Need tech advice: Bad Catalytic Converters

[red_nose]

I have an 02 3.0 B6 that is throwing bad converter codes. I need advice from experienced tech's. Can I go with after market exhaust and universal cat's without hurting anything? Not really looking for performance gains, but it might be cheaper than replacing both cats. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[setay]

not an "experienced tech", just a DIYer. i dont know about your states' emission laws, but thats the only thing you really will need to worry about, making sure you pass smog checks and all that. (if you have em). i didnt feel like paying for an OEM cat, so i just went test pipe. never looked back.

[red_nose]

How about this idea... Does anyone know if the cats from the 1.8 will fit and/or damage my 3.0?

[Grenade]

How about this idea... Does anyone know if the cats from the 1.8 will fit and/or damage my 3.0?

Probably wont hurt anything, but im sure you could get brand new high flow cat's from any universal company, and save money, move more air, and make some better power.

HTH

[gearhead96]

I don't know how the rest of the US is but in CA, catalytic converters are covered under a emissions warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles that is by CA state law. U may want to check with your local audi dealer.

[[IX]]

I have been in thae back of many "TUNER SHOPS". They CATs lying around from people who have done upgrades. Its worth a shot!!

[red_nose]

Aight guys I got an update for ya.

I was rolling home from work and the car started running hella rough with the check engine light flashing at me. Definitely no bueno! So I pulled into the first parking lot I saw and starting checking thru the manual for a flashing CEL. The owners manual said this could be damaged cats. I knew that I was already getting the code for left bank below efficiency so I automatically assumed the worst. My wallet was getting much thinner due to a bad kitty....

I gimped the bitch home and pulled codes from it. Now it was also throwing a misfire on cylinder 6. After new plugs all around and a new coil for #6, I no longer get the 420 code for left bank below efficiency... Maybe the catz ain't bad after all! I guess we'll know after about a week of driving. It'll either throw the code or it won't!

May the god of 4 rings smile upon me!