Hello friends:

My 87 Camry (218K miles) barely cleared CA smog check on second try.
My mechanic pointed out that catalytic converter (original) will need
to be replaced next time as it is not filtering out emissions well.
During next smog check, two years away, it will not pass.

Unfortunately, we found that for this car, catalytic converter is
right next to the engine .. which is extremely expensive to change.
- after market converter (Autozone) costs around $650 + tax, and
labor will be expensive too (around $300)

Was wondering if there is a way to install a cheaper catalytic
converter (autozone has it for $66) which will require cutting exhaust
pipe under the car and installing this.

Question for you
- will a solution like this hold ?  i.e. leave original converter as
is and add a cheaper converter by cutting exhaust pipe and installing
it.

If not, unfortunately, it will be time for me to retire the car next
year ... which is a shame, as the car runs well otherwise.

Thx for your answers