Alright, I've been looking around for some answers, and to be honest, it's lead me back to nowhere. Here's my main problem.

There's a major leak in my Y connector from the engine bay down to my cat converter and the gasket connecting them together. The entire exhaust system has been turned to rust, but not too bad.

Here's what my problem basically is, with a basic diagram for your imagination. Please keep in mind that this is stock.

Engine
Manifold
Y Connector
Gasket
Cat converter with heat shields
Mid pipe
Y connector
Resonator
Muffler tips

The Y connector until the front of the cat converter facing towards the engine, there's a hole the size of a quarter leaking Carbon monoxide into the air. Upon revving, starting, passing parked vehicles on my left side, I can hear the leak loud and clear. There are no rattling sounds what so ever, however I am losing horsepower. I'm afraid that the leak may sneak its way into the cabin causing all sorts of bad things.

My main question is... What should I do?? Should I just change the cat converter, gasket, and Y connector and go with a straight end pipe? My other problem is that I can't lose the cat converter as New Jersey Inspection areas require it in order to pass.

Someone PLEASE help!

-Rasool

 

Most any competent exhaust shop should be able to weld the hole shut, clean up the gasket surfaces and put a new gasket in for you No need to buy new parts. Post some pics if you get a chance, to get a better idea of what youre talking about...

 

highly doubt you are losing any power from it...

I've been living with a small exhaust leak like you have, and my car still gets 25+ mpg (27-28 even on the highway at times), and has plenty of power...