Suggestions for suspension and cat replacement - '02 WRX

[fuzzy]

Hey Folks,

Had a couple of issues crop up with my failthful '02 WRX and looking to get your thoughts on options.

Currently running KYB AGX with stock springs as winter/daily driver suspension. Both rear struts are blown, I was hoping to be able to make it through the winter but they are getting louder. Front's seem to be fine (haven't done a through check).
Should I just swap the rears with the same or consider going with the OE '04 STI stock strut/springs? Other options?
Cost wise the OE '04 STI and the AGX would come out about the same.

Just after I went for my emissions test, a crack developed at the flange on the cat pipe. Was at the shop and they mentioned that they could try weld it, but no gaurantee how long it would last. I was quoted OEM cat pipe is $1000(!!). Ideally I would like to get one off a rally car conversion but getting hard to find.
Any recommended options?

Thanks.

[STeveD]

You're not competing anymore, right? Unless you can find cheap WRX shocks in good condition; harder to do these days, I'd go with a KYB Excel G or Strut Plus replacement depending on the mileage and condition of your springs and top hats. I think that SPDA member Paul Henshall still sells these. I wouldn't do inverted STi struts because of the maintenance requirements to prevent clunk.

What type of tune do you have? You could always replace the catted pipe with a "test pipe" if your tuning software can ignore / adjust the acceptable range of response from the post-cat O2 sensor. Pugsy has a single high flow cat mid pipe with a 90 degree adapter for the second O2 sensor which makes it easier to insert/remove the sensor and "inadvertently" adjusts the reading from the O2 sensor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/90-Degree-Do...a6ec9e&vxp=mtr

[fuzzy]

Not competing now but am looking into doing a few events in 2015, I do still have my coilovers for summer time fun.
Yeah, the STI clunk was something I was worried about but thought that they would've fixed it by now on replacement struts. My winter setup is stock WRX springs on KYB AGX's, was nice when I was doing TSD rallies as I could adjust the dampening based on the expected road (i.e. frost heaves on Old Hastings Rd).

I have an Ecutek tune. If I can get a high flow cat in 2.5" pipe that I can bolt in to the existing exhaust, that would be great. Is Hot Rod Scott's still the recommend exhaust shop, it's been a while since I've looked at what's available.

Thanks.