I posted this in the V6 area too, but thought that it may be appropriate here too...
Thanks.
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I have a 2002 V-6 Convertable with the Sport handling package (Y-87 I think?). It has the split exaust with tailpipes on both driver's side and passenger side rear. Anyway, for the last few weeks when I first start up my car the exaust sounds aweful. It rattles and buzzes - really quite embarrassing. After it heats up (4-5 min.) the sound is gone. What gives? A co-worker said he thinks I've got moisture seeping into the engine and that it is taking a few minutes to evaporate from the heat of the engine. I wanted to tell him that this was one of the most retarded things I've ever heard, but I'm only 95% sure that he is way off base. Plus my baby is garage kept, so not a whole lot of chance for water to get in anyway. If it helps, she has 86,000 of mostly highway miles on her. What is the problem? Is it time for a new exaust (my thought as to the cause of the problem)? If so what would be a good option in the $300-$400 range?

 

Where is the rattling coming from? It could possibly be the catalytic converter...mine just crapped out on my car and it's godawfully embarassing to hear that thing rattling around in there. The sound would be coming from about midway under the car...you'll be able to see the cat and tell whether it's coming from it or not. When the honeycomb on the inside breaks up, it rattles like a maraca and it's time to either hollow it out or replace it.

 

maybe the egr valve? my dads old S10 (with the 3.8) would make a wierd rattle from the exhuast sometimes at start up or at just the right rpm. Im not sure though