Busted Catalytic Converter. Any suggestions?

[dynobotz]

The other day I noticed a loud "clanking" noise coming from underneath my car whenever I started the engine or accelerated. Turns out the catalytic converter is out. I researched some options on the forums but I'm still hesitant on what to do.

The idea of a test pipe sounded great, but I'm a bit scared of getting a fat fine if ever caught. I didn't want to upgrade to a whole new muffler/exhaust system because I plan on getting a new car within a year or so (and I'm poor). The high-flow catalytic converters seemed cool, but a bit pricey.

So I guess I'm stuck with just replacing the stock catcon with a similar one.
Any suggestions on what to do or what shops to go to (in the East Bay, preferred) to perform this operation at a decent price?

I have a 98.5 A4 2.8Q, all stock.

[sailor]

I just saw one on craigslist for $50. Can't remember what model it was for however.

[A4Shizzle]

I was in the same situation as you a while ago, I'd either pay someone to re-weld the stock one for like $50 or go ahead and buy a labree replacement, they are about the same price as a stock cat.