Yet another P0420 thread, Please read

[Jroberts238]

First off, this being my first post, I'd like to mention that im new to the Vibe scene. Just got mine on the 22nd. I like it so far. Much better than my 97 2 door blazer lol.So on to my questions.After having my car less than a week it threw, what seems to be common, a code P0420.After reading many threads here, and also talking to a local muffler shop, I have more questions than answers.1. The anti fouler trick, is this safe? Sounds to me like your just putting a big band aid on the problem and now your in the dark not knowing when or if the CAT will finally go out.2. I noticed a lot of people replace the factory CAT with the Magnaflow direct fit part. My local shop told me that the CAT on the car is a two piece assembly, can anyone explain this to me? Do I need two CATs? 3. Any suggestions on a decently priced CAT other than the magnaflow?

[sideshowalan]

1 - This essentially tricks the O2 sensor into thinking everything is OK and clearing the code. It does not fix the problem so you're MPG may suffer and the car is still polluting more.2 - If you look under the car there are 2 cats. The magnaflow direct fit includes both of them in the one assembly. This is a link to Walkers' diagram. The 1st piece is the catalytic converter and you can see that there are 2 humps in it.http://info.rockauto.com/Walke...6.jpg3 - If you don't want to DIY, a muffler shop will just cut out the 2 converters and weld in some universal replacement ones. I hear this doesn't cost a lot because the cat isn't specific to the car.

[Jroberts238]

So would this work? or nohttp://www.autozone.com/autozo...5320_

[sideshowalan]

It would, but it's a universal piece and not direct fit. Which means you would have to hacksaw off the old one and weld the new one in. And you would need two of them.Direct fit on the other hand will just bolt up.

[Jroberts238]

ah okay I understand the difference now.This is a shot in the dark but I just read that sometimes filling up with fuel containing ethanol will also trip this code. Anyone else heard of this?