Catalytic converter recommendations needed

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jeff_j1701
Posts: 67
Joined: Mon May 30, 2011 12:46 am
Location: Bowmanville, ON Canada

Catalytic converter recommendations needed

Post by jeff_j1701 »

Hey all!

My 2007 Vibe needs a new front catalytic converter, as mine has a hole in it. Apparently Vibes are known for that, but I don't know much about exhaust systems.

Will steel putty work on sealing it? Or should I just replace it?

Are there any manufacturers/brands I should stay clear of? Is this a case of the more expensive the better?

My mechanic said Walker and Bosal are good brands, but I have no idea. And I can find cheaper.

Thanks!
'07 Vibe, over 300 000km
Bookworm
Posts: 764
Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:21 am
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Catalytic converter recommendations needed

Post by Bookworm »

Here's where I bought mine

https://www.discountconverter.com/

That was for my 03. I don't regret paying for the exact replacement. I also bought O2 sensors there.

Part of the benefit, to me, was that it was just up the street from my house (their Houston office). They just tossed it on their next Dallas to Houston truck load, and I didn't have to pay for special shipping.
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: Catalytic converter recommendations needed

Post by zbyers »

Do you need JUST the cat? Or does the pipe itself have a hole in it? If just the cat, you should be able to cut and weld one. I believe Magnaflow 99205HM would suffice. $100 cat, $50 weld job.

If the pipe has a hole in it, you could try sealing it with some exhaust wrap and steel putty for a while. No idea on longevity of such a fix.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
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jeff_j1701
Posts: 67
Joined: Mon May 30, 2011 12:46 am
Location: Bowmanville, ON Canada

Re: Catalytic converter recommendations needed

Post by jeff_j1701 »

Ya just the cat; pipes are fine.

I found a few online for under $150; my mechanic said to get a direct fit instead of a universal.

Thanks for the suggestion!!
'07 Vibe, over 300 000km
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: Catalytic converter recommendations needed

Post by zbyers »

The best universal most on here have used is the Magnaflow one I mentioned. I welded one on nearly 5 years ago, and haven't had any issues yet.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

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jeff_j1701
Posts: 67
Joined: Mon May 30, 2011 12:46 am
Location: Bowmanville, ON Canada

Re: Catalytic converter recommendations needed

Post by jeff_j1701 »

My mechanic said a univerasal would need fabrication and he isnt equiped for that.

What does he mean by that?
'07 Vibe, over 300 000km
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: Catalytic converter recommendations needed

Post by zbyers »

Sounds like he may not have a welder to weld the new one in. A universal one, like the one I mentioned, would be a cheap way to replace it. Otherwise the whole pipe is usually $$$$$$. You could check www.rockauto.com and see what their rates are on one for an 2007 Vibe/Matrix.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

Byerscrew Garage, GenVibe Facebook, How-To Index
Everything You Need To Know About the Pontiac Vibe
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