Hey guys i know its a topic that comes up a good amount, but i need a good replacement cat that will get my truck to pass smog here in Cali.

Also i was thinking about making the new Cat removable, and just using a straight pipe until smog time. I just figure the easiest way to prevent it getting stolen again is just to not have one. I'm not against them, i just don't want to lose the investment as it was stole in front of where i live, i cannot park anywhere else.

I don't much care about the environment, but i do care about my gas milage. Would a straight pipe change this?

I can see a sensor still on the exhaust system by where the cat was.... which i assume is the O2 sensor. So i think i am good there.

Any and all advice is welcome, I am looking for ideas on replacements, ways to prevent them from getting stolen etc... just no more jokes about lost cats in trees

 

Catastrophic converters are a waste of space. Straight pipe should help both power and mileage. How much I can't really say.

 

He's in cali so he has to have a cat to pass SMOG...

 

Go to the scrap yard buy a cat. Then hollow it out and mount it up. It will pass smog just your nox will be right at the mark.

 

You a 3.slow SoCal?, cuz it sounds tempting.

 

Maybe you can clarify a little bit. I would think that's an automatic check engine light, which as you probably know is an automatic smog fail. Or maybe I'm missing something?

 

Well i drove it today with no cat, just a big gap in the exhaust and there still is no check engine light.

 

OBD1 wont throw a code. on the other hand, OBDll will throw a code. If you have a 3.0 then im asumming yours is a OBD1. I been driving with a test pipe for over 3 years. Gas milage stays the same at about 20mpg, but i have a 22re. I guessing it should be the same with your 3.0 Also have a cat on the side for smog. Haha i say go with the test pipe cause the after market cats now a day will not last till your next smog check. How do i know? I work at a smog shop

 

i did the straight pipe / catalytic converter swap out. but all i have to say is dont get caught...

 

No problems No check Engine light. But I have a 22re

 

It is illegal for scrap yards to sell used cats.

 

This has been my recent experience on my 22RE.

 

I've had a Magnaflow high-flow cat since 2008 and it's still doing its job.

 

I just want to say to all: "thanks for the laffs."

Whatever the OP does HAS TO PASS THE FIRST TIME or it's all for naught.

The wrecking yard can't sell converters. The auto part store down the street can't sell converters. Converters can only be sold AND installed by LICENSED installers and the converters are serialized. Any "new" converter installed in Cali has to be certified for use on the vehicle it is being installed on.

Options- existing passes the tests... otherwise factory or CARB approved aftermarket only.

All this courtesy of the Democrats.