Generic catalytic conv replacement success stories?

[hh65flyer]

Anybody successfully replaced the cat with one of the generic converters like the magnaflow universal?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-53006/overview/

My local shop is leery about it and won't guarantee against CEL probs.

I looked at RockAuto also but I don't have any flanges or anything so weld-in is the only option without complete replacement. Currently running with a 'test pipe' welded in. I'm not looking at a full restoration, just need to get an economical system on her to drive for the winter. Thanks!

 

[Parsnip]

I'm trying a single Magnaflow now. When I get P0401 fixed I will let you know if I pass smog. No DTC for O2 or cat at the moment.

PO cut the cats out, installed "test" pipe. I installed cat using a combination of pipe expander, clamps and putty. I really only need this to last until I can find a local shop that will make me a stainless manifold back exhaust.

I'm going to need a front exhaust pipe soon. (rust)

 

[hh65flyer]

Thanks for the reply Parsnip. No worries about smog here but I don't want to waste my money if it's not going to work. Did you use the 2" Magnaflow of 2.5?

My shop is saying that a generic 'CA' cat might work. They are stuck on the whole 'Lexus' thing and think it's going to be really sensitive...

 

[jcardona1]

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

 

[Mtbcoach]

I put a single Magnaflo cat on mine and not had any codes since...

 

[Parsnip]

<snip>Did you use the 2" Magnaflow of 2.5?<snip>

Last week I went through the O'reilly's and SummitRacing websites using their tools to find a cat. They came up with the same Magnaflow and I bought it at O'reilly's because I am much closer to O's and needed it then.

I don't have the car or the paperwork with me now to check but I am fairly sure it was 2" and not 2.5".

I haven't driven the car much and cannot say I won't get a CEL for O2/cat out of the deal so proceed at your own risk or I will update when I pass smog or get a MIL whichever is first. Hope this helps.

 

[hh65flyer]

Mtbcoach, Parsnip...can you get me a part # or measurements? Thanks!

 

[Parsnip]

Mtbcoach, Parsnip...can you get me a part # or measurements? Thanks!

O'Reilly's PN YMMV if you go elsewhere.

MGF 99006HM (49 ST CONV) $109.99

It is 16" long overall. I used a sawsall to cut 12.5" out of the straight pipe that was there. I disconnected the rear O2 pigtail and undid one exhaust hangar. I found that the pipe was a good fit if I were going to weld it right then. But I used a pipe expander to make the existing pipe a snug fit on the new converter. (too sung really) Then I used exhaust pipe clamps to crimp the pipe down well. No leak but I did follow up with a bit of muffler putty around the edges of the cat where it overlaps the pipe.

As of today I am MIL free but the cat monitor hasn't completed a drive cycle to set for ready. I will drive the pattern in the FSM and a bit more this weekend and then if it shows ready will take in for smog test.

I will post up in this thread whichever comes first passing smog or getting a MIL for cat or O2.

Cheers!

 

[profro]

I followed this guy's experience and used the Magnaflow he suggested and have had ZERO issues or CELs since its installation back in May of this year. Should have done it sooner.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/135549-new-cat.html

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Just had a single Magnaflow cat installed on the 92. The two original cats brought me 50 bucks each at the recycler. Don't forget to recycle. It pays...

 

[1973Guppie]

I am running dual magnaflows on my 96 and they are CARB approved, so far so good.....

 

[jkilcullen]

80s seem pretty forgiving. I removed the cats last month and installed a test pipe. No o2 related codes yet, just P0401 because I am too lazy to hunt it down and fix it. The truck does run better without them in my opinion. I am assuming that a single cat would do the trick. I believe that is what most ems customers run too ( a single cat unsure of brand)

 

[Parsnip]

Update: Passed emissions with no problem including visual inspection. Still no O2 or Cat codes. Or any other codes for that matter.

 

[hh65flyer]

Thanks for the update P. Once I finalize my setup and get everything done I will update this thread.

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Just had a single Magnaflow cat installed on the 92. The two original cats brought me 50 bucks each at the recycler. Don't forget to recycle. It pays...

Wow. 2 old for $50/ea? Funny, the new single one is $100 on Amazon! What a deal!

 

[surfpig]

I am running dual magnaflows on my 96 and they are CARB approved, so far so good.....

How do these fit with the Metal Tech sliders? Dual or single... Curious.

 

[hh65flyer]

O'Reilly's PN YMMV if you go elsewhere.

MGF 99006HM (49 ST CONV) $109.99

I looked that part up on their site. It says inlet and outlet are 2.5 inches. I was thinking the pipe is 2.0 diameter...

 

[Parsnip]

I looked that part up on their site. It says inlet and outlet are 2.5 inches. I was thinking the pipe is 2.0 diameter...

Go to the store and hold one take it back to their exhaust pipe bits. You will find that 2.0" pipe fits nicely inside the cat while 2.5" pipe fits nicely over the cat.

 

[hh65flyer]

I will be welding the cat in...you would recommend the 2.5 in? I guess I need to go to the store...I want to buy on-line though as they are $123 at my local parts store and about half of that at Summit.

 

[hh65flyer]

Maybe 2.25 is a good compromise... Much closer on the price you paid:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-99005hm/overview/