Cali Cat Question

I have a '96 xcab 2.7 lit.The cat has gone bad. I went to a shop and they said it's a Cali emissions and needs the Cali cat with instulations it was $450.00 I live in WA. Does anyone know if I really need the Cat for Cali emissions or will any Cat work just fine?
thanks

 

As far as I know, they are blowing smoke up your ass!

 

Are now living in CA. Are gonna Smog it in CA. Where are you gonna live in CA if you are, some places don't require a smog.

If you need to smog it in Ca you are shit out of luck and will have to fork over the money. The $450 sounds a bit on the low side.

As of 1-1-09 Ca passed a new law about CAT replacements that have to be CA certified and cost a shit load more than any other state.


Welcome to California!

 

Magnaflow's CAT retails at $550

http://www.car-sound.com/04basics/04california.asp

 

Guess I don't know shit. Guess u learn something new every day

 

But what is stupid OBD-I CATs are only like $90 bucks. Me thinks 95 and older.

I gotta put one on my 89.

 

I live in WA, and don't plan on living in Cali, they were saying it has to be a Cali cat for the computer to get the proper readings. It sounds like bull sh*t to me. Is there a way to see if it really has Cali emissions, by vin number or something?

 

So you are smoging it in CA but don't live in CA. Huh what am I missing. Look at the engine bay there should be a sticker in there. emissions decal and it should say something like CA approved or 49 state.

 

Ok his Truck is in Washington.
He is smogging it in Washington.

Washington like many other states are following California laws for emission testing.

So the cost of $450 is not bad, it still sucks.
Do your research. Look online and aound other shops.
Never buy without research first.

I would go to another shop first and see if they say the same thing.
Do not tell them about the first shop.

Then look online for CA CAT's.

 

I see.
Now that sucks.
Ca sucks.

 

Prior to Jan. '09 Cali used the same OEM cats as other states. High flow cats may have been different then. Now all our CATs must be CARB certified (visual inspection stamped on side of cat) in order to test. My understanding is that old CATs will pass the test, just not the visual. Dont know the rules for WA.
LCEngineering.com sells CARB direct fit replacement CATs now, price compare???
Have fun with the rep.