Rep Power: 0

After riding around for months with an extremely annoying sound coming from my exhaust, i figured out that my cat converter was shot. I went to the local Evans tire and auto, who said they "might" be able to weld on a new magnaflow cat to my existing stainless steel magnaflow exhaust system (minus the "Edge Racing" downpipe - I didn't put it on there!). So... question is, what are my options? Apparently, welding onto stainless steel is no walk in the park. Any suggestions? Cost efficiency is somewhat of a concern, but i'm willing to pay more for a better quality repair. Also, I heard its smart to replace the o2 sensor when changing out cats (to make sure that your existing o2 sensor wasn't what caused the cat to bust). Is this a wise move?
I guess my other option is getting a whole new exhaust system. I don't have much money, but if i'm paying the $300 Evans quoted me, its almost worth a whole new setup.

Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 811

is this an oem cat? if so i would just get another one free. those come with 8 year federal emission warranty. replacing the o2 sensors is wise, even if only the secondary sensor in the cat. but the engine light should come on if theres a problem with either sensor.

 
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Hmmm, I didn't know cats had an 8 year warranty. That's good to know seeing as 03 models are hitting the 6 year mark

 
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It's an aftermarket cat that was on the car when I bought it. I think its an edge racing catalytic converter. Is 300 a reasonable price to weld on a new magnaflow cat?

 
Rep Power: 811

thats including labor AND the cat right? if so then yeah thats not too bad.

 
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Right. Would it be smarter to go OEM?

 
Rep Power: 811

eh, unless you are in cali, most hi flow aftermarket versions work just fine, maybe a bit better performance compared to stock.