I just bought my first ever Saturn ion 2.4 and it makes a rattle noise coming from that piece that I circled which connects to the exhaust manifold. Anybody know where the part leads to? And where I can get a replacement. The rattle is on and off and whenever I hold it in place with something it stops and once I let go it continues to rattle.

 

This looks like a 2006 or 2007 Ion (2.4L engine), and that is actually part of the catalytic converter. If you've already checked that the bolts are tight and that the gasket is good, you'll need to replace either the cat, or at least the flex pipe portion. You can get just the flex pipe (the replacements I've seen are all weave-type stainless fibers), cut off the bad one and, preferably, weld on the replacement. A video on YouTube shows a replacement using muffler clamps and JB Weld, but I strongly recommend bringing it to a reputable muffler shop and having them do the replacement.

 

So I can technically take it to a muffler shop and have them cut the flex pipe portion and weld me another weave type flex pipe?

 

I'm pretty sure you can. I don't know of any state that restricts repairing a catalytic converter, as long it doesn't affect the catalyst itself. There are some places that carry the flex pipe with the three-hole adapter plate for the exhaust manifold so you only have to have one end welded.

See this eBay listing, for example: flex pipe repair piece for catalytic converter

 

I believe I've seen those at Napa