FogRunner

Yes Toyota took pretty much all of their vehicles to 50 states legal AKA California CARB emissions standards in 2001 year models. The sticker just denotes that your vehicle is equipped with a catalyst type emissions system. Toyota did this to save costs in not having to stock two different types of emissions systems and two types of computers in the vehicles.



Yes the URD sensor simulator does properly condition the signal so the A/F sensor can properly recalibrate itself.

As far as the aftermarket CATS that are CARB compliant, don't waste your money. The 4runner CARB emissions HAS two cat converters one really close to the engine and one under the passengers seat for max efficiency.

I tried replacing just the rear (large one) with a CARB compliant cat and it still wasn't enough to make the computer happy.

So just go with URD simulator and a new normal converter.


FOG

TheDurk

You have lots of good info, but this last is incorrect. The EPA published a finding in 1998 that determined that a sufficient number of states had opted into the voluntary National Low-Emission Vehicle (NLEV) program, so that the federal and CARB standards (equivalent to the NLEV standards) were unified as of the 2001 model year and mandatory across all 50 states. Toyota did this because they had to. The more lenient 49-state standard ceased to exist as of 2001.

CARB regulations continued to be more strict regarding testing and replacement parts approval, but vehicle manufacturing requirements were the same in 2001 and 2002.

There are aftermarket two-cat components available for the '99-'00Cali./2001+ 50-state system, and a very few are CARB approved. Anecdotal evidence suggests they may even work, but not for very long in many cases. If you go the aftermarket route even with CARB approved components (I see no reason not use cat components designed to be a part of the two-cat system), I would still be prepared to install a 'sim' either sooner or later.

fish0281

Last question, and I have my own speculations on this, but would it be worthwhile buying a used setup (170k) for $250? I am also assuming I'll get decent return from mine at the scrap yard...(?)

fish0281

Oops, 140k miles on the used setup

TheDurk

I'm at 143K and mine is dying. I have to reset my P0420 every few months and I have no leaks and less than 50k on both sensors. I got through inspection in 2011, but I doubt I can get through 2013 without doing something. It's a crap shoot, but I think the odds are against you. I would not do it, myself, especially if you have to pay to get the swap done.

fish0281

Alright, I think that settles that - I'm going with Eastern and a sim. For whatever it's worth, Eastern has the best prices and *advertised* warranty.

I'm ready to be done with these shenanigans, hopefully new cats help it breathe a bit easier and give me back a few mpg's... rockauto.com, here I go!!

Thanks for all the info and help guys.