2G Recommendations for cat replacement

[GSXRunner]

Hi,

I installed a 3" SS catback on my GSX a couple of years ago. The stock downpipe was still in good condition so I bought a new stock cat and used an adapter to connect the 2.25" cat to the 3" catback. However, now my downpipe is falling apart and the holes too big to plug up, so I need to replace it. Rather than adapting the 3" downpipe to the stock cat (I think it'd be ridiculous to adapt the 3" down to the 2.25" and back up to the 3" catback); what would be a good choice. I'm kind of hard on cash right now so where can I get a 3" cat that would bolt right in between the catback and the downpipe?

 

[Mech Addict]

If you need to pass smog inspections, then a test pipe is out (not that I'd ever do that...). I think they make universal 3" cats, and you just get the matching flanged pipe fittings and weld it all in place. Finding a cat that can physically fit in the space under the car is going to be crucial. You might see what your state requires for smog requirements, because it might turn out even a perfectly functioning cat of non-OEM spec is not allowed. You might consider some OEM-looking heat shields around the cat to "camouflage" it. I suspect that the factory cat is hurting performance more than the whole rest of the stock exhaust system. If you're up to 3", then definitely so.

 

[randman2011]

I had a weld-in OEM catalytic converter from a Ford something welded into my aftermarket 3" downpipe. Magnaflow 99009HM. Metal honeycomb. It just barely fits in the factory location and flows a ton. Unfortunately it didn't quiet my exhaust as much as I had hoped, but oh well. When I first purchased it was $85 but since then the price of catalytic converters has skyrocketed and it's currently going for $220.

 

[GSXRunner]

So I guess there are no off the shelf solutions. I guess I'll just get a universal 3" cat for under $100 and just weld on some flanges to the proper length. Thanks for all input!