Hi all,

I got home last weekend from a trip and went to start the car monday morning only to hear the (now) familiar sound of straight header pipes and knew my catalytic converter was gone AGAIN! Last time was on my 91 and a new one was just welded in since they went the skillsaw route. This time however the thief was trying to be gentlemanly and actually used a wrench to unbolt the cat. I ordered what I thought was a direct fit replacement from magnaflow (part number 46882) only to find that the piping is of a smaller diameter and the flange internal diameter for the gasket is too small. Also, its too short by about 5 inches. I should have measured first, but I was pissed and only thinking of the $1000 the dealer quoted me for a OE replacement. The Magnaflow pipe that would fit is 23882, but its only 49 state legal.

So here we are. My truck is a 1995 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L, originally from washington so there's no california emmisions equipment on it. Are the exhaust pipes a larger diameter on non california trucks? I really want to order a non CARB cat and just throw it under and be on my merry way, but what am I to do? Since the thief was kind enough to leave my flanges I feel like I should use them if possible, but a custom flange addition on a lousy cat at midas is gonna cost an arm and a leg for crappy installation anyways. I was also trying to take a trip this weekend, so having the truck would be pretty nice by then. I'm open to suggestions, and thanks ahead of time.

Alec

 

There was only a difference between Cali. and Federal 3 Gen in 1999 and 2000. The Magnaflow is 49-state not because it is designed for a different 49-state truck, but because it has not complied with the CARB required testing and paperwork to be an approved after-market replacement part.

I'm sorry but I have no suggestions because I have no understanding of CARB issues other than what I just stated. NJ is bad enough.

 

Can't answer all your questions- but I would venture a guess an exhaust shop is going to be cheaper than Midas and can flare out a pipe to fit your too short cat.

No sense spending any great amount of money on it if this is somewhat likely to happen again.

Call around or get some recommendations for a decent exhaust outfit-do you have "Exhaust Pros" out in Cali? I used them for my muffler install and found them quite reasonably priced.

Sorry to hear this has happened to you again, and perhaps spend some of the money you save on a cat guard to foil their efforts.

 

All right. Check this out:
Magnaflow 46882 (its actually for a 96 Tacoma 2.7L cause they didn't offer 2.7L in CA in 95):
http://www.magnaflow.com/02catalytic...irectfit=46882

And the 23882:
http://www.magnaflow.com/02catalytic...irectfit=23882

The internal diameter on the flange for mounting the gasket is different for the 2 converters and I do not know why. Also, the ID of the internal tubing on the cat is smaller than the exhaust tubing on my truck so its a mismatch. Did toyota put smaller exhaust tubing on 1996-1999 trucks? Anyone else in California have issues replacing CARB cats and what did you do about it? Thanks!

 

That is horrible. you need to booby trap that thing!

 

Man you guys in Cali get ripped off all the time.

 

You need a Trunk Monkey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geynA-JYDHE

 

Try all your nearest junk yards for an OE replacement.

 

to get a 49 state cat, you will have to go to NV. i would think you have the wrong one there would be no reason for the pipe to be a different size. i would also check out pricing at www.autoanything.com

 

After the second time I would just run a straight pipe in place of the cat and put some hand wrench clamps, then when it comes time to smog crawl under there and switch it out.

 

I didn't know they were still stealing those things... damn..

 

Dude, they stole your CAT? What DI€K$!

I like socal's idea. Especially if you need it back quick. You will have to pay under the table though as that certainly won't be legal.

Will running no cat mess up the muffler?

 

Running no cat will give you

a smelly exhaust
louder exhaust
much less back pressure (if you had a normal cat, not a flow through)

muffler should be fine

 

muffler shop, have them extend that pipe thats to short, they can flare the ends as stated above and it shouldnt be that much, $50 or so. Last weekend I had a piece of tube bent 3 times and had 4 ends flared for $30

 

while your at it have them add something so your cat will not get stolen



8) Catalytic Converter Protective Sleeves
Protective coverings for your catalytic converter, such as the device known as the “Catclamp,” can deter thieves as well. The Catclamp and competitor Catcuff makes it much more difficult for the reciprocal saw wielding thief to steal your converter. They are somewhat pricey though, and if you’re operating a fleet of vehicles or an auto dealership it won’t be cost effective. They are great for owners of one or two cars.