I just discovered the world of stolen catalytic converters. I first heard of this type of theft on the Truck-U show on Spike. They were selling a lock kit- I thought this was a waste. well, two days later my wife calls from work(in a panic)and tells me her car sounds like it is going to blow up! After I drove there, I discovered her cat was missing. Since the cut out the flanges on both sides I was stuck welding in a new high flow cat- the high flow is great but I want to know if there is a plug and play device to plug into the 2nd o2 sensor to trick the computer if I just weld in a straight pipe. After driving the truck home, the engine threw a code of lean fuel on bank one- so I had to install a new cat. Does anyone know of this plug in device? thanks

 

I think URD sells them.

 

yes- URD carries them for $59.00 - perfect- thanks

 

i had this happen to me a year ago. i wonder what i could do to prevent this? i was thinking about welding metal bars all around it or something...

 

check out cat-lock.com - they sell a $99 device that attaches the cat to the frame with a cable. I may go to a straight pipe with an O2 sensor simulator or use the locking system. if you have acces to metal stock and a bender, you could probably make one yourself! good luck

 

good idea but a lot of people around here have been using a batter powered sawsall so they would just cut the cable too


I would just cut it out yourself and get the money, then strait pipe time

lol

 

You still need a working rear O2 sensor in place for the URD sim to do its thing.

 

Also the URD sim will only get rid of a P0420. It won't help that lean code at all. That might be from wiring damage to the front sensor.

 

I think I'd prefer "cat clamp", since it cables the converter to your frame.

 

The CatClamp (Patent-Pending), created by American Welding Inc, places a catalytic converter in a theft-proof cage made of aircraft cable. That's a heavy duty solution, and only carries a price tag of around $150. Compare that to a $2000 repair bill for having your catalytic converter stolen. You can reach CatClamp at 419.478.1313 or on the web at www.catclamp.com.

 

Yeah I might just run a straight pipe untill it comes time for emissions lol

 

They don't' want the high flow ones apparently, or so ive heard. only the factory cat's/

 

Apparently not entirely theft-proof: http://www.topix.com/forum/san-mateo...U05FSV/post312

 

There was a big rash of cat thefts last year - my buddy got hit - but I haven't heard of this happening in awhile. Are people still doing this sillyness?

In any case I figure I'll probably take my cat off after I pass smog and bolt on a straight pipe until next smogging. Seems like a good preventative measure.

Edit: And yeah, around here they were just cutting them off with a sawzall. I doubt these anti-theft devices would slow them down too much, especially the one with the metal clamp and the skinny little wire.

 

yeah, I'm currently researching my (edit) off-road exhaust options, too.

 

sorry bout your luck man. i was hit with this problem 2 years ago on my 2nd gen. lucky on those its obd1 though (80 bucks). Frickin tweakers those damn cats must be filled with crack rocks.

 

Get a trunk monkey!

 

has anyone used the URD simulator? when my cat was off and i drove the truck, the engine threw a code in reference to a lean fuel bank- if i do install a straight pipe in place of the cat will the simulator prevent this code? assuming all wiring is good to both o2 sensors. a striaght pipe with the stock o2 sensors will foul the computer and a lean fuel mix will result along with a under powered motor. thanks

 

Yes I have one, it will only prevent a P0420 code (see my posts above).

 

i got jacked for mine at a mall here in la on a busy sat afternoon i know the fuc%%%$ were following me as i was in and out in 15 mins and i couldnt find a spot to part that day well i got her home and i was pissed bad ..
i designed THE CAT BOX its made from 1/4" diamond plate and there is no way in hell youll get it a second time !!! im going to try to post some pics as im fairly new here ive talked to a lot of people and BEWARE EVERYBODY toyota
converters are in demand !!!!! it so far cost me parts total about 450- and
making this box about 400- but with the economy in bad shape there is a lot of thieves out there with sawzalls looking FOR YOU !!!