Ok so my converter finally went on my 2002 SC Bonne. So rather than spending $800 on a GM one, I decided to buy a Walker converter for my car (yes it is approved for the SC model, or so they say). I replaced the converter and a couple days later my SES light pops on. When i scanned it, it said there was a catalyst problem. So i swapped out the rear 02 sensor just to make sure it wasn't that. The light shut off after a few days (i'm assuming after the system reset itself and recognized the new 02 sensor). Well about a week later the SES light comes back on and is throwin the same code. So I changed the fuel filter, new plugs and wires, and a new fuel regulator line, just to make sure it wasn't any of those things. No luck, so I took it to a shop (these guys are the best of the best by the way, its where we take our cars when my shop can't figure something out) the mechanic told me its cause the converter I put on is junk and I should of put a GM one on. Easy for him to say when he doesnt have an 800 price tag for a new converter. He live tested the system and said that both 02 sensors are working fine but the converter is makin them go crazy. So I figured maybe it was just bad luck, so I cut the converter back off and exchanged it at the store for a new one. (same model, its the only one they have) I put that one on and still the same problem, so I figured I should bite the bullet and just buy a GM converter, but since it is 800$ I figured for a couple hundred dollars more I can just buy a performance exhaust, but I haven't had any luck finding one. Even at 3800performance.com they only offer exhaust systems for grand prix, regals, and impalas. Can someone please tell where I can find a system or tell me what is a good system to buy, and also what is a good quality converter to buy. But I do need it to pass E-check because it is my everyday driver.

where are you located, you need someone to disable the rear 02 code. The higher performance Cats dont play well with the rear 02. and you dont need a new cat

also you dont need a new exhaust system, as the stock systems have carried cars into the low 13'* with out any issues.

It'* your converter. Some dont work but for the life of me I can't remember why. I went with a magnaflow cat.

Cool, I live in Cleveland, Ohio. Eventually I would like to upgrade the exhaust tho, can you point me in the direction of somewhere I can find an entire cat-back system, or am I going to have to pick and choose my pieces seperately. Another quick question, when i tossed on the second converter, my exhaust seems to get loud intermittently, I know this makes absolutely no sense, but it does happen. I checked for leaks and couldn't find anything. I welded the one side solid, so no leaks there. The only thing I can come up with is, it is because I reused the gasket from the first time I changed the converter (only like 2 months ago). Nobody had a gasket in stock and the gasket didn't look bad at all. It was the flange gasket with metal around it. I haven't had a chance to smoke test it yet, but there has to be a leak somewhere, I swear when I get out of the car I can smell the exhaust. It has been a rough last couple months with this car. I have fixed a ton of stuff on it.

You should have a stainless exhaust. Why change that? 2.5" will be good for a long time. I'm 3" to the res and the 2.5" the rest of the way back.

so if I put some headers on this thing, it should be cool with my factory exhaust? Remember how I swapped out the converter, so technically its just factory post converter. When I took it to the shop they told me my car wouldn't pass E-check. Should I just buy a new factory exhaust ( i found a new one for like 500$) cuz if I just disable the rear 02 sensor, it won't pass E-check will it?

Your stock exhaust will be fine. As for passing with disabled rear O2, that I don't know, each state is different.

I figured I'd run this by you guys first before I buy. TOG Headers, with a universal magnaflow converter (#94836 says it is OBDII compliant, and will pass e check) If I remember correctly the downpipe on the headers is a 3 inch opening, is that going to make a difference going into a 2.5 inch converter or am I better off getting the Hogan Performance Downpipe/Hi Flow Catalytic Converter for T.O.G. Headers over the magnaflow converter?) and either flowmaster or DB muffler. and a really stupid question but danthurs I know you said you used the series 80 flowmaster on your car. Do you have any pictures of your complete exhaust system installed? i know its pretty simple but I always like having a reference even for the smallest things. I never like to be the guy that says "cut first than we measure".

There should be a flange between the down pipe and the cat. The old down pipe can be cut off here and the new one welded to the flange. This is what I did.

The muffler I have fit in place of the stock muffler. Didn't really need much cutting and fitting.

ok....lets hold up a second..

first, i have SLP headers, with a 3" cat, rear 02 removed and codes disable, and res removed with a GXP Catback on my 2003 SSEi

second, you can get the TOGS, with the 2.5" cat but wont flow as much as a 3" will. get the 3" cat and then find the locals. www.gocgp.com (greater ohio club gp) to disable the rear 02 code, and you can pass emissions

Third, you cant use a downpipe with headers as the headers take the place of the down pipe

fourth. if you drive your car daily, dont change the mufflers, it will get very annoying and loud. I went to a GXP catback to make the exhaust quieter and less raspy