Long story short, the A-pipe on my car recently broke due to beautiful Buffalo’s salted road.
What’s more painful is that on my car ('03 Civic EX 4Dr), the A-pipe and cat is actually one unit and costs A LOT to replace.
I spoke with Don (Carnut) about this and he told me that he could not find any after market part for my car (thanks to the unpopular 7th-gen-civic…). Don suggested for me to go to a muffler shop who can weld stuffs.
Don’s recommendation is “MufflerMan” on Delaware.
Since this is my first time going to a muffler shop for welding purposes, I would really appreciate any referrals and suggestions you guys might have.
My only preference is that it’s close to UB North Campus, however, if there’s a really really good shop that’s not too close from Amherst area, please do let me know…
Well, I always use Norm’s Garage in Silver Creek, but that depends on how far you’re willing to drive.
I will say he’s old school and has done work on three of my cars, and I have nothing but good stuff to say about him. He does all types of vehicles and it’s always great work, fair prices and done quickly.
^Thanks, llink78, however, as JayS stated, unlike the 6th Gen Civics, the A-pipe and Catalytic converter in my car is one unit.
For 2000 Civic, the A-pipe itself costs $300+ to replace.
I didn’t get a chance to look underneath my car (thanks to all the slush out there). However, I am 99% sure that the leak came from underneath the engine. Therefore, it’s gotta be the A-pipe.
They knew right away I got a problem once I drove into their driveway…The mechanic greeted me outside and immediately took my car into the shop.
5 minutes later, he told me that it’s not the A-pipe (pheew!) but only the bolts between the catalytic converter and the B-pipe. It rusted pretty badly and two out of three bolts popped out. The A-pipe and the cat still holding up strongly, no sign of “aggressive” cancer developing.
$45, that’s it. That includes labor and parts (new bolts and flange)!
I was like…“Dude, you saved my a**!!”
15 minutes later, it’s done. My car’s now as good as new. LOL!
I’m really impressed with their honesty as well. For all I know, they could’ve told me that they needed to replace certain pipe(s). However, they were really sincere and did what needed to be done. Quickly.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about that place. Definitely going there for my next exhaust job, which guessing by the ever increasing rumble I hear in the morning when the wife hits the remote start on the truck is going to be soon.
