similar that will? Could I get the headers and put a EX cat. on my DX?

Also any methods for checking O2 sensors with volt meter? Whats the cheapest place for upper and lower sensors?

Thanks

 

This question can't be that difficult. I'm sure many of you know the answer. Maybe this question has been listed to many times? Either way I'm new to this site and didn't find exactly what I was looking for in the search and that is why I posted it.
I would appreciate any info, as my car has been sitting for quite some time.
Thanks

 

All 96-97 Honda/Acura vehicles have an emissions warranty extension until 150K miles. Since the CEL is on take it to the dealer and let them diagnose it and do necessary repairs for free. You may also qualify for the emissions tune-up if it hasn't already been done.

 

since your stock cat is shot, getting a aftermarket header and an EX cat now is a good idea, you should have no problems passing emissions, given its not a ebay "test pipe" high flow cat

 

dont buy an ebay cat! I bought a carsound hi flow cat from Kteller for like 60 bucks, not bad to me. but since you have stock exhaust, just stick with stock...

 

Thanks for the info. I have to look into that warranty. Otherwise I'll put a ex on it.