emissions problems solved (for now)
 

just thought id post my results in case it can help anyone else
after new O2 sensor:
HC- 25 mph: standard 168/current 240. 15 mph: standard 173/current 317 FAIL
CO- 25 mph: standard 1.08/current 0.60. 15 mph: standard 0.98/current 0.64 PASS
NO- 25 mph: standard 1208/current 1046. 15 mph: standard 1323/current 1560 FAIL
after new cat:
HC- 25 mph: standard 168/current 32. 15 mph: standard 173/current 33 PASS
CO- 25 mph: standard 1.08/current 0.02. 15 mph: standard 0.98/current 0.02 PASS
NO- 25 mph: standard 1208/current 25. 15 mph: standard 1323/current 69 PASS
im frankly a bit surprised that the numbers are so low. however i am NOT surprised that replacing the cat passed it for emissions even though the emissions repair place said it would not.

Not that surprising if you think about it for a minute.

Under normal circumstances, the emissions place is correct, changing a healthy cat on a car with fuel air problems will not solve the problem.

However,

Cats are supposed to be "lifetime" parts When you consider the expected lifetime of a car is on average 7 - 10 years, replacing the cat on your 19 year old car doesn't seem all that strange.

Cats can clog up over time from engine deposits etc over time, reducing efficiency and power at the same time. You may notice a bit more oomph in the car now that it can "breathe" more efficiently.

AFJuvat

THankfully my state does not require emissions testing.

yea its actually been running slightly cooler as well. it hasnt gotten above the middle bar since i got it back