New Catalytic Convertor?

Just picked my 2005 Tacoma TRD from the dealer. Had some recall work completed and had them check out my CEL with code P0430 while they had it. I was hoping it would be just the O2 sensor, but they said it was the catalytic convertor. He recommended I take it to someone other then Toyota to save some money. Is there any advice on these things, replacing them with an aftermarket cat? Thanks

 

Yep, I changed the code in the above post. Thanks.

 

I have seen and heard of people replacing their cats with aftermarket ones to save money, and have heard mixed reviews. Some had no problem, others continued to have failure codes until they went back with a factory cat. I guess it is up to you. Whichever way you decide, if you go aftermarket, don't think "cheaper is better". The cheaper the cat, the less platinum they use, and the lower the cat efficiency.

 

Urd y-pipe with o2 sim

 

Somewhere I read Flowmaster was good to use. I believe he did mention the Y-pipe, so I am assuming that entire piece can be replaced as a unit. Has anyone else changed theirs to an after-market cat? I don't plan on going as cheap as I can, you get what you for.

 

If it's throwing a code, I am assuming it's the front set of cats. Replacing the midpipe won't do anything. You would need something like this;

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3512535

They are $400 a piece from RockAuto. It's pricey, but you get some shorty headers out of it as well. The part numbers are 50848 and 50849.

 

oooo, I like those ^^^^ Anyone on here have 'em?
Any thoughts?
As long as they don't throw any engine codes I'm sure it will pass CA Smog, right?

 

One of the first things it says on the top of the page is:

"Not For Sale Or Use In The State Of California"

 

You might want to turn to Craigslist. I have seen stock Tacoma manifolds being sold a few times here in the Chicagoland area.

 

I understand it says not for CA. But what I don't get is why?

1) It shouldn't throw any engine codes, since they are made to be put in trucks that run in all the other states. It's the same truck, with O2 sensors. Any check engine light will automatically fail a smog test here.
2) it has catalytic converters. That should work just like the stock system, so all the emissions gasses should measure just like stock.
3) the only real question here that I don't have an answer to. Does anyone know if the smog tech actually looks under the hood? I would assume that is the only reason this product would not be CA legal. He pops the hood, sees that this aftermarket accessory is not "CARB approved" and then fail you right there.

 

Bingo. Now, whether or not the genius level miscreants running the test can actually tell the difference between this part and the factory one is a different story. Until (if) that parts gets a CARB EO number, you are taking a risk installing that and getting a smog test.

 

Smog tests and firearms restrictions. If it wasn't for those two things this state would be damn near perfect.

 

I can certainly understand why CA has the emissions regulations with the fact that there are so many drivers. But shit, it should be easier for companies to get CARB stickers.


My biggest gripe with the CARB BS is the fact that so many people have their piece of shit 1988 Honda Accord that puts out its own smoke screen and yet somehow they pass smog every 2 years! But if my new truck swaps out some small piece of metal I won't.

 

Meh, I'm okay with herpes.

 

Sorry, I have been gone over a week.
Just because the COMPUTER says everything is ok, does not mean that it will pass emissions testing. Your O2 sensors only measure for oxygen content in the exhaust, identifying fuel enrichment problems. Smog tests measure 5 different gasses, as well as the amount. I have seen trucks when I was doing smog testing in Dallas that would have no codes, and the fuel trim would be perfect, and the data shows everything running in tip-top shape, but the smog would fail because the system was just a tad high on HC output.
If a component that is sold says it can't be sold in California, then it means that they have either had their part submitted to the testing board and it failed, or they did not go through the cost and hassle of getting the part "California approved". A cat that will pass Texas emission standards just fine, may not pass the more strict standards in California.

 

I think the law must state that low income dirtbags get to polute as much as they want. Us working stiffs can't even flatulate with the smog police on our asses.

 

Cats are warrantied 8yr/80k under federal law, cali or not.

Are you so lucky to still be covered?

 

Why you tacoma owners have too many problems with the cats? They built into the exhaust manifolds or can be take appart the manifold? Does the O2 sensors are wide-band, or normal narrow-band? Anybody can explain why is the mess with the cats? Just can replace with any catalytic like any other car?

In this thread they are "acid washing" the catalytic and nobody can explain why they can just put an aftermarket cat (other than replace with the OEM $1300)?

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/241619-catalytic-converter-acid-wash-3.html

 

Now I see that's the problem, that the cats are part of the exhaust manifolds.

So the dealer doesn't quote the "catalytic converter", they sale the exhaust manifolds which have the catalytics on them. And will be a "mess" cutting off the old cats and welding a new cats on them...