P0420 code but no cat

I was looking into the usual suspects to resolve a p0420 code and discovered that my car doesn’t have a cat.

my exhaust is pretty much brand new installed by the previous owner so I’m conflicted about what to do.

since the trucks over 25 years old in my state I don’t technically have to have a cat to pass my inspection.

I want the car to run right so I’m curious how I should resolve this. I’m leaning toward replacing the entire exhaust system after the first o2 sensor and adding a cat back. Does anyone have any recommendations for an aftermarket exhaust / cat?

 

** P.S. this is also an open debate as to whether or not this justifies buying a welder and gettin'er done myself**

 

Hopefully you're not confusing the muffler in the pic as the catalytic converter

Do you have pics of the exhaust in the engine bay? Or up by the transmission tunnel?

 

This is the 2.7 so it should have one cat between the two o2 sensors in the first picture. I just double checked to be sure. No secret cats under the hood

 

Any of you california people see any irony in the ops post. He's wanting a cat and don't have to have one. It's not friday.

 

There's nothing wrong with wanting the vehicle to operate as it was designed

 

I totally agree. On a more serious side you could buy a cat and the appropriate bung downstream weld them both in and purchase upstream and downstream sensors and hope for the best.

 

The purpose of this post is for people to weigh in with some pros and cons.

I've heard conflicting things about engine performance with/without cats. Some people seem to think it can increase horsepower but I've heard overwhelmingly negative feedback about cat deletes.

The pros seem to be save money / make car sound cool.

Hypothetically I have everything but the cat to get this done if I Frankenstein my current exhaust and do some welding.

 

If you add an aftermarket cat, i would recommend one that is CARB compliant just because aftermarket cats don't tend to last very long and/or can be hit or miss.

from a performance standpoint, you may notice a little less torque down low but a little more power higher in the rpm ranger. Maybe. Otherwisee a little more sound and the exhaust will burn eyes.

A 90* fouler should take care of the light on your dash

 

Like this!

It's like $30 plus tax and shipping

 

This is more or less my understanding of cat deletes.

Thanks for the advice. I'm leaning toward new cat just trying to buy something that isn't hot garbage....

 

If you want it to be as designed it will cost you but install a OEM cat and you’re done for a long time.

 

I'm looking into CARB certified vs OEM right now, one of which I would need to pass NYS inspection technically. Both are looking mighty expensive.

The funny thing is I passed this year without a cat ....vehicles over 25 years old don't have to pass emissions tests but apparently are visually inspected for CARB certified cats??

 

That would suck to spend all that money........and then someone steals it for a 20 dollar bill


Dont go to the cinema in NE of our city

 

Forget someone stealing one...I can't even find one for sale

 

I bought a $120 one from JC Witney....



but that was 5yrs ago........today I think I would of just straight piped it....and bought the O2 adaptor

 

Search for a post titled O2 Sensor eliminator. If this was me I would try this first.

 

Jcarpart Exhaust Gas Spacer Sensor Extension, 90 Degrees, Multi-Fit, Compatible with Toyota Tacoma - Walmart.com

 

I've read a few threads on here where Magnaflow seems to work out pretty well, at least compared to some of the cheaper options. I don't need the OBDii check any more, I've had the P0420 code for the last three inspections (Cataclean cleared the code for a few months each time), and I don't plan on replacing it when it goes. I'll either delete it or use the spacer option.

https://www.magnaflow.com/collections/1996-toyota-tacoma-catalytic-converters?california=true

 

This one is almost exactly what I bought for mine

problem was the flanges were a different size bolt spacing

sooo those had to be cut off and straight welded into the pipe


MagnaFlow HM Grade Federal / EPA Compliant Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter 23886