Just bought a 94 Civic EX and it won't pass smog. Would it be better to buy a direct fit catalytic converter or a weld on one?

Thanks in advance.

 

Buy an oem converter

 

Yep brand new will be better then potentially welding a clogged or old one in.

 

Direct fit is much easier to work with.

 

Test pipes are a sure-fire way to pass inspection. They're pretty freakin cheap too.

 

If by pass, you mean fail miserably...then sure.

 

Thanks for the info.

Seems like my only options for CA smog are magnaflow 50 state-legal direct fit or oem.

I'll go with the magnaflow.

 

Test pipes in california are illegal.
The magnaflow will pass and has a CARB number plate.

 

Please cease with the bad tech advice. A test pipe won't allow you to pass inspection if your state has emissions tests or requires your car have a catalytic converter (visual inspection).

 

how about this one from rock auto:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...522&cc=1168938

 

It's more expensive than the Magnaflow piece but thanks for the info.

 

I knew a test pipe won't pass emissions. I have a speed3 as well but i don't have experience with catalytic converters.

There's a catalytic converter on the civic currently but i think it's hollow and the stock exhaust is welded on to it. The car is polluting 4x more than a gross polluter.

 

really, how much is it and where to find it? for my future reference.....

 

Op- make sure you put a stock ecu in when you go to smog. If yours is chipped get a "stock" basemap chip from phearable and use it for the test. I just got through smog by swapping out my chip, putting a new magnaflow 2" piping cat and 2 red bottles of "heet" from parts store. LOW #'s on my JDM GSR...

 

I just did a quick search on the Eastern Catalytic site and didn't see anything listed for the Civic that's 50 state legal.

The Magnaflow is $250 from most vendors.

 

I know I should search but how do i tell if my ECU is chipped?

 

ok thanks the magnaflow is a direct fit?

Edit: Ah ok just saw you have a 94 thats OBD1 thats why its cheaper than our OBD2 CARB cats!

 

Seems like most of Crazy***'s advice is bad advice.

 

Well, I try not to generalize and instead judge on a case by case basis.

 

Op- I'm sure someone here has a pic of chipped vs non chipped ecu for reference. Mine failed bad w/performance oriented chip. What does the side of it say? I think yours comes stock w/p28. Unfortunately, those are very common to chip so the only way to know is to open it and look/post a pic. Then we can tell you if it is/isn't chipped.