Reddit mentions: The best automotive catalytic converters & parts

I have a 98 base as well, got this off Amazon:

MagnaFlow 22644 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter (Non CARB compliant) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010XXX0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KsFIAb6MBNBQ8

Non CARB. Direct fit bolt on. If needed, return policy from Amazon is good.

Here ya go if you are feeling adventurous, they are pretty easy to fix yourself. Shouldnt be too rusty being a California car. Replace the exhaust manifold gasket too.

Haven't done the job myself, but the guys at thenewx.org tend to recommend this cat, made by Eastern Industries, which costs $192.

Eastern 40710 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0049DCJ9Y

> don't expect any kind of warranty

If I were to use the shop's parts, what kind of warranty should I expect?

> quality walker parts

Like these?

Resonator

Muffler

Cat

Another possible Cat


Amazon's fit check says they fit, although I don't have 100% faith in that.

What's the warranty on the OEM ones? Magnaflow has great reviews, 5 years warranty and costs ~$150.

https://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-445105-Stainless-Universal-Catalytic/dp/B00AURROR0

CA legal too. Cheaper if that's not needed.

Are universal cats a good investment?

I could learn how to weld!

I put this on my 03 with 155K, like another poster I did also have to replace one of the 02 sensors but has been fine since. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QVWR1GB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the cheapest one I could find and it has good reviews

TED Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter Fits: 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla/Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix 1.8L FWD 1ZZFE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZJ46RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qLrIDbDHBBTPP

Kwiksen 234-9064 234-4733 Heated... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I28UF1U?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Catalytic Converter for 2003-2011... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QVWR1GB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got these and no CEL return, just passed emissions in OR!!

I highly recommend you get the OEM exhaust “donut” gasket over aftermarket. I spent about 3 hours trying to get an aftermarket one on, OEM slipped on like butter...

Won't the catless manifold mess with the ecm + mpg since O2 readings will be off? I was thinking about getting this instead since it has a cat on it but would be happy to avoid the $400 price difference if it won't make that big of a difference.

Right, I guess that you can't buy a brand new one for cheap then. It's impossible to get one for, say $115, like at this link: https://www.amazon.ca/Magnaflow-99006HM-Universal-Catalytic-Converter/dp/B001HMAYAQ/ref=sr_1_20?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1492704218&sr=1-20&keywords=honda+catalytic+converter

Keep talking though.

a universal Magnaflow cat (94007) is $100 on Amazon, for reference. not a bad option over a used stock system.

What? First cat I looked up on Amazon - $86 universal replacement for my Jeep: http://www.amazon.com/Magnaflow-34006-Universal-Catalytic-Converter/dp/B001P9RUU8

I have replaced a handful of catalytic converters in my life and I don't think I have ever spent close to $200 on one.

Junkyards can't/don't sell cats (at least in Texas).

The cheapest cats I've found online are $60-70. If you can afford that, and a 6-pack of beer, you may be able to bribe a welder to install the cat for you.

Otherwise, if you can demonstrate that you have spent more than $600 on repairs for the emission systems, they'll "pass" you for the year.

Edit: I found this cat, which *should fit your Jetta.

Aftermarket cats can be had cheap enough, and a muffler shop can install. I've seen people reuse the factory heat shielding on top of whatever came with the cat. A 1998 TJ does have an oxygen sensor post-cat so removing it will cause the malfunction indicator to light up.

You can get a correct replacement cat for about $140 or the cat with the entire front exhaust section for about $170. Check Rock Auto.

Amazon has generic cats with O2 bungs for $45 shipped. I have two very similar units (without sensor bungs) on my 1986 CJ7. They're tucked up pretty decently and are very unlikely to start a brush fire.

For me, it's worth it just to not be breathing in that stink in a drafty and/or open top vehicle.

IDK about a cheap one. The Magnaflow I used was about $130. A bolt in is a little more.

MagnaFlow 22629 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter (Non CARB compliant) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JKLHEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ciWFDbHS841QD

I don't know which year Mini and model you have but I just checked and this [Universal Catalytic Converter] (http://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-542205-Universal-California-Catalytic/dp/B00FG9OEMA/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Mini|32&Model=Cooper|218&Year=2010|2010&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=3&vehicleType=automotive) and it says it fits a Mini Cooper.

You could purchase something like this and take it to a muffler shop that will weld it onto your exhaust manifold. It won't look as pretty as a stock one piece unit but it will be a fraction of the price of a new one.

Oh and I agree with you 100%. I hate X pipes. WAY too raspy and takes the low end grunt away. Seemed to be quieter as well.

On my long tube set up with an H pipe and stingers I had cats welded in. If you get the right cats the sound change is very minimal but you don't smell like exhaust fumes when you exit the car. I opted for these cats.

https://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-59956-Universal-Catalytic-Converter/dp/B000VX96IS/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?keywords=magnaflow+59956&qid=1554937874&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

I got them when they were $60 each on Prime. 200 cell count, metallic core. Tiny. Stainless steel. Hard to go wrong. 200 cell count is extremely free flowing when it comes to cats, plus its Magnaflow.

Your buddy is most likely driving an Accord. The civic does not have a converter there.

He will need the Converter, The pipe that goes with it and a Downstream O2 sensor that plugs into the side of the converter.

https://www.amazon.com/Walker-16370-Direct-Catalytic-Converter/dp/B001O00SUM

https://www.amazon.com/AP-Exhaust-48727-Pipe/dp/B01N9HODQ7

That second one the picture is wrong, If you look at the second picture it shows a Diagram of all the parts. The one you want to look at is 48727. It will bolt to the converter.

https://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-4621-Oxygen-Sensor/dp/B000C5YCUM