Hi all, I'm having some issues when looking into replacing my cat converter on my 1998 LX. The check engine light has been on for some time and the exhaust is starting to get that annoying rattle from right below the engine. I've also had a diagnostic check ran on it several times and it's telling me it needs replacing. The car was bought in IL, however is now in CA, which has much more stringent emission laws and is up for a smog check at the end of the year. It has the upper manifold converter configuration with the oxygen sensor on the very top, (the whole thing is right in front of the engine making it accessible from under the hood). Problem is, is that I'm having a hard time finding a replacement with that same configuration and CA standards. I'd love to find the parts somewhere online so I can do it myself and avoid the enormous costs of doing it in a shop. Has anybody ever had this issue? Can I convert my configuration to a regular cat converter config (under the car)? If so, what does that entail? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

Ever thought of changing your exhaust out to a cat-back with a high-flow cat?

 

I was thinking about doing something new like that all together, but it's my wife's commuter car. I want to do it as fast and inexpensive as possible. Got a link to an inexpensive config?

 

Maybe you should ask why your catalytic converter broke in the first place. Maybe you have a misfire problem you should look into. You don't wanna install a new cat and have a break again because the problem that caused the cat to break in the first place broke the second cat.

 

I have a 2000 lx with the same configuration and just had mine replaced. Also, there is an O2 sensor up top and another below the converter. You can see it if you look down. Unfortunately the exhaust manifold and Cat are one piece. My guy quoted $1500 for the whole job so I went out and sourced the parts myself and had them install them. I saved a bundle! I'll check for site with the exhausts and see if they have a Cat compliant with CA standards. I bought the Sensors, Cat/manifold, gaskets, and extra hardware.

Jim

 

Go to ebay and search for "catalytic converter 96-00 civic lx" You'll see the results and then just give that company a call. They are LA.

Good Luck!