best aftermarket catalytic converter

[landarcht]

Looking to replace the the bank 2 Cat due to the P430 faulty code keep being displayed for the past 5+ years. My 2005 has 166K miles on it but still runs nice to date. I bought an OBDII scanner just to turn off the code, but it seems to come back more frequently now, 1-2 weeks vs. before it was more like few months. Again, car has no issues and passes inspections with fly colors. Although I will check if its the O2 sensors before considering replacing the cat. But I assume if it is O2 sensors issue, it would give me a different code? I'm also not sure if it is upstream or downstream O2 or both.
So, what's the best Cat aftermarket replacement? Not sure I can shell out for a new Toyota Cat. so I'd like to get a decent aftermarket that's a direct fit, maybe it can help squeeze a few ponies that would be icing on the cake. I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[saucebox]

Replacing just the downstream sensors did the trick for me, but it seems that isn't always common. The Denso sensors were around $45 each a year ago, maybe more now.

 

[landarcht]

I will have all O2 sensors checked first. Otherwise, I was thinking about the Magnaflow Cat. or even a rebuilt one.

 

[Stryder03]

Is there a huge difference between manufacturers? I found these at Autozone . For half the price of the Magnaflow, they are tempting

 

[gregnash]

Think it really just depends on local regulations. For instance, California is one of the most stringent states when it comes to this stuff. So yeah, depending on where you are you could be in a bit of trouble.

 

[Stryder03]

Think it really just depends on local regulations. For instance, California is one of the most stringent states when it comes to this stuff. So yeah, depending on where you are you could be in a bit of trouble.

I didn’t stay in California for a multitude of reasons, CARB being one of them.

 

[gregnash]

I didn’t stay in California for a multitude of reasons, CARB being one of them.

Right, which is why I mentioned they have the most stringent. Best way to avoid any issues is to check local regulations and go from there. There was another thread last week asking about aftermarket cats that had some good information.

 

[vipergrhd]

Just would like to add that if you are in Cali you have to buy OEM since there is no listing for my 03 4runner with 2UZ that is CARB approved, both of my Cats are gone at 290k.

 

[2001LC]

I've used Davico aftermarket CAT. I did so because; One was already on other bank, it's a bolt on rather than weld, has at least a small heat shield on top side and was reasonably priced (found online for $300 to my door). What I did not like: Smaller/less than OEM CAT material, not a full heat shield.

Heat shield or lack of can be problematic. Radiates more heat to cabin and fuel lines. More care needs taken, as to where one drives or parks, as can be more of a fire hazard then fully heat shielded CATs.

CAT for the VVT engine which is a little different than non VVT 4.7L 2UZ. As it has O2 port between two CATs, Non VVT has port behind CAT material.

Before replacing CAT, if CAT indeed bad. Try to find the cause, it went bad. Very rare for a CAT to just fail on it's own.

1) Prolonged idling. OM states do not!
2) Faulty O2. CAT may be okay.
3) Up stream tune issue.
4) Air leak(s) in exhaust near or up stream of CAT
5) Coolant leaking into cylinder(s) getting to CAT.
6) CAT took a bad hit damaging it.
7) Excessive oil or unburnt fuel.
8) Back pressure excessive due to clog in exhaust pipe. (rodents nesting, deep water crossing stall, flooding washing in muck)
9) ----- something cause the failure. They don't just go bad in a lifetime (see mile mile tundra 4.7 2UZ VVT)

Also try a CAT cleaning product(s) and "Italian burn out" (High RPM HWY run for 7 to 10 minutes, to heat/cook CATs like a self cleaning oven).

 

[hoser]

Just would like to add that if you are in Cali you have to buy OEM since there is no listing for my 03 4runner with 2UZ that is CARB approved, both of my Cats are gone at 290k.

Did you check the CARB aftermarket database?

Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database

ssl.arb.ca.gov

 

[vipergrhd]

Did you check the CARB aftermarket database?

Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database

ssl.arb.ca.gov

Thanks for the heads up @hoser, it was almost a year since I looked for replacements I did looked today and Dorman have a pair of CARB approved replacements that cost more than OEM parts so I am saving up the cash and I will just buy OE since I have until March to get it fix.