I’m curious about the difference between 49 state emissions and California emissions on the 01 and 02 4Runners.

The 01 and 02 4Runners only have one part number for the front catalytic converter and one for the back. This is different than other years that list different part numbers for "with" or "without" California emissions.

The catalyst sticker on my 02 says that it meets Federal AND CA emissions standard. The truck was originally purchased in Ohio.

I am beginning to believe there is not a difference between the two emissions standards for these years. Does anyone if there is a difference?

The computer maybe (is there more that one computer option for the 01-02 3.4L)?

Also, can you go to a muffler shop in CA and get these replaced or will they send you to the dealer?

 

Does it say CA, or CAL?

 

Evenin' Mr. Cougar!

It actually spells out the word California.

Whew, I thought I was bad for run on sentences!

The emissions system lists as: SFI A/F S, TWC(2), HO2S

 

That's exactly the same as my 2002 SR5, that was originally purchased in Nevada. I think all 2001 and 2002 were 50 state emissions and there is no difference between one sold in California and one sold in a different state. But I'm not positive about this.

 

That must be an 01+ thing. I know many states are adopting the CA emissions regulations, so Toyota was just ahead of the game. If it says Fed and Cali, its legal in all 50 states.

 

Thanks for the input, guys. Anyone know if they’ll replace these at a muffler shop in California?

It seems fewer aftermarket options are available for the CA emissions cats.

 

california sux

 

I believe as long as your vehicle is not registered in CA that you can use a 49 state replacement cat. However, this may affect emission sensors... has anyone replaced a 01, 02 cat?

here are some cats I found:
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...64+11779&Nty=1

 

Stay away from aftermarket cats. There is a reason they are so cheap.

#1 The never fit right, and they look terrible.

#2 They are not made of the same materials, so they are much less effective. Many members on here that have installed them cannot pass smog tests, or throw codes becuase of this.

Besides that, all the cats say NOT FOR CA emissions. If your truck from the factory is 50 state legal, why are the aftermarket cats not 50 state legal?

 

+1

 

That’s really what got me wondering about California muffler shops and their ability to replace cats.

My assumptions:
- 01 and 02 have the same set of emissions standards for CA and 49 state
- The 49 state cats work with the 4runner computer to provide in spec emissions control (according to the Toyota computer)

Why aren’t the 49 state cats legal for use in California? Does this amount to cat companies not paying (or wanting to pay) for testing and certification by the CARB? I understand that their testing is very expensive.

 

That's about it. CA cats have to be CARB approved. Shops can legally only install approved cats.
Good mailorder sources for CA cats-
Ecatalyticconverter.com
Convertergeek.com

"Direct fit" doesn't always mean it will just bolt on, I found out.

 

Oxygen sensors vs air fuel ratio sensors.

 

Thanks for the additional information.

Steve, I quoted you here.

 

I'll have to argue that point. I've used aftermarket cats on several vehicles all in Los Angeles, CA. They all had no problem passing smog at any time. One truck went through a couple of cats all at my own doing - banged them up on rocks. However three other vehicles (Subaru, Honda and a Ford Mustang) went for years and years (8+) with never a problem with the aftermarket cat or smog testing.

I'd say it really depends on the aftermarket cat and the year model of the vehicle. For example an aftermarket cat for my 1995 4Runner was about $80 at King Muffler in Van Nuys, CA. However for the later model Mustang and Honda they were about $200.

As for the look and fit, that depends on the shop's skills and the vehicle in question. There are probably some vehicles where an aftermarket wouldnt' fit right - late model Camaros come to mind where they're tucked up on the passenger's side footwell. But for my truck and the other vehicles, they were very similar if not identical in appearance. The main difference was they were weld-in cats instead of flanged bolt in cats.

Steve

 

Ive got a 95 3.slow and wondering if I can change my CA ECU to the FED ECU. My eng light is on again and Im pretty sure its my cheap boach O2 sensors X2. so my next plan is to install a FED ECU and use only 1 O2.... thoughts??????

 

Mine is a 49 state 4runner, and I still have 2 O2 sensors. You still have have to have them both. Just get denso ones of amazon, it will be cheaper than getting a new ECU.

 

That is an absolute fact, i just moved out of the peoples republic of California three months ago. I now live in Idaho, there is no smog testing required on anything here, and you can do a lot of stuff here that is illegal in California.

 

i moved 6 years ago----sad that i was run out of my state.....but things were going too crazy!!!

Constitution seems like cliff-notes there--at least Texas has the rest of the state keeping Austin in Check.