Exhaust tubing quality

[charbaby]

Need to replace the OE FLEX tubing/CatConv portion of my exhaust system on my 04 Altima 2.5. The section consists of the Flex/braided steel portion along with threaded hole for the 02 sensor and at the end of this section, the second(downstream) Cat Convert.

It's the Flex/braided steel portion that is rotted and has a hole in it making lots of noise. It's in an area where I can't just cut out the braided steel section and weld in a new braided steel sectoin. There is a bend there and the 02 sensor. You have to see it!

My question is, is there any better brands of exhaust systems using material such as stainless steel. All of the brands that I have found on RockAuto, Warehouse Auto, AAP etc, all have just steel with only the cat conv portion being 409 SS.

The brands that I have looked at are(in alphabetical order):
Bosal #0991401
Catco #4295
Davico #18120
Eastern #40514
Walker #54360
Of ^ these brands listed, I typicaly like Walker

Thanks to all
CB

 

[Trav]

Eastern makes an excellent cat,the design is usually much closer to OEM then Walker,the pipes are higher quality.
Eastern also makes a CARB, Eco II and III line that uses substantially more precious metals for tough applications.

Call/contact them and ask if they have a new flex pipe,they make them with curves and O2 bungs.

 

[charbaby]

Thanks TRAV!
From a little more research, it sounds like Eastern is the one and also it happens to be less expensive on RA

 

[dailydriver]

Very few catcon mfgs. use 304 stainless, and those that do are usually high performance/racing apps only.

 

[charbaby]

thank you d.d.
I have known this for many years but, I just wanted to find out if there were any better systems available that I was unaware of.
Once ya start to replace OE SS exhaust parts, it's only a matter of time that your replacing them always. Most replacement exhaust mufflers/pipes are only aluminized/galvinized steel except the cats which are 409 SS.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
thank you d.d.
I have known this for many years but, I just wanted to find out if there were any better systems available that I was unaware of.
Once ya start to replace OE SS exhaust parts, it's only a matter of time that your replacing them always. Most replacement exhaust mufflers/pipes are only aluminized/galvinized steel except the cats which are 409 SS.


Yes, sadly enough, it seems that even most performance catback systems are now made out of 409 as well (Magnaflow/SLP/Gibson, etc.).
With exceptions only for higher end rides (Vettes, Vipers, etc., etc.), or the very few high end exhaust manufacturers (Corsa/BB/Borla/Stainless Works, etc.).

 

[NYSteve]

You might still fall under Federal emissions warranty: 8yrs or 120,000 miles I believe.

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted By: NYSteve
You might still fall under Federal emissions warranty: 8yrs or 120,000 miles I believe.


You know, I didn't think of that! I'll have to call the dealership.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Federal emissions warranty is typically 8 years or 80,000 miles, but some states that follow California rules (including CA) often have longer emissions warranties; NY may be included here (some northeastern states are). Give the dealer the VIN; they'll be able to tell if any warranty is left.

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Federal emissions warranty is typically 8 years or 80,000 miles, but some states that follow California rules (including CA) often have longer emissions warranties; NY may be included here (some northeastern states are). Give the dealer the VIN; they'll be able to tell if any warranty is left.


Yes, your right! I had my wifes Lexus' down stream cat replaced under the 8/80 Federal Emission Warranty a few years ago. My Nissan does fall under that warranty. Neither the Lexus' nor the Nissan's cat has actually failed but, it's the pipe assembly connected to the converter that has rotted. I made an appointment with my local Nissan dealership. I'll be praying!

 

[mechtech2]

Even being stainless, that flex section will normally go out before the carbon steel pipe.

 

[charbaby]

An update:

Went to the Nissan Dealership to have them inspect the flex tube and to let me know wheather or not it is covered under the 8/80 Cat warranty...It is not!

Although the tubing, flex portion, 02 bung and secondary converter are all one assembly, because the converter is not shot, they won't cover the assembley at all.