Need help/advice from Nissan service techs

[omgb]

OK, so I'm going to have to replace my cats. The deaers says so, the Service Engine Soon light says so so IWhat do I need to do this right. The thing is is, the parts the dealer wants to sell me are over $1500 alone. So, he recommends that I get them myself from a suplier. OK, but what parts? I know I need to cats but, he says I need the exhaust pipe too as it gets clogged with debris from the failing cat. On line I see a drivers and passenger side cat, a catalytic box and a set of tubes that connect the catalytic box to the larger exhaust tubes that go back to the muffler. I'm lost here. What do I need to do this right? I'm seling this car ASAP before the transmission or some other big ticket item goes out as my extended warranty is gone in just 2K miles.

[omgb]

one more question....is there another model that uses the same cats? Lots of speed shops around here with guys removing cats from new vehicles. I could get a set very cheap if they were a match.

[Hmason]

It is my understanding that catalytic converters are defined parts of the emmissions control system. As such, they are covered by the auto manufacturer for 8 years by federal law. Specifically:

What Are Specified Major Emission Control Components?There are three specified major emission control components, covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use on 1995 and newer vehicles:

Catalytic converters. The electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU). The onboard emissions diagnostic device or computer (OBD). Catalytic converters are critical emission control components that have been installed on most cars and trucks manufactured since 1975. Since engines don't burn fuel completely during the combustion process, the exhaust contains a significant amount of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these pollutants to less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen, and oxygen before the exhaust is expelled into the environment.

The electronic emissions control unit or computer monitors certain powertrain functions and controls various operating parameters to help the vehicle run efficiently and with the lowest possible emissions. Ignition, transmission function, air injection, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), engine operating temperature and fuel system parameters are some of the systems monitored and/or controlled by the electronic emissions control unit.

The onboard emissions diagnostic device monitors the operation of a vehicle's emission control system and alerts the driver with a dashboard light when malfunctions occur. The system will record where the problem is occurring and assist automotive technicians in diagnosing and repairing emission control malfunctions. Since some emission control malfunctions do not have an adverse effect on vehicle performance, they can go undetected by the driver for quite some time. The onboard diagnostic device will help catch malfunctions early, preventing a significant output of harmful exhaust emissions from your vehicle, and possibly in time to be covered by the emissions control warranty. Often this "device" is part of the electronic control unit mentioned above.

In the future, there may be other parts or components that qualify for this coverage. Check your owner's manual or warranty book for possible additional coverage.

You can research this information at: http://www.epa.gov/obd/warranties.htm

That's how it looks from here. Good luck!