What Catalytic Converters Are Legal In California?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for California Emissions Certified vehicles, model years 2001 and newer, operated in the state. EPA-compliant converters may be used on vehicles from model years 2000 and older, OR all Federal/EPA-only Emissions Certified vehicles, regardless of model year.

Can I install my own catalytic converter in California?

ATTENTION: Under California regulations, it is illegal to install a catalytic converter based solely on physical shape, size, configuration or pipe diameter .

Are aftermarket catalytic converters legal in California?

Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California’s anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state. ... To determine the correct catalytic converter part number for your vehicle, you will need its make, model, model year, engine size and test group/engine family designation.

Why are some catalytic converters illegal in California?

The answer is, not enough to qualify for sale in the State of California! In order to be legally sold and installed in California, a catalytic converter must undergo extensive testing to prove that it is durable and meets emission control requirements .

Are Flowmaster catalytic converters legal in California?

Flowmaster catalytic converters are built for a long product life with consistent and reliable performance. ... The converters meet all federal environmental regulations and emission standards. Not legal for use in California.

Can you sell a car in California without a catalytic converter?

You can sue the dealer for fraud for selling the car to you without a catalytic converter. ... Without a catalytic converter, your car won’t be able to pass the smog test in CA. If the certificate indicates that it passed the smog test, that could provide further evidence of fraud.

What is the difference between an OEM and aftermarket catalytic converter?

OEM Catalytic Converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car if handled adequately. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters have no responsibility to survive that long , so they are made using cheaper materials.

Can you drive a car without a catalytic converter?

Did you know that it’s illegal to drive a vehicle without a working catalytic converter? Yes ! In states like California, where the regulations are extremely strict, you might need to pay thousands of dollars on fines if you’re caught driving without the catalytic converter.

Why are catalytic converters so expensive in California?

It really comes down to commodity pricing of rare, expensive, precious metals. It is fairly expensive to use enough of these metals in your catalytic converter to effectively reduce emissions, and this is the main controller of cost.

How much is a catalytic converter in California?

Type of Catalytic Converter Price as of 05/2017 OEM Numbers BAP California Legal Direct Fit Catalytic Converter $335.95 840301 Magnaflow 49 State Legal Direct Fit Catalytic Converter $388.54 93200, 18318 BAP 49 State Legal Direct Fit Catalytic Converter $320.95

Can you pass smog without a catalytic converter?

Answer: No, it is not . My recommended procedure is not tampering with the functioning of the catalytic converter. In most cases, the reason why an old CC fails a smog test is because the smog equipment is calibrated too sensitively.

Can a single cat pass smog?

Adding a CAT might help emissions but won’t help pass the smog test . Adding a catalytic converter to a vehicle which was originally not designed for one will cause it to fail the smog check.

What year cars need catalytic converters?

CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for California Emissions Certified vehicles, model years 2001 and newer , operated in the state.

How much is a aftermarket catalytic converter?

money. An aftermarket catalytic converter can save you over 80% on the price of a new one, costing less than $200 , and sometimes as low as $60. However, there are significant downsides in purchasing aftermarket, and you should be aware of them before making your decision.

How can I get a good catalytic converter?

  1. Select Your Application. The best way to begin your search for the right catalytic converter is by first narrowing your focus to the converters that fit your vehicle’s year, make, and model. ...
  2. Identify The Emissions Level. ...
  3. Select The Right Converter Grade. ...
  4. Select the Configuration of Your Converter.

What catalytic converters are worth the most?

Which Catalytic Converters Are The Most Expensive? According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430 , with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Charlene Dyck
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Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.