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Let me get this straight, after spending a bit of my night researching and reading through old threads regarding the replacement of a cracked exhaust manifold I saw not one cheap replacement to the OEM setup. Cheap doesn't always mean "not as good or junk" but saving a few bucks by avoiding the OEM replacement of a exhaust manifold with the built in catalytic converter is indeed two thumbs up in my book. They are freaking expensive and a lot of money to dump back into a older car.

My story: Acquired a 1996 Honda Civic DX through my brother, the crack was there.

So me being mechanically inclined I thought to myself not only is this an easy fix but certainly cheap.....boy was I wrong.

Here are the options that I have come across and PLEASE chime in and tell me if I've missed anything.

#1 Find a used setup.
#2 Buy an aftermarket OEM setup which is still $400+
#3 Convert to a EX
#4 Headers and delete the Cat & Secondary O2 Sensor - My state doesn't check emissions. <--- This is obviously the MUCH cheaper route to go.

My question about going with option 4 is fuel economy and performance. Am I looking at a increase in fuel economy? I will be staying with the stock exhaust. Any problems regarding the CEL after this setup has been installed and or would this require a tuner to make appropriate adjustments? Which would again make this non viable due to extra cost. I need an option here folks any help in shedding some light on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

 
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option 4 would be best bet if you dont have to deal with smog checks, you will get a CEL for the secondary o2 sensor and you can tune it but you would need to convert the ECU to OBD1, as the OBD2 ECU do not have the capabilities to be flashed. you will not gain fuel mileage you may be a little worse, as the engine requires back pressure, removing the cat removes a lot of back pressure so it could make the motor work harder, I doubt that it will be even noticeable on the fuel mileage.

 
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I did buy a new manifold/cat (one piece for the 01 LX) off ebay for my first car. I didn't have any issues but I sold the car for other reasons a year later so I can't really speak to it's longevity.

Most people will say the cat won't last as long as OEM and I would guess that to be true but if the OEM one lasted for 17 years, I would be okay with an ebay one half the price lasting for half as long.

Edit: I just did a quick search for your car and you can get a cat/manifold for under $200 if you choose to go this route.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/96-00-Honda-Civic-Exhaust-Manifold-w-Catalytic-Converter-Federal-1-6L-L4-NEW-/310563824100?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1996%7CModel%3ACivic%7CSubmodel%3ADX&hash=item484f0be1e4&vxp=mtr