catalytic converters
 

both my cats have definitely gone bad, i know the average price for just one is around $400, but I can't spend that much money. I found two Catcos online for $250 each and it says that they're both direct fit with 5yr or 50,000 miles warranty. What do you guys think, is this way too cheap, would it be a crappy part?

I also found parts on napa, and i found really cheap cats, each one for a $100, but it says that it's a universal fit. What's the difference between the universal fit and the direct fit?

Please I really need help with this, I have no money (college student), and I need to drive home without completely messing up the car.

Univrersal fit cats mean that the exhaust shop will need to configure the exhaust pipe to align properly with the inlet and outlet of the cat- the inlet/outlet won't be properly angled & configured to just fit right in.

Maganflow was making a ceramic cat that was 'universal' but appeared to be pretty close to the right configuration...so that would in theory have a little better flow and performance. Not sure on the price point, I think more than the between your generic and universal.

Catco is, believe it or not, a fairly high volume and reputable brand. They make cats for some of the performance brands. Unless you have a really good custom exhaust shop around, I'd drop the coin on the Catcos, but not the Audi/OEM. Each his own, though.

Call Chris at Force Five in Concord Nh -- 603-223-6700 see what he sells them for.