Hi everyone,
My 1996 Maxima has well over 160,000 miles and the only part of the exhaust that is still original is the catalytic converter. Well yesterday evening it breathed it's last breath on the highway.
As I was entering the entrance ramp to the highway, I needed to pass someone quickly. I pushed the gas hard and the Max responded with it's usual forceful pull...then boom loud exhaust!
What actually happened was that the O2 sensor bung rotted out and actually shot the O2 sensor directly out of the cat. At that point the O2 sensor was left dangling and hitting the ground. I assume the force of the exhaust gases caused the failure. So at this point I need a new cat and a new O2 sensor.
I checked Rockauto and they have a good selection of cats, for about $130.00. I was thinking of purchasing the Walker Ultra Direct Fit Cat. Is that a good cat, with a good fitment track record? I don't need or want anything fancy, as the exhaust is stock, with the exception of a Budget Y pipe.
Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Zack

 

If you are not in CA any cat will do. Having a 96 does limit you for a direct replacement as the O2 is in the cat. You could have the O2 bung relocated behind the cat, to the B pipe, like 97-99 and purchase pretty much any Nissan (or aftermarket) cat. I had been using a 1991 B13 cat and now I have a 2000 A33 cat. Same length and same flanges.

 

Yes. Walker is a popular brand for those wanting to keep things close to stock.

 

I have the Walker replacement cat, it purrs nicely...

 

Has anyone else ever shot out an O2 sensor?


Zack

 

Thanks for the info. For those with Walker cats, did you get the universal (#93236) or the direct fit (#16033)? The direct fit is about $160 on eBay, whereas the universal is only $88. Is it pretty easy for an exhaust shop to weld in a universal?

 

Warpspeed offer weldeon flanged replacement with are the best way to go IMO....

 

Thanks. Warpspeed has pretty good prices on Magnaflow cats. Interesting they offer three different types, stainless steel substrate which they say has the best flow, and a regular and a "heavy metal" models with ceramic substrates. The last has the best emissions reduction, but I wonder if it's more restrictive? I suspect any flow differences between these cats is minimal, but would appreciate any info on that.

 

Thunderbolt bullet style cat is the best high flow IMO. About $50