3rd Gen Catalytic Converter Thefts a thing?

Hey CaliRaised - I purchased a set of your cat shields for my dad’s 3rd gen Tacoma, we loved them!!

I wanted to get cat shield for my 2.7l 4banger 4x4 3rd gen, do yall have options/plans for the 4banger? Thanks!

 

I got a skid plate with catalytic converter shields on my DCSB with a manual from OK Expeditions that I am pretty happy with... I wanted aluminum for the weight savings but you pay for it...
https://www.okexpedition.ca

 

Has anybody installed aftermarket catalytic converter or 2 deleted and had any issue with check engine light

 

I have the Cat Shield Toyota sells as an accessory; a bit of a pain to install, but in the 18 months since it went on, no issues.

 

I see them chopped on the streets on the daily, possibly 20 cars a week. I've also seen with my own eyes the shields being defeated and failing emissions by some shops due to covering up the cats. To eliminate these issues I welded solid steel onto mine, prevents being stolen and easily passes emissions.

 

Failing emissions? I seriously doubt it.

 

The shop I go to, in addition to the OBD scan, also does a visual inspection as part of the smog test. I can see how this could cause issues.

 

I would argue there are many ways to confirm the existence of a catalytic converter "hidden" by a shield; if a shop is incapable of doing so, they are utterly incompetent.

 

Luck of the draw I guess, really on the tech and about who you know, if the techs aren't able to see the code i.e. shield blocking it, they are able to fail you visually. A cali thing, it also states that on the CARB website not to weld or put shields on it (you can find this specifically on the website), believe me I am fence on some of these laws, they're not up to date and it needs to change or at least updated with what is happening. What I did was weld around it so they cant take it (able to view codes on cat), and also put a shield with easily removable screws (in case I need to remove it)which added two layers of protection.

 

Every shop I've been to in at least the last decade has bore scope types of cameras which they can insert under the shield to read the codes; no need to pull the shield.

 

They still use mirrors with rods here, that's good that you won't need to remove them if they have a camera. Still the shield can be defeated therefore adding an extra layer of assurance such welding the metal cages also helps to prevent theft. There are tons of shields at the shop where I go, actually multiple shops and they literally give them out for free because they end up removing so many.

 

Can relate re the tech and the shop. Different situation but since MA changed the inspection process about 5 yrs ago to having it recorded and the inspector having to don a headset and perhaps be told to go do this or that, I've failed twice for no 3rd seatbelt despite my truck being a regular cab and every reason they can give that I could use the middle "seat" is illegal by MA law.