Recently I took my car into the shop because of problems it was having, the mechanic told me that one of the front 2 cat converters is bad and needs to be replaced, and a small chance that both need to be replaced. The front 2 cat converters total around 2000$ from Nissan. What I am wondering is would it be possible to get the high flow cat. converter from custommaxima.com or does that replace the back cat. converter? Also, if it is the back cat. converter is there anything I can instal for less to fix the problem of a bad afront cat. converter. My mom said no to a Y-pipe cause the mechanic told her I could goto jail, which is BS i know, but I can't do anything about it. Anyways, what can I do, if anything? Thanks for the help.

 

The y pipe would be your best bet but you would have to install it yourself or have a friend do it. You would also gain some power.
If that's not an option some people have had luck hollowing out the existing pre cats in the stock y-pipe. That would solve the problem but a shop probobly wont do it.
The high flow cats sold by other companies are for the main cat only as far as I know. Most people modifying their exhaust get rid of the pre cats with a y-pipe or headers.
As long as your main cat is working you should pass emissions with an aftermarket y-pipe as long as your car is warmed up. The pre cats are only used during warm up. The worst thing that could happen would be a fine and you would have to put it back to stock. I'm not even sure if you would be fined.

 

sounds like its time for some headers

 

What are headers?

 

You can go to a junk yard and buy the OEM part and have a muffler shop do the install so you don't get hammered. What is the car doing and why does he think the cats are bad. I would get a second opinion and not mention what the first guy said.

 

I would also remind you that the cats are covered under the 8/80 emissions warranty.

 

what is the 8/80 emissions warranty?

Actually, n/m 8 years 80,000 mile.. but that sucks b/c I am at 81,xxx..

 

Nissan would prolly do a goodwill warranty if you're at 81k. But, you'd be better off getting headers and a "test pipe" combo. If youre into being "green" then get some aftermarket high flow cat that is much cheaper than OEM.

 

Certain parts of your emission system are warrantied for 8/80. This is federaly mandated. Manufacturers have no choice. Your dealer can choose to cover it under warranty after that but there isn't much in it for them. It wouldn't hurt to ask them about a goodwill warranty. Asking is free.

Finding a stock y-pipe and pre cats in a junk yard is a great idea. You can call around and they should be able to locate one for you.

 

I have a stock Y-pipe/pre-cats that I would be willing to sell. It has around 50k miles on it. PM me with an offer....