Ebay Catback Screw-Over...PLEASE HELP!!

[Mike4d]

I got screwed by the Ebay store Sparktec Motorsports, (Don't ever buy anything from these crooks) I bought an OBX/Forza catback(R-EX92974) from them for my 97 civic LX (as they advertized it would fit) and after dismantling my entire exhaust system, discovered that the piping came up short.

After countless unanswered emails regarding the issue I gave up on getting any help from them. I did a little research on other sites selling the same catback and learned that for the 96-00 LX sedans it was selling along with an extension, part # CAT101A.

I am pulling my hair out trying to find this part. I have found part # CAT101 without the "A" on Ebay and have yet to get a straight answer from any of the sellers as to whether or not this is the same part or not.

If it IS the same then I will be using a highflow cat to bridge the gap, would this work? I would then have TWO catalytic converters? Is this my solution or do I need to buy a new header AND cat to be able to hook this thing up?

Or are they different parts, and CAT101A simply an extension pipe connecting to the stock cat?

I am at my wits end. Any help from anyone faniliar with these parts or has any knowledge what so ever on this problem would be greatlly appreciated.

[defmusik]

ok #1 don't get this part from ebay, haven't you learned your lesson already? do a search on google for that part number and I can almost guarentee that you'll find what you're looking for. If you can't find it on there, go to a good shop around your area and ask them.

I don't know why you would have two cat's, so I'm assuming the new cat completely replaces your old cat, it only makes sense.

[jcrx]

THe reason he would be running two cats is because the LX and other models run a cat right off the head in the exhaust manifold, instead of behind the motor on the header. Just go to a muffler shop and have them weld you in an extendsion. It should be cheaper than buying a specific part.

[defmusik]

oh wow i didn't know that

[jcrx]

Yea, it's the same on the VX and CX's too.

[Mike4d]

Would they be able to weld it directly from the cat at a muffler shop? About how much do you think it would cost me?

[PoisonFangs]

yet another horror story about ebay, I would never buy anything from them. I only go to trusted websites or my buddy Paul's shop. sorry to here about your misfortune.

[defmusik]

yeah i've gotten stuff from ebay before, but i only get name brands from trusted sellers with like at least 500+ positive feedback. it's the only way to go. i've learned my lesson on there before

[Ricochet]

Originally Posted by jcrx

Yea, it's the same on the VX and CX's too.

And DX/CX hatchbacks. If you buy a header for a '96-'00 hatch you won't have a cat. I had to weld one into my exhaust piping (when I had my d16) so the engine would quit throwing a code.

[damir831]

What is it with people buying stuff off ebay and then they say they got ripped off??? How did you pay for this item, credit card, debit card?? Do you know how easy it is to dispute your purchase??? Call your credit card company or your bank, whichever you paid with and tell them you didn't get your item, which you REALLY didn't!! They'll get you your money back and they'll resolve the issue with that seller! One time some company from Cali charged my account with 600 dollars for some construction work. I called the bank and 2 days later I got my money back! Do it as soon as possible. Don't wait like 2 weeks to tell them. Then they'll ask you why you didn't tell them right away, like YOU'RE trying to screw THEM or something.

[3rdWrldRcr]

I had a similar issue with a mid section i ordered but it wasnt on ebay. The midsection came up about 2 inches too short. I later learned that all after-market parts, unless installed professionally, require some fabrication. I made a 2" spacer out of the same size/type piping material and it works fine now. Prior to the spacer it caused my muffler piping to rattle off the frame, and also the piping rattled off the heat shield.

[xproductionz]

the same thing happened for my obx cat back..it was like missing a section for what it seemed so i went down to the muffler shop and for $20 they welded on an extension... real simple

[Mike4d]

I started this thread with my rant about the Ebay store, Sparktec Motors, believing that I had been ripped off, however now I would like to formally apologize and let everyone know that Sparktec is a stand up business with exellent customer service. After resolving an email/communication problem, the owner, Danny Wong personally located and provided me with the highly elusive extension part CAT101A that I needed to properly install my catback. I found numerous other sites selling the same catback described the same way, as fitting all 92-00 Civics 2/4 dr with no mention of a necessary extension, aparently most mod/auto-parts dealers are unaware of this compatibilty issue, so this was an honest mistake on Sparktec's part. They rectified the problem and I am a happy, satisfied customer. Again I want everyone to know that If you are looking for mods on of Ebay, don't be afraid to buy from Sparktec Motors. Bid or buy confidently.

[Ricochet]

That's cool news man, glad it worked out for ya.