sub $50 cats- do they work? fall apart after a year? pass emissions? i have a 94 civic, everything is stock. Money is tight and repairs are necessary...

example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-95...item4149f643c3

 

Probably not, probably, and probably not.

The one you linked looks more like a fancy test pipe than anything, and for $30 I'd bet my car it doesn't do anything. You can get a decent quality converter (stock replacement, not high-flow) for around $50 from Summit Racing, or you could step it up to a high-flow for a little extra. I think I paid something like $70/ea for the high-flows on my mustang. If you live in Cali, you're pretty much SOL for a cheap repair though.

 

they don't have a catalyst in them, they are mere resonated test pipes

For ~$100 you can get a Magnaflow High Flow catalytic converter. I have one and I recommend it, very nice construction and it has a spin flange on it which makes installation extremely easy. Often with other brands (especially those test pipes on ebay), flanges don't line up perfectly with the rest of your exhaust and you have to tilt the exhaust a little to make it work.

 

I have a 98 honda civic lx. My Cat is right under the heat sheild... Can i get and after market header and replace the cat with just a regular header like on an ex model?

 

It's amazing how many people don't even look around to find answers on the site before posting questions.

Ironlung, look here:
https://www.hondacivicforum.com/foru...ad.php?t=73237

 

no no no no on emissions, they are not "cats", they are test pipes, and ****ty ones at that. The honeycomb broke off and was clanging around in there after a year or so, either spend the extra money and get a legit "high flow cat", keep your stock cat, or just get a pipe welded where you wanted that crappy eGay one

 

my old one is rusted away at the flange... b pipe had a hole. I had to replace both or none to make the repair... just got a used one off craigslist.... thanks for the advice