Just the catalytic converter is easy to change 5 fasteners, 2 gaskets , 2 O2 sensors.

but I’d double check the flex pipe seem for leaks first

 

do I just turn it on and feel around for heat shooting out of the weld?

 

You could, but be careful of the heat it’s going to generate. Look for black soot that’s going to indicate the leaks.

look at the gasket area at the exhaust manifold and the exhaust manifold itself for cracks.

 

She also bought the last one in stock from Rock Auto. Hopefully they have more now. Walker makes a C.A.R.T. certified item. I noticed that there are “weld in” C.A.R.T. certified CC’s too that cheaper, apparently a problem using those in NY state, wonder if they’re OK in CA.

 

Nobody ever seems to be capable of asking local repair shops about prices and laws.

 

That cause they like to save money and order it online!

 

But who knows more about what you need in California or NY than a shop that does it everyday or some random old fart in Virginia? Then shop around.
Not to mention that if you need something that is only required in California or NY, why not shop at a place located in California or NY where they can only sell cats that are legal in those states? Remember the law states no on can sell any cats that are not certified, that means even mail order.
I seem to recall seeing somewhere that a CARB label is no longer required for inspection. Fuzzy memory.

 

From walkerexhaust.com. See the note at the very bottom. COLORADO (Effective 1/1/2021) AND CALIFORNIA (Effective 1/1/2009) 
CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for any vehicle operated in these states. 
COLORADO- AND CALIFORNIA-COMPLIANT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS 
Effective January 1, 2021 for Colorado and January 1, 2009 for California, new aftermarket catalytic converters sold or installed in Colorado or California must meet the following requirements: 

• Be labeled or tagged with a CARB EO (Executive Order) number indicating the converter complies with California’s requirements for aftermarket converters.
  
• Be installed only on applications listed in the manufacturer’s Vehicle Application Catalog and per CARB’s Installation Guidelines.
  
• Be warranted for 5 years/50,000 miles, and cover the cost of parts and labor.
  
• Be compatible with OBD catalyst monitors. This includes making sure converters won't cause false catalyst codes, while also making sure that the OBD system will continue to set a catalyst fault code if the aftermarket converter fails.
  
  NOTE: CARB permits any aftermarket converter to be installed on vehicles older than 5 years and for which the OE emission warranty has expired.

 

It's even worse on Farcebook