Generic catalytic conv replacement success stories?
- Thread starter hh65flyer
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I think that it is actually 2.25" since some online descriptions say 2"-2.5". I think they mean for the installer to choose inside or outside to fit.
- Thread starter
- #23
Update: Got my exhaust work done last week and have been driving code-free for several days now. I bought two new O2 sensors and the 2.25 MagnaFlow cat (94005) from Amazon all for just under $200. I paid $200 to have the system put together with a generic muffler.
Fortunately we were able to re-use most of the existing tailpipe section as that would have added significantly to the cost. The exhaust guy said he had never worked on an 80 series before and underestimated the labor. Thought it would be 1.5 hrs, ended up taking closer to 2.5 hrs.
Anyway, so far all is well and I'm pleased to have escaped for less than $400. I hope to see some improvement in MPG. The sound is already a major improvement!
Fortunately we were able to re-use most of the existing tailpipe section as that would have added significantly to the cost. The exhaust guy said he had never worked on an 80 series before and underestimated the labor. Thought it would be 1.5 hrs, ended up taking closer to 2.5 hrs.
Anyway, so far all is well and I'm pleased to have escaped for less than $400. I hope to see some improvement in MPG. The sound is already a major improvement!
- Thread starter
- #24
So I thought I would update this thread after a couple months of driving with the above mentioned repairs. All has been well except for a PO420 code every once in a while. I'm going to try and make a spacer for the rear O2 to see if that helps matters. Of course our 80's have to be different in that we don't use the typical screw-in type O2 sensor. With those type of sensors you can use a plug-fouler as a spacer pretty easily. So some fab will be in order. I need to get a leaky Y-pipe fixed first though just to rule that out as a possibility. I was able to get the inner portion of the Y-pipe welded but now the other side is leaking and access there is quite limited.
93yotasr5
Come and take it
Here's a database for California showing which aftermarket cats are approved and smog-legal. This would be a good starting point because if it's good enough for this tree-hugger state, it will be good enough for the rest of the world
https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTool/CatalystSearchTool.aspx
Car Sound Exhaust System, Inc. = Magnaflow, FYI
They didn't even list one for 93-94
LFD2037
TEXAS LEXUS!
Can I run this cat and stay CEL free?
http://www.magnaflow.com/02catalytic_converters/02product/displayuniversal.asp?universal=99005HM
http://www.magnaflow.com/02catalytic_converters/02product/displayuniversal.asp?universal=99005HM
Installed the ^same^ a couple years ago. My exhaust guy would only install the Heavy metal version claiming the only way to be trouble free down the road.
- Thread starter
- #28
Another update to this thread. I am now consistantly getting the PO402 CEL on pretty much every drive. I fabricated a couple of spacers to pull the O2 as far out of the exhaust flow as possible but that hasn't helped at all.
I did a test today with my IR therm and looked at inlet and outlet temps. The inlet was about 20 deg warmer than outlet with engine running at 2K. I thought the temp was supposed to be higher on the outlet side if the cat was doing its job?
Pretty frustrating. I'm considering getting a different cat welded in or an 'O2 Fooler'. I hate CEL!
I did a test today with my IR therm and looked at inlet and outlet temps. The inlet was about 20 deg warmer than outlet with engine running at 2K. I thought the temp was supposed to be higher on the outlet side if the cat was doing its job?
Pretty frustrating. I'm considering getting a different cat welded in or an 'O2 Fooler'. I hate CEL!
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
if I were you I would just go with an o2 sim, especially if you don't have to smog, you can run a single cat if you care at all about the environment. I did this on my v8 fj40 and it worked well.
93yotasr5
Come and take it
Do you have pics of the install?
- Thread starter
- #33
Prob right. I know there's a MUD member that sells them. No smog here...just want the CEL gone!
- Thread starter
- #34
I wanted to update and close this thread out...
I finally ended-up buying and installing an O2 Sim. It works great and I haven't had any CEL issues at all after a couple of tanks of fuel now. I think my mileage may have even improved slightly! So I guess one could say that this mod pays for itself in the long run.
I finally ended-up buying and installing an O2 Sim. It works great and I haven't had any CEL issues at all after a couple of tanks of fuel now. I think my mileage may have even improved slightly! So I guess one could say that this mod pays for itself in the long run.
I have a single highflow cat. Rattles around abit now but no codes. Check w your local laws first. Modified from stock exhaust is illegal here in VA. So yea I did it before I lived here. Now it's a pita to get it worked on because it's "illegal".
Tromz
Tromz
SmokingRocks
hopelessly addicted to Cruisers
Will I be able to pass CO emissions with generic cats? Previous owner straight piped the truck and now I'm trying to make it legal before my trip to moab.
i have magnaflow 49 state cats on my truck and pass emissions not problem and no cels related to the cats. they also make 50 state legal cats which should be G2G for CA has they have more elements inside the cats to reduce emissions.
SmokingRocks
hopelessly addicted to Cruisers
Ok thats good news. I need a new exhaust asap since my truck is running on expired tags.... shhh don't tell anyone!!! Im working on it!!! I know a lot of people swear by OEM cats and thats great n all but I don't have 2 g's to drop on this, I just need it to pass emissions so I can get it registered.
Got quoted roughly 500 to install two cats, a muffler and all the pipe. Seemed reasonable since I really don't want to weld up my own exhaust.
Got quoted roughly 500 to install two cats, a muffler and all the pipe. Seemed reasonable since I really don't want to weld up my own exhaust.
That seems pretty reasonable for all the work and parts involved.
I paid $180 for a dual cat install, guy did it in his back yard in about an hour on a cold 25 degree day. 4 years later and still good to go.
SmokingRocks
hopelessly addicted to Cruisers
Yea I think I am going to take it in tomorrow and have it done.
