Yesterday, my car of 168,000 miles failed smog for the 1st time. I am almost certain the cause at hand is my catalytic converter. I've been suspicious ever since the rattling noises occurred.

Factory catalytic converter go for 300-400 which is real expensive for an independent student, me.

Any recommendations of after market people have bought and had a quality experience with. Or for the matter any tips to solve the problem.

By the way my NO level was over the max when cruising at 15MPH. The only part of the test I Failed.

Thankxs

 

Where are you located because some states only allow certain converters to be used. I've heard good experience with Magnaflow however.

 

You need an oem cat. Magnaflow cats are boo boo, trash. The cell units are half the size of an OEM.

 

What car? 92-95 or 96-00? I've got a spare cat laying in my shop.

 

ive had my random technology hi flow in for over 4yrs with no problems and is still in good shape.

 

why don't you give us the complete record? Where are you located?

 

I got mine replaced with a good oem cat with mine exchanged at the dismantler shop for 250
My car was throwing a code for cat below threshold

 

OEM cats are expensive and don't solve the issue with the cracking at the o2 sensor as far as I know.

 

i would buy a cheap ex header and hi flow cat and have a muffler shop fix ur dx/lx exhaust to fit the ex header and cat setup.also will need to buy a o2 extension harness or cut open ur engine harness so u can move the secondary o2 under the car from the front where the cat is now on the header. it would save a headache from this happening again and cleans up the engine bay.

 

Look for used cat they sell cheap (Make sure it looks in working condition dont buy some busted up part)

 

a used DX/LX/CX cat might not make sense since it's extremely common for them to fail in the same spot.. As for the idea of a ex header and cat, I don't think it's a good idea unless you can source those parts cheap (used) so in the event things don't work out.