Rep Power: 0

Well, i'm suspecting a cracked exhaust manifold and perhaps a bad cat. There are two problems here that i think have to do with the same bad part. First, when you start the car (cold start), its extremely loud and sounds like the manifold isn't even there. As the engine warms up, it quiets down and sounds closer to normal. When you accelerate, the engine is loud aswell. This engine is in perfect condition, has no leaks or any other mechanical issues. I've babied this thing since day one. Anyway, the loud engine has been this way for over a year now. I have 198,000 miles on it......secondly, there is an annoying rattle under the front section of my car. It has been going on much longer than the loud cold start issue. I have been unsuccessful at finding this rattle. I only happens when going over bumps or rough ground and its a metal to metal type rattle. I've checked the underside of the civic and checked for loose exhaust pipes.....found nothing. Help

 
Rep Power: 0

i think i know the source of the rattle. Try taking a look at the catalytic converter heat shield top and bottom.
Mine had basically rotted around the bolts in the corners holding it together, and it was halfway off and rattling whenever my car was idling. I literally ripped (thats how bad it was) the bottom half of the heat shield. Now the top half is rattling, but I haven't been motivated enough to go cut it off. It isnt as bad, and can only barely hear it around 2K RPM when accelerating.

 
Rep Power: 290

Haha, Your title gave me a good chuckle. I had a cracked manifold for a while and I'm not so sure I'd associate the sound of death with the sound the crack was producing. I likened it to a lawnmower. Find a used manifold on the forum and put it in yourself. As for the rattle you need to check the clearances between the exhaust and the things around it (like the sub frame).

 
Rep Power: 0

Where do i need to go on this forum to find used parts?

 
Rep Power: 0

I bought a aftermarket exhaust manifold from here:

http://www.am-autoparts.com/AM/Exhau...2/AM-17307335/

It's a different shape than the stock. No need for the exhaust cover, it actually wouldn't fit on top. So far it's good. I passed the Nevada smog test with it.

I couldn't find a used exhaust manifold either. Also, it could be cracked and you wouldn't know.

 
Rep Power: 0

What about an LX to EX exhaust transition. Is there a thread somewhere on here for that? I could probably get away with doing this cheaper than buying a OEM or even aftermarket cat/manifold replacement.

 
Rep Power: 290

look around on the for sale threads.

 
Rep Power: 811

yeah its just what it sounds like. swap in all the oem EX exhaust parts. header, downpipe, cat, and catback. you can use aftermarket header and catback if you want.

 
Rep Power: 0

Wow.....37000+ posts since 02....thats alot of yackn about Hondas. Where is the smiley with the white flag. Anyway.....if i go the Geunine or OEM route....are there any good brands to look for. I've found aftermarket cat/exhaust replacements for 300 on ebay.

 
Rep Power: 0

How does it sound after installation???