I can't find the thread, "Costly exhaust problem" to reply to.
I wound up replacing the entire exhaust system, except the converter and the front pipe attached to it. It looked as if whoever "fixed" it cut off the flanges and then slip-fitted the joints, holding them with clamps. And coat hangers. And bailing wire. I decided not to bother trying to hack all this stuff into shape because of the "dubious reliability" factor. Cost was about $250.00 for the exhaust, $30 for a front motor mount (had a lot of slop and suspected that's what ripped the front pipe apart), plus a few hot, sweaty, uncomfortable hours under the car. The worst part was cutting the studs(?) off the converter and drilling them out.
I finally switched the plates and drove it for the first time Friday, and some more Saturday. I have to admit it runs *very* well- not even allowing that it hasn't had a tune-up in several years. It also is a much better performer than the 2.0 engine in the '85 Camry it is replacing. So far, I am very happy. It still needs-
Complete tune-up front rotors and pads interior cleaning of spilled food/coffee exterior buff/wax headliner/visor fabric replacement probably new radio probable O2 sensor repair of sagging driver's door possibly get scratch on windshield removed (from bad pass. wiper)