The flex pipe on my 2006 HHR 1LT with 5 speed manual (186K miles) is leaking. The pipe and catalytic converter are very rusted and look like they won't last too much longer. I want to buy the whole assembly.

According to gmpartsdirect, a GM replacement (with discount) is $1176!

Ebay shows a couple of places selling them for $120 to $130. These are made in Canada and the sellers are local here (Buffalo area).

Rock Auto has some for $150-$170. However, they only list them for auto transmissions.

Is there a different part for manual transmissions? Gmpartsdirect lists auto and manual converters separately, but they have the same part number.

I am going to go with the Ebay or Rock Auto part (assuming they fit), the GM part is ridiculously expensive for a 12yr old car. Maybe the cheap parts won't last more than 3-4 yrs but that's probably the life of the car (salt rusting it out).

I am tempted to pay the extra $30 and go with Rock Auto in case there is a problem with the part, they are good with customer service.

Suggestions?

 

The good thing about the GM part is that it is absolutely guaranteed to work for a long time. The cheaper ones sometimes have problems working right. My personal experience would lead me to RockAuto, but Oldblue had good luck with one of the Canadian vendors.

Get new O2 sensors, not Bosch, NTK/NGK are usually good. They usually come with the right anti-seize in the box; NON-silicone.

 

Yes, GM lists a manual and an automatic transmission catalytic converters.
I installed one of these last April, a direct fit , stainless steel, 2” diameter tubing that is mandrel bent, much better airflow, however mine is a 2.2, so it’s not a drag racer by any means. The OEM tubing was 1 3/4 inch in the 2.2 and 2” on the 2.4.
This piece has thick flanges for better gasket sealing includes the hardware and I installed it in my driveway, in jack stands in about 45 minutes.
That doesn’t include interest of my neighbors, wondering what I was doing and why the beer fridge was empty!!

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F192419804833

 

Mitchell OnDemand lists different part numbers for 2006 auto and 5 speed.

I think the difference is the #1 O2 sensor bung, one is on the pipe and the other is on the manifold. The good thing is you can get a pipe with the bung and plug the un used bung. Most I've noticed lately include the plug.

 

On Sweetie’s 2003 2.2 Sunfire , the first O2 sensor is in the exhaust manifold, the replacement catalytic converter has a bung after the flange, I plugged the one in the exhaust manifold and used the down pipe bung. Seems to have better fuel mileage but I don’t drive her car much.

 

The reason for the manual/auto difference is the downpipe/cat is slightly different length.
The engine in the auto cars is angled slightly rearward, shortening the downpipe.

 

I had the same 06 Manual 1LT. I purchased one for an auto and installed perfectly. Mine had the upstream O2 in the manifold and the assembly had the bung in the pipe, but included a plug. I put about 40K on it before she was totaled. This was one of the Canadian units as well. Even if it won't last as long, still cheaper and passed my required emission tests.

 

another option would be checking out ZZP, they have options for cats, and even downpipes with cats - might as well do both, but thats up to you.
Ive been running their downpipe with high flow cat for about 3yrs now and no issues at all

 

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I'm waiting for some warmer weather to replace it so I have a little time to think about what I am going to do.

Steve

 

It’s 50 F here right across the river from y’all, if I didn’t have a doctors appointment,?Id come over and pass you wrenches!