Looking at replacing CAT
 

My 8 has had a lot of issues all pointing towards the CAT, so im looking to replace it.
any recommendations on replacements?
Im also wondering if there is a difference between the CAT on a manual and automatic if there is any.

Thanks in advance

What makes you say the issues point towards the cat? Have you checked it to verify? Easiest way is to lift the car (USE JACK STANDS!), pull the front down and inspect the inside using a flashlight. Search for "clogged/ damaged cat" to see what it should look like.

Do a search on recommendations. It all depends on your requirements. Only you can decide, and there is a TON of info on this site regarding that.

No difference between man/ auto.

during the winter when i crank my car it starts to smell like burnt hair is in my car i thought it was my CAT but when i got it checked they said it was fin, any ideas as to what this is?

^ Maybe it's not your CAT, but it is your cat. Have you seen Snookums lately?

You might want to check your cabin air filters. Mice sometimes nest in there during the winter.

If you live in an area that doesn't smog test do away with a CAT altogether. I live in a small town and idle in front of cops at stop lights so I know they smell that wonderfull CAT-less exhaust smell, and they just dont care. When I get it inspected all they check is lights, seat belts and other junk in a parking lot. No emissions testing. Just throwing that option in there!