Exhaust rusted from manifold

[lancebh]

I have a 97 Grand Am that serves as my "beater" car. Recently I found out that the exhaust pipe rusted out from the manifold. My neighbor happens to be a mechanic and he priced some parts for me. Found out that in my model you have to replace all the way (and including) the catalytic (sp?) converter. Is there any way around this? Should I go to a junkyard and find one and try it myself?

Let me just say I'm not the most mechanically inclined, but I'm learning and getting better. I recently replaced an alternator in the same car with some help from a friend....so I am getting better and It's always nice to be able to do it yourself and save money. Is this one better to just have a professional handle?

Oh and it'll be winter soon and I don't have a garage. Tough choices seeing as how I'm broke and everything seems to be breaking down at once.:-(

[Mr T]

Avoid teh junk yards.. you will pay top dollar for parts with the same problem you are having now.

Your catty is probably welded to the exhaust line. You often cant get a good connection back on when you remove it.

Find a independant (not a chain) muffler shop. They may be able to patch in a piece where your hole is, or replace the line. They are more willing to cut your exhaust line in half just upstreem from the converter and splice inthere. A dealer or main stream exhaust shop most likely will not modify a new part for you.

Unless you are a experienced welder with proper equipment and a lift, dont mess with it. It is not worth the time. Any messups, and it will rattle, can leak carbon monoxide into your car, or you could end up dragging your entire exhaust home (ive done that more then once).

[xkvator]

Found out that in my model you have to replace all the way (and including) the catalytic (sp?) converter. Is there any way around this? Should I go to a junkyard and find one and try it myself?
junkyards are not allowed to sell catalytic converters

[lancebh]

Thanks guys. I'll just have to pay the price to get it done right. Until then she'll be shut down....the car still needs tires as well.