Newbie to Taco world - converter stolen

I am new to the site and have recently become a victim of catalytic converter theft. The thief(s) unbolted the back and cut the pipe to the front of the converter. I was parked around the side of the Home Depot in Cypress, TX (suburb of Houston) where I could avoid door dings. I was gone for only a few minutes so they must have taken it while still hot.

What is the best (low cost) way to prevent this from happening? I am installing a converter bypass (straight pipe) and an o2 simulator to prevent the "check engine" light. If the State vehicle inspector is diligent and visually inspects for the converter, then I will have to install the converter temporarily.

If there is no converter on the truck, then it cannot be stolen and I can continue to park wherever I want.

1999 Toyota Tacoma Xtra cab Limited

 

this happens more than a lot of people think. the only thing i can suggest is to somehow put a metal strap over the top of it so that it can not be dropped out but if someone really wants it they are gonna get it.

 

Also welcome to TW

 

also, does the exhaust pipe bolt to the front of the converter or is it welded?

 

usually they are welded on either side

 

skid plates, check out budbuilt cant cut a converter out if they cant reach it

 

Yeah the stock ones have titanium in them, so f*cking thieves will get them if they want them. Had mine stolen at a Lowe's in AZ. The store camera caught them doing it, but it was to grainy to see who it was or get a plate number, but it literally only takes them 2-3 minutes to do. Just put a standard aftermarket on and they wont want it. They only want the stock ones with titanium.

 

at least leave your name when you neg rep me so i can say mean things to you over the internet, people these days

 

Welcome to TW. Too bad about the theft.

New members can only "neutral" rep. So it may not have been intended to be a negative.

Frank

 

Welcome from N.J.

 

Happened today to my 98 in san antone while i was at work... looked to have unbolted the back and cut the front... truck sounds terrible without it, limped her home whie im waiting for parts to arive. Apparently the idiots (a male and female in a dark bmw) didnt see the red jacket firearms logo on my truck....

 

The thieves get maybe $200 and I have to pay $800 to restore and prevent future thefts - and that includes doing the work myself.

Mine was unbolted in back and cut in the front too. they also got the front 02 sensor ($170 for the non-California model at Toyota). I do not know how it connects to the truck as it was apparently ripped out. There is no connector left hanging. Where does it connect?

Also, the exhaust flange nuts have some type of blind nut covering on them and they will not turn. Can it be driven out by the reverse torx fitting on the end?

see attached photo

 

Welcome!

 

ttached pics

 

I took my Taco to the local muffler shop and they reportedly removed the bolts by cutting them out with a torch. I was told that they are not designed to be removed by wrench. I was also able to locate the o2 sensor connection - it is on top of the transmission (for the front sensor). Now, to locate a replacement CC and bypass pipe..

 

Sorry about that, too many degenerates out there.

 

Sorry bout your crap ther OP, but I am left wondering.



What can I do to try to prevent this from hapening in the future? A skid plate seems kinda expensive, any other ideas?

 

********, catcuff, weld the cat bolts, I am told that theives will not steal aftermarket cats so you could swap yours out and sell your original at the scrap metal yard (+$50 is better than -$1500). You could also run a test pipe - let me know if you see any for sale (for 5VZ-FE, single cat config).

 

looks like I may have to buy a welder and make my own test pipe. Anyone know what the exhaust pipe size is on a 1999 5VZ-FE (3.4L) with a single cat? It measures to be about 2.75 inches diameter. Would the collar be standard based upon the pipe size?

 

I bought the replacement down exhaust pipe from Toyota and had Mieneke Muffler cut out the old sawed-off piece and install the new. Then I had a muffler shop in Michigan (could not find locally) fabricate a 17.5 inch test pipe (2.25 inch diameter) with floating collars. I bought an o2 signal translator from underdog racing to keep the CEL off. When inspection time comes around I can bolt the aftermarket Cat in place, get the sticker and put the test pipe back on (4 bolts).

If any cat thieves wish to steal my catalytic converter they will have to find it first. Hint: it's somewhere in the attic - not mine, of course.