Scuba Steve

I took my car in to get inspected today and it didn't pass because the cat has a hole in it. At some point in its life someone ran over a rock which poked a hole in the cat that was welded over. It was a long time ago and the weld failed, now it leaks.

From the muffler shop nearby I can get a Magnaflow of some type installed for $150. Is this a good deal? I'd just as soon find somebody to redo the spot weld at the front of the cat, but it's the stock one and might be a little old. Any advice? I've never had to do exhaust work so this is new to me.

Chris_924s

If you plan on keeping it- replace the cat. They get hot- also the matrix may have been damaged by the rock or other foreign objects (dirt, salt etc.)

Scuba Steve

I'll probably have the car for a few years (translation: no plans to sell it right now). The car has been in Texas since it was new so there is no rust anywhere, and I only use it to get from A to B. No racing or anything.

Is the brand / price any good? I don't know if it's overpriced or a good or bad type. What I don't want is to get taken or have a car that sounds like a bumblebee when it's all taken care of. The sound comes from the muffler, right? I'm leaving that alone.

Chris_924s

None of them are cheap. I use OEM or better when available- I dont really trust used exhaust parts unless I have to ($$$).

Is there anyway to test cat's except for E-Check? (damn Ohio..)

Scuba Steve

The Magnaflow was $150 installed, still not sure if that's any good or not after some searching. We don't have emissions testing here in San Antonio so that's out. Emissions are probably OK, but since there is no test in this part of Texas it's less important than getting a cat with no extra holes on the car.

Jakerx

replace the inspector with a friend always works for me

Scuba Steve

There is a second inspection place down the road where I don't think they can get under the car... very tempting.