... I'm getting conflicting information on where my catalytic converter is on my '97 Civic LX - I'm being told by some that it is right at the top of the exhaust manifold, and others say it's under the driver's seat area - So which is it ??? My cat started crapping out on me, and I would rather pay $30-$40 online for a new cat, and install myself, rather than pay $400 and up from a mechanic!

Again, sorry for the stupid question

 

The stock LX cat is built into the exhaust manifold, it is on the bottom front of the engine. You replace the whole thing as a unit.

However these cars can be readily converted to an EX system which is more conventional with the cat in the exhaust pipe underneath the center of the car near the firewall. So you really have to look at your car before buying any parts.

 

It looks like the cat is right in front of the block, on the manifold - At least in that respect it doesn't look like it would be TOO difficult - The one's I've been pricing online look nothing like the one I have now - They all look like 'in-line' cats :-s