5VZ-FE Cat Options

[mjosoba]

Hey guys, got the wondrous PO420 Code. All the threads I could find talked of cat replacement, OEM vs. aftermarket. However, I am interested in deleting the cat, and also taking care of the post cat 02 sensor in such a way that it does not trigger the check engine light and let's the engine run more or less normally. Had anyone done this? I'm in Kansas so no smog checks. Oh, and it's an '01 Tacoma 5 spd 4wd with 96,6xx miles. I was surprised to not find a thread covering this. However, if there is one I missed, a link would be much appreciated. Thnx, Michael.

 

[mjosoba]

NVM: I deleted mud from the search and got alot of info. Seems like this is the most popular method, if u're not going to do it right. I'll probably do this, with a straight pipe in place of the cat.

http://www.urdusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=1230100014

 

[40Habits]

I looked into this when I put a 5VZ in my 40 but it was cheaper to use a Magnaflow high performance cat then to delete it and use a simulator. Also recycling the old cat paid for the new one.

 

[Mr Chuck Norris]

The thing about a Magnaflow cat on a Toyota is that it will start throwing codes again after two or three years...

I'd go with the URD simulator myself.

 

[liljlandon]

The thing about a Magnaflow cat on a Toyota is that it will start throwing codes again after two or three years...

I'd go with the URD simulator myself.

Yep, this is true. Haven't thrown one in a few thousand miles, but I occasionally get the cat code. The magnaflow angle is a little off as well. I ended up using a flex hose with mine.

 

[Jetboy]

Why not just replace the cat and be done with it?

$150. Bolts in. Good for another 100k or more. (Mine is original at 200k and still going)

 

[Mr Chuck Norris]

Why not just replace the cat and be done with it?

$150. Bolts in. Good for another 100k or more. (Mine is original at 200k and still going)

Haha no... have you ever priced an OEM Toyota Cat? Try $1300.

http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/toyota~pipe~assy~exhaust~front~17401-62050.html

No aftermarket cat seems to work well with the 5VZ-FE either. It just throws codes after a year or two.

 

[Jetboy]

Ouch. Wonder what's the deal with the aftermarket cats being so crappy?

 

[Mr Chuck Norris]

Ouch. Wonder what's the deal with the aftermarket cats being so crappy?

I know that Toyota cats are built with higher amounts of precious metals (hence meth-heads stealing them) and are more efficient than a generic catalytic converter. So I would assume the O2 sensor is looking for a lower post-cat reading than an aftermarket cat can give.

 

[Pluton]

My own personal fantasy is that because the aftermarket cats have the minimum possible amount of expensive catalyst materials in them, that they just wear out and become ineffective sooner than the more richly endowed OEM units.