I ordered a direct fit Magnaflow catalytic converter for my 96 Accord and it appears correct except it lacks the hangers that I have on my current one used to attach it to the car via the exhaust bushings. I looked for an aftermarket hanger but haven't found one. Does one exist, or is there something I'm missing?
Thanks!

 

If I remember correctly you have to take the hanger off your OEM converter. The hanger is a separate bracket/mount. The Honda part number is 18287-SV4-A30.

Unfortunately when Magnaflow states "Direct Fit" that only means that it will bolt up without any modifications to the existing exhaust. I'm not sure if it has the same mounting holes for the OEM bracket. If it does then your original bracket should bolt right up. If it doesn't have the mounting holes then you will have to find someone to weld your old OEM bracket onto the "direct fit" converter.

 

I was afraid that might be the case. I'm assuming the current one is an aftermarket cat that either had the hanger pre-mounted or there were already holes in the heat shield to attach it. The new cat does not have holes and the heat shield is slightly smaller, so I don't think it would mount on the heat shield like the current one. I don't own a mig welder either, so unless I can come up with something creative maybe I'll stop at a shop after replacement and see if they can tack the old hanger to the new cat. Hmmm

 

Are you absolutely sure the cat needs separate mounting hangers? I have an '88 Accord that I put a new cat on last summer. It was a Magnaflow. It just bolts to the exhaust pipes in front and back of it.

 

The cat definitely does just bolt in place between the pipes, however the previous one had the hanger assembly bolted to the cat heat shield that attaches to insulators (doesn't appear to have much pressure on it).
Image with hangers at RockAuto Maybe it's a non-issue.

 

Are you talking about the heat shield on bottom of the cat? If so, then yes, my new cat does not have any mounting points for the shield, so I'm running without the shield, like many other owners of older vehicles.

 

Based on the Honda parts diagram it looks like there is an upper and lower shield that wraps around the cat (parts 5 & 6) and then the hanger (part 27) I assume connects to the shield which is what I see beneath the car. This might make sense now...there is currently a large hose clamp wrapped around the heat shield to keep it in place - I thought it was just part of the cat. So the Magnaflow cat might be correct not having the hanger in place; it is just the cat with a smaller heat shield to help insulate - not to connect the hanger to.
Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks!!

Exhaust_Image

 

If nothing is hanging down or knocking on the underbody, you're probably fine to leave it as is.

the other option I would recommend is to bend up a hanger from some 3/8" bar stock and weld it on. lacking the tools for that, just take it to a nearby exhaust shop and ask them to add a hanger for you. shouldn't cost much.

 

From personal experience I can tell you that if you do not have some sort of hanger in that location you will be replacing gaskets and the flex pipe in short order. At the very least use some bailing wire to hold it up until you can get a bracket welded to the magnaflow cat.

 

I will definitely get it supported and/or just purchase the shields from Honda - I don't believe there is an aftermarket one.
Thanks!