Rep Power: 0

A friend has a '99 Civic DX Hatchback. We recently noticed the car would have difficulty (choking and sputtering, occasionally dying entirely) when starting it during a rainstorm or just after it has rained. We also recently found a rust hole in the muffler (I think it's the muffler----the wider box about a foot up the exhaust pipe) which we believe is the culprit. Additionally, during an oil change, JiffyLube told my friend that her fuel pump would need to be replaced soon.

So, what is a good "budget" muffler for this car which will still give good performance? Is this a good option? And any fuel pump recommendations?

 
Rep Power: 285

If the hole in the muffler is relatively small then you can patch it with a small piece of metal either held in place with JB weld and painted with high heat engine paint. If the rust is severe then magnaflow makes good quality and relatively low cost replacements.

 
Rep Power: 812

hole in the muffler would not affect performance, just make noise. i doubt its related to starting problems. and after rain means there is a bad ground usually.

 
Rep Power: 217

Have you checked you distributor cap and rotor for corrosion or moisture? Check the plug wires as well. Moisture in that part of the system can cause the car to run funny, especially in the rain. I doubt the fuel pump is going bad. The hole in the muffler probably wouldn't do much like GB said. I'd check your ignition system first and foremost.