[Kinked210]

Okay so I got hit on the freeway the other day; not much damage. I need a new right headlight/lamp (which I already have), a new passenger side fender, a new hood, and a new windshield.

Insurance apparently 'totalled' my car saying it was $4000+ in damage. They said I can either sell it to them for $4000 or keep the car and they will give me $2100 to repair it myself. Of course I giggle to myself and I say I'll take the $2100. (The total repair cost comes to a little under $1000 unpainted). It's a 96.. I'll probably just Maaco the whole car afterwards.

Anyway here's my problem:
The catch is, I don't get the money from insurance until my car is smogged and registered. My o2 sensor went out when I installed my DC header a while back. I've replaced the sensor since then 3 times in under a year. Also, a coworker told me his friend had a DC header and his car wouldn't pass smog (even though its C.A.R.B legal) and when he put his stock header on it passed. So, I've come to the conclusion that my problem is my header.

I took the car to a place to get it diagnosed/smogged and they say my problem is my catalytic converter. They say I have to buy a cat (and they also say the cheapest cat available is from them for $580) and have it installed before it can be smogged again; and that doesn't guarantee that it will pass after that. I've been without my car for like a week now and it's gonna be a lot longer than this if I don't get it smogged and repaired soon. Anyone know what the problem might be with the smogging?

Thanks.

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