Last nite while driving my CEL came on. I went ahead and took the car today to get it checked with computer and got code p0420 which is Catalytic converter internal failure..
I'm trying to weigh in my options here. So far I guess i can
a) Replace cat which costs ($560 plus labor, these are Satan prices so i know they're probably jacked up but just an idea)
b) run the car like it is, since it just came on I guess I can probably still drive it like it is for a while till it really fucks up...from what they told me (don't font know how true this is..) eventually the cat will get clogged up as there are little bead like things in it that are coming lose and once it gets clogged up some of the exhaust will flow back in and start fouling up my spark plugs and crapping up the system
c) Go somewhere where they can take out the cat and put in a straight pipe.
The car has 160,000 miles so i know realistically i'll have to replace it sooner or later, most likely sooner.
My question would be, is it even worth it to replace the cat and spend that kind of cash? should i run it as is since it'll probably take a long time to get bad and who knows by then i might have to get a new car anyways...or should i just get a straight pipe put on and live with the CEL on? If i go for the straight pipe where can i get that done..would a midas do that for me?
Thanx for any tips!

ps. I was checking online for a replacement 99 eclipse cat and i see places selling them for 60 bucks or so... I know satan can jack up prices because their stuff is OEM but there's gotta be something wrong when the difference is 500 bucks...right?

$560 for a cat is mad. We call them satan for a reason.

You got 160k out of your old cat, and it's time for a new one. Spend the $50-60 for it and the gaskets. You can take it to a lcoal garage and they should be able to do it on the lift in no time. If you are going to do it yourself, you might want to put on some rust remover jelly on the bolts first - I'm betting they will be difficult to remove and you might not have an impact wrench.

As far as a straight pipe, I'm assuming you are NT, and in that case there is no point to it.

Thanx for the tip! yeah after seeing them on the web for a fraction of the price i realized that...any brands anyone can recommend? I saw Magnaflow carries one that supposedly is a direct fit for our cars....

maganflow, or ERT if they still have the direct fit.

Stay away from ERT unless they have it in stock and you contact them and actually speak to a person who can guarantee its shipped out promptly.

I just called magnaflow and they tell me the part is a new part and it doesnt have a release date yet????? I thought these were out and being used already?
The part i asked for was the direct fit cat for the Eclipsee (Part number 23267....
http://www.car-sound.com/02product/displaydirectfit01.asp?catalogid=4870&directfit=23267

I got a high flow Pacesetter from ebay when mine crapped out on me, 100% bolt on, fits like a glove, no issues, sounds good, and I only paid about $80 for it. Highly recommend. Oh, and it's supposed to be 50-state legal. If you have emissions you have to watch replacing it with a test pipe. I don't know how it is where you live, but here you must have the shape of the cat installed and they check that.

Where did you get that pacesetter cat from?