Catalytic converter compatibility
 

One of the final hurdles to get my car back on the road is the exhaust. For reference, I have build a G87.21 into the back of my 986 so the stock muffler doesn't fit. I got one of the 'sausage' shape at a local breaker and it does fit behind the gearbox. However, at least the right side exhaust pipe doesn't match up (not even nearly). The car has in its life taken a hit on that rear side, so I already noticed some dents in the pipe. More careful inspection today revealed that the catalytic converter is deformed significantly. The section where it goes from converter diameter back to the pipe diameter is forced inward, giving an odd shape and offset.

Likely my best way forward is to get at least the right side cat (left side is welded up to the U-shape pipe, not sure whether that was part of the previous 'fix'). Are all 986 cats compatible? Or do I need to narrow specifically to the 2.5 model (as I have)?

I don't intend to run the car for many more years in the current form, so I guess a used one would be fine. Ebay prices are crazy, can get a new one (DesignTek) for that money which I might be able to resell afterwards. Any ideas or input?

[edit] for the compatibility question it probably good to mention that my sausage style muffler came from an S model.My car is a '97 2.5.

If memory serves, the 2.5L engine had slightly smaller diameter exhausts.

I'm far away from home and my Boxsters today, but I'm pretty sure that the O2 sensor wiring is another consideration. I don't think that the stock 2.5L sensors will reach the bungs on the later model exhaust. At least on the US models.