Best Bank 1 replacement Cat
 

Guys. I have a 2007 Acura TL Type S 6MT that throws a P0420 code off and on. I've ran my OBDII code reader and also taken it to the local muffler place for an diagnosis and estimate and they told me that I need a new bank 1 cat. I ordered one from All Star Exhaust Systems (allstarmufflers.ca is their website). It doesn't match the stock unit very well (see pictures). Most notably, it's a little smaller in diameter and shorter length overall and there are no mounting spots for the heat shield, overall just doesn't look as solid as the stock unit either. I emailed them and they replied that they would give me a full refund but also said that "it will fit, they sell a ton of these, and I don't need the heat shield". What are your thoughts?
Anyone heard of this company?
Do I really not need the heat shield?
What is the best replacement cat to purchase?
Is it worth it to pay $600 for a true OEM unit?

-Thanks
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...ee6b2c74a5.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...358a8929cb.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...6c3dbe7bc1.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...cc0e4182b1.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...fdaef2ba88.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e8bf634883.jpg

My experience is that aftermarket cats don't last that long, but you can give it a try and although one would like to be able to install a heat shield, don't believe it would cause any problems without one.
Personally, depending on your location and state inspection procedures, on these "older" cars with the P0420, I'd just use the 2 spark plug non-foulers with the old cat and be done with the problem.

heeltoe and a few vendors sell high flow cats for much cheaper that are much closer to the factory size. Heat shields are good to have since they keep energy in the exhaust and won't heat up the engine bay.

I bought an aftermarket CAT from a Canadian supplier through eBay and so far so good. It also comes with a heat shield. They offer a 5 year warranty for their products.

Also, don't forget that you can sell your old O2 sensors and cats to a scrap yard for a decent amount.

I bought a $100 Cat Bank1 out of Canada last month from ebay. Had it installed for $250, but luckily I had it done at a custom shop because it didn't fit but they made it work and I can tell it's working, but I don't know how long it will last. I'm not paying $1000 to have a dealer replace this part. NOPE!

If you don't have emission sniff test up there.. i'd just gut the old cat, run some defoulers on the plugs and be done with it.

I'd definitely skip those cats though.. from an efficiency and design standpoint, they are definitely subpar.

If you do want to run cats, the OEs lasted a long ass time.. if you are going to keep the car a long time, it's a small investment when you take the life of the component into consideration.

Thanks everyone. I will probably just try using this new cat for now. @GhostTL09 What company did you get yours from and how much?

I wouldn't recommend them at all. I actually sent them a copy of my bill for the extra labor I had to pay through ebay and request a partial refund because of what the shop had to do to get the Cat to fit. I had to pay an extra $90 bucks and they refunded me $40 which I accepted.