California CAT suggestion?

KJSupra

New Member
Feb 10, 2008
22
0
0
So.CA
Hello everyone,

I tried searching for some answers but I couldn't find any... I was wondering do you guys have any suggestions for a good catalytic converter for California? I searched Magnaflow but I don't know if they are any good. I just want to be able to pass the smog since I failed it... Perhaps my options are limited due to the strict California law... Is there a real difference between 2.25" diameter and 2.50" diameter catalytic converter?

Thank you everyone for your time!
 

jetjock

creepy-ass cracka
Jul 11, 2005
9,439
0
0
Redacted per Title 18 USC Section 798
I'm afraid you are limited by law. Really doesn't matter which brand you choose since all pre-OBD II converters installed under the new law effective 1 January 2009 must be tested to meet the same increased performance standards, have the same labeling, and carry the same 5 year/50K mile warranty. Here's the list. Those that apply are the only converters that can be legally installed on your car:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermktcat/exemptcat09.pdf

Course, since these converters must meet stricter efficiency standards, efficiency is related to surface area, and more surface means more precious metals in the washcoat, they aren't going to be as cheap as the previously allowed and widely sold junk. For example the universal fit Magnaflow for your car (p/n 38105) retails for $252. Lmao...the direct fit model will set you back almost 500 bones.

Btw a new catalyst may still not make the car pass. All depends on what else is wrong with it...
 

supraman7mgte

Shut up,bitch!!
Apr 1, 2005
1,753
0
0
Sunny California
As far as smog problems,start upstream and work your way down.
Something is obviously causing the rest of the system to fail,a bad sensor,loose wire connection,bad plugs,bad ign wires,the list goes on...
 

KJSupra

New Member
Feb 10, 2008
22
0
0
So.CA
Thank you everyone for your quick response. I will try to research more so that I can pass the smog test.

Thank you Jetjock for your thoughtful response! :icon_razz
 

KJSupra

New Member
Feb 10, 2008
22
0
0
So.CA
By the way, my car is 7M-GTE... So the part that I would need is still #38105? I wonder why the inlet sizes are different between 7M-GE and 7M-GTE...
 

TLDriver

New Member
Jul 29, 2008
67
0
0
Ventura, California
One of my friends ordered a CAT from E-bay for an out state car OBD1. He welded it in place took it to the smog shop and passed. How he got around it is being that shops can get a ticket for doing it but he did it in his backyard. He was running a test pipe and that's why he added the cat.
 

black89t

boost'en down 101
Oct 27, 2007
951
0
0
36
humboldt, ca
i just was at the shasta smog ref station about a month ago because of a ref ticket. this is the place us cali guys have nightmares about. yet of course i passed with flying colors with the cali dp and original cat from my buddies 91t. however it does depend on where you live in cali. my car didn't have to pass the dyno load test because i live in norcal so your county might be more strict. even though i'm sure my car would have passed any test they threw at it. hahahaha.......

i say you problem is not the cat because a clean burning motor will pass with just about any cat.