I chose to have a custom cat back system fabricated because parts of the original system had been cut off (including the back flange on the converter) and everything was welded back together. The pipes were still in pretty good shape and it was determined that the converter was still good, but both mufflers were totally shot.

I've used this shop before, they do good work and are very reasonable. I figured as long as the converter was good their plan of bending all new pipes and installing new mufflers at a cost of less than $300 was pretty good. Then, if the converter failed later I could have them splice in a universal at about $500 less than one made to fit.

At this point my question is this: Does this front "cat" actually have catalyst in it, or does it just provide a place for the oxygen sensor?

The car is back at my regular independent shop and they are wondering if they can remove sheet metal shield, and assuming there's enough good metal, find the leak and weld it up without hurting the car's ability to pass emissions, which it now does with flying colors. Any ideas?

Thanks.

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2000 Mercedes S500
1990 Mercedes 560SEL
1970 Triumph Spitfire