Hello everyone! This question goes to those who leave in California. Well, I finally got new tires on mu truck, next project in the agenda is to replace the exhaust. I want to replace the cat converter, muffler and new O2 sensors. Can this be legally done in Ca? I want to install a new 18" magnaflow muffler, How much can I expect to pay for installing new muffler with 2.5" stainless pipes? Thanks!!

 

i dont live there, but i dont see how it would be illegal to replace them ASLONG as your cat is a "all 50 states" cat, or cali cat... as for the muffler i suggest a flowmaster instead of magnaflow. i have a flowmaster in both of my third gens.. they sound a little ricey at high rpm but i love them. as for price i hear cali cats are way more and i may be wrong but i think your runner has TWO cats!! good luck!!

 

I run the Flowmaster and 2.25 Exh. , They make high Performance weld in cats also, I am Running Not Cat at all, it was that way when I bought it ! I will install a performance one after I figure out how to make the factory steel manifold work on my 97 4Digger, only one exhaust doughnut, but huge outlet, need to figure out the heat tube hookup, there is not one on this manifold ??

 

There will be two cats only if the year is 1999 or later. Any aftermarket emissions components have to be CARB approved for your vehicle. That's as much as I know as I live in NJ but I have a '99 Cali. 4Runner.

 

Its best to go to a good exhaust shop, so you know you're getting a CARB certified cat. The one I went to used a Magnaflow cat, and did great work. The problem is that it will cost you $300 just for the installation of the cat.

 

Can you sneak by your ECU by only using one?

 

I recommend Flowmaster, they have a good thoaty sound but can tend to sound raspy on the top end. I've lived in San Diego, CA all my life and i know hi-flow cats used to be legal (but i've had bad luck with them) but now CA has set the "bar" for emission standards and anything but the factory CAT is not SMOG legal as far as i know. CA has made it difficult to even get a new CAT for your vehicle if it fails, you must get one from the dealer ($800-$1500). It's illegal for junk yards to sell them off of other damaged vehicles and muffler shops can't sell you a knock off brand. My suggestion is just leave the CAT alone and get your muffler and pipe done out and invest in some headers if you really want some giddy-up for your bucks invested.

Good luck!

 

Nope... it will know, some even get P0420 CELs with 2 on.