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Stolen Catalytic Converter

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by poseytaco, Jan 22, 2012.

  1. Jan 22, 2012 at 10:02 AM
    #1
    poseytaco

    poseytaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My catalytic converter was stolen off my 2000 Toyota Tacoma this weekend. What is the best option; replace with an aftermarket converter, a Toyota converter or a straight pipe? Just want to make sure exhaust stays quiet and don't want to lose performance.
     
  2. Jan 22, 2012 at 10:16 AM
    #2
    seksilumpia

    seksilumpia Well-Known Member

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    ^^ aftermarket is a lot cheaper. Not even a choice for me because i had to get the toyota cat because a lot of aftermarkets arent legal in Ca or ship to Ca.But if you can get aftermarket,why not!
     
  3. Jan 22, 2012 at 3:32 PM
    #3
    misterdmac

    misterdmac Well-Known Member

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    Did they cut your pipes on either side or just unbolt it? Either way you may as well go AM, they can be had new for $160+freight, direct fit (unless you have a welding job on your hands).
     
  4. Jan 22, 2012 at 3:36 PM
    #4
    TacoMX

    TacoMX TW's Official anti body-lift pundit

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    straight pipe and URD O2 sim :cool:

    But if you have a v6 those are pretty sensitive to drops in back pressure.

    But your best bet is to order a magnaflow cat and get it welded in. OEM cats are ridiculously expensive.
     
  5. Jan 22, 2012 at 5:12 PM
    #5
    Adam Baum

    Adam Baum Well-Known Member

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    Why would someone steal a catalytic converter? I must be living under a rock because I have never heard of this.
     
  6. Jan 22, 2012 at 5:21 PM
    #6
    Boerseun

    Boerseun Well-Known Member

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    I hear of it more and more. Especialy in states where you have to get emissions testing every year or every several years. Guys can't pass their emmisions test on their old clunkers and can't afford to buy a new cat, so they just steal one in order to pass the test.
    Others apparently steal it to recycle the material inside it - whatever is in there that makes it so expensive.
    Sad that the world is coming to this.
     
  7. Jan 22, 2012 at 5:21 PM
    #7
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    The metal inside it right? I want to say platinum.....
     
  8. Jan 22, 2012 at 5:54 PM
    #8
    Robertgeejr1

    Robertgeejr1 Well-Known Member

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    I have done all the hi-pro mods for a life time, since I got this truck at a great price, I will be happy with showroom new.
    Hi, I would go with magnaflow and aftermarket cats, I had a 2000 mustang gt and in 2005 i replaced the entire exhaust with it. I did it myself, it was just a step by step process but I did it. I talked with magnaflow about chicago, emissions laws and they told me it would pass with no problems and it did for 5 years, go with high quality and it should be made for all 50 states.
    And it will last much longer and wont rust out fast. I know it sucks, but maybe one day the thieves will get run over!
     
  9. Jan 22, 2012 at 5:55 PM
    #9
    TacoMX

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    yup...platinum....

    Some places will give $40 a cat because of the platinum and other metals in the cats.

    But some scrapyards wont take them anymore.
     
  10. Jan 22, 2012 at 9:38 PM
    #10
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solutionÂ…

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    Platinum and iridium are worth a lot of money, even as scrap in a cat. People will steal anything for a few easy bucks.
     
  11. Jan 23, 2012 at 1:55 PM
    #11
    poseytaco

    poseytaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    They cut it clean on both sides of the cat. I would like to put a straight pipe on, but I'm afraid it will mess with the computer on my truck. Check engine light is on now. I guess it has something to do with o2 sensor. Has anyone replaced there cat with a straight pipe. And are the aftermarket cats a good/quiet as stock. I have a 5 hundred dollar deductible If I turn it into insurance.
     
  12. Jan 23, 2012 at 6:39 PM
    #12
    TacoMX

    TacoMX TW's Official anti body-lift pundit

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    Aftermarket high flow cats are a bit louder than stock.

    But if you are concerned with noise don't straight pipe it, that will be significantly louder.

    Straight piping it wont mess with the computer, just make you have a constant CEL unless you use an O2 sim like the one from URD.
     
  13. Jan 24, 2012 at 3:57 PM
    #13
    JSFoster75

    JSFoster75 Well-Known Member

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    Too many to list.
    Straight piping could possibly give you better gas mileage, but not sure how it would affect the computer, etc. However, if you live in a state that requires inspections (I don't), then you'll have to have one to pass inspection...
     
  14. Feb 8, 2012 at 8:10 PM
    #14
    poseytaco

    poseytaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've been running a straight pipe for about 3weeks. Way to loud. Total loss of power and bad gas mileage. Took it to a muffler shop and told them to put an aftermarket cat and a o2 sensor on. Hope it takes care of my problems. This whole experience has made me more aware of my surroundings. Anytime I've been in a parking lot or garage since this ordeal I'm hoping to run in to someone carrying a sawsall and toolbag. I gaurantee the 100 bucks they get out of those things is not worth it..!!
     
  15. Feb 9, 2012 at 4:49 AM
    #15
    RacerP

    RacerP Well-Known Member

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    Just wait til the snip your spare cable and steal your spare!!! Just as big a PITA to replace the spare carrier and get a new spare!

    Typical here in Chicago!
     
  16. May 22, 2014 at 6:19 AM
    #16
    crazy barham

    crazy barham New Member

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    Ok so I've replaced my catalytic converter and the p042 code keeps coming on so could I be liking at a o2 sensor gone bad I'm tired of buying stuff that don't fix it my next question is will I be able to pass inspection in nc if I just take it off
     
  17. May 22, 2014 at 7:12 AM
    #17
    crazy barham

    crazy barham New Member

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    Ok so I've replaced my catalytic converter and the p042 code keeps coming on so could I be liking at a o2 sensor gone bad I'm tired of buying stuff that don't fix it my next question is will I be able to pass inspection in nc if I just take it off
     
  18. May 22, 2014 at 8:43 AM
    #18
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    You replied twice to an unrelated 2 year old post...

    thread-resurrection_4e13b6620a3797456ec4902274ac8629c63044e5.jpg
     
  19. May 22, 2014 at 9:36 PM
    #19
    gray223

    gray223 Well-Known Member

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    Mine went bad, took it off straight pipe and o2 simulator. Runs great no loss in torque that I can feel. Sound is just louder in the higher rpm range, but as long as you got the stock muffler it should alright.
     

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