catalytic converters

[BlueMoose]

This must be such a dumb questions no one has bothered to spell it out but I like to be certain rather than assume I know the truth.

I have to replace my cat and before I order one I would like make sure I get one that will work as intended.

Are catalytic converters for gasoline engines the same as for diesel engines? All the parts stores I asked and the few mechanics as well just tell me they cant get the specific one for my car ordered and then cant tell me if a different one and some fabrication would still burn up the diesel exhaust fumes.

[Seatman]

Very different from what I've seen, the gassers are full of precious metals. I took mine off, hollowed it out and welded a new peace of pipe in.
If your one isn't clogged up then I'd just get some new pipe for it and get someone to weld it up, it'd be a lot cheaper than a new one.

[BlueMoose]

My catalytic converter cannot be salvaged, the exterior of the cat has a 2" hole in the side.