PO chopped the cat off my 88 pickup. I've gotten by with a mechanic friend passing me on inspection but with the new system in Texas, inspection and registration bundled, I'm thinking it's time to install a cat so I can pass legitimately. Any suggestions on make are welcome. I like the idea of using a universal fit that uses U-bolts since I want to keep the rest of my exhaust system.

 

Why would you need a cat now? Anything older than 24yrs here in Texas is only subject to a safety inspection, not emissions.

 

The one time I went for an inspection anywhere besides my mechanic friend they told me I had to have one to pass. So I researched it and found on the TxDPS website, under imported vehicles, one of the requirements to pass is worded, "Texas requires that all safety and emissions components for that model year vehicle be installed and operational."

 

i'm guessing you should be fine with a 49-state aftermarket CAT, since you're not in CA. if you're going to spend money on the exhaust at all, i'd be looking toward a free-flowing version - i think magnaflow is the most popular. perhaps even get a larger diameter and use adapter flanges if you ever plan to upgrade the rest of your exhaust in the next few years.

 

Somebody stole my catalytic converter today. I'm in the market for a new one as well, for the exact same reason. I'm thinking I'll just get a piece of pipe welded on it for now, and then cut and install a Magnaflow freeflow cat with flanges etc... later on.

 

Can anyone tell me if the direct fit bolt on flanges would match up switching from my stock 1-7/8" to a 2-1/4"? My cat is falling apart (literally) and I don't want to buy one I will have to replace with a later sizing upgrade.

 

Im cutting my cat off Monday and getting a magnaflow put on. Don't know if anyone is interested in the cat but if so PM me. I don't need it in my county.