Catalytic Converter

[Ricochet870]

With nearly 190k on the clock I am putting serious consideration into redoing the stock exhaust on my 95 YJ. Living in California, I'm getting dangerously close to not passing smog, so this is becoming imperitive.
I've been on Quadratec cobbling together what I think would work together and be cost effective as well, but I've run into a bit of a snag when it comes to the Cat and the headpipe. I'm looking at the Banks Torquetube and Monster Exhaust to cover the headers and cat-back systems, but can't seem to find a headpipe, and I'm confused about the offerings for Catalytic Converters. One is a Magnaflow (by carsound) that costs $80 and the other is a Random Technology that costs $265. I'm used to seeing differences in prices, but wow. Any ideas as to the differences between the two cats I've found? Any suggestions on the whole system or where to look for a headpipe would be more than welcome as well. Thanks.

-JD

[GeeAea]

There's an alleged issue on the Jest Coast about non-OEM replacement cats. It's GOT to be OEM ..no generics. I imagine that the one for $80 is 49 state legal or generic

Here's what RockAuto says for my 2002

EASTERN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS Part # 10156 {Part is for non-California emissions and cannot be shipped to CA}
GASKET NOT INCL.; 49 STATE DIRECT FIT

Maybe the RT cat is CARB certified. It's kinda an ante you pay to play, so to speak.

I take it for the YJ the collector isn't in the OEM spot? Otherwise, just look at Walker exhaust parts ..while you're there you can look at the 49 state catalytic converter catalog or the California catalytic catalog.


This is speculation, but I imagine that the difference between an OEM California cat and a 49 state OEM cat is testing/certification. We had a $2500 opacity meter for our dual NG/Oil fired boiler at my old job. The cost for the identical unit with PA certs was $16k. That's how much the sphincter testing was to say it was what it was.

[JeepDawg]

Why in the world would you want to put headers on a tired engine....even on a new stock engine, it would make no difference.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that bolting on the headers is going to help. Headers only help when you make other mods to the engine as well....everything has to be matched....

So, lets say you add a cam to give you some HP...well, that HP is not going to kick in until the upper RPM range.....that is about the same range the headers start to help. Do you plan to run that tired engine about 3K RPM a lot? If you do, plan on buying a new engine at the same time you buy the header.

You already have fuel injection....the computer is designed to work with your current exhaust....change it and it will most likely run worse.

Do a search on headers.....you will find plenty of guys removing them because they leak, are in the way, look like crap after a few years, etc. But you will find NO ONE who says it helped their stock engine while rock crawling.....

But if you want bragging rights....drop an LS1 in there...then you can have headers on both sides.

[LEVE]

Me, I'd hop on down to my favorite Mom and Pop muffler shop and have 'em put on a new system. They're usually less expensive than cobbling one together from parts and usually last just as long.. and the price includes labor to weld stuff together. That's a boon in the bush.

[GeeAea]

Awwww, JeepDawg ..never say that. That's rude ( )

You don't know how many times I've heard "why in the heck would you want to do that?". There's usually a subtext of "you idiot" floating in the background. Most learning processes are experienced not assimilated through osmosis. He'll figure out the value or lack of value when he's done. He has to do something with his tinkering itch.

In the case of my 4.0, I think a header is cheaper than getting another OEM manifold (which - looks like a header for all intents and purposes) ..so when the crack becomes untenable or intolerable, I might do this myself ..on a 140k engine ..that isn't tired in the least.

I just advise everyone to wait until the OEM wears out before they spend the money on a blinged exhaust. It's not taxed stock. I guess if you lived on the highway (daily driver) you might benefit from some lower restriction, but I doubt it would amount to much.

[Ricochet870]

GeeAea I checked on what you said about 49 state legality and you were right. I've begun talking to local shops to see what they can do for me as far as a new cat, but would still prefer to find a legal one online and do it myself, so if you know of any leads, I'd love to run them to ground. Thanks for the help thus far. I appreciate it.

-JD

[GeeAea]

Ooops ..your jeep is a 95 ..pre-OBDII cat... let me see.


Here's a quote from one converter site

New C.A.R.B. requirements for PRE-OBDII catalytic converters in CA.

New C.A.R.B. regulations (effective 1-1-09) change the requirements of pre-OBD II (1995 or older) aftermarket catalytic converters sold in CA. The new regulations require that pre-OBD II catalytic converters meet OBD II low emission vehicle (LEV) standards, a significant improvement in performance over the current generation catalysts.

Somehow, I want to read this as "all I have to do is buy an OBDII cat that carries the CARB badge" ..and whistle happy tunes.

Does anyone else read it differently? Now I'm sure there's a catch, but if you put 400063582063 into the ebay search engine, you get a CARB approved cat that can by shipped to CA

..the rest is up to your imagination (and my creative fudge factoring).

[LEVE]

Somehow, I want to read this as "all I have to do is buy an OBDII cat that carries the CARB badge" ..and whistle happy tunes.

Were it only that simple. The system has to carry CARB certification, both the parts (singularly) and the system as a whole (via a judge at an emission station.) ANY diversion from bare-bones OEM stock is going to have it's associated problems if you want it licensed.

[GeeAea]

Yes, but suppose the cat was replaced before 1/1/09? How would it be materially different? Not that I'd suggest telling said referee such a false statement, but I'm looking more towards how to advise someone not to violate our fine Califoria shepherd's rules

[JeepDawg]

Ya know.....this is slightly off topic....but.....somewhat related....

Everyone rags on CA and all the emissions stuff......

But today I was driving home....and I could see downtown LA (20 miles away) and the mountains (35 miles).....no rain....no weird weather...no high winds....and no smog....and this is July....historically one of the highest smog days....

Come to think of it....when I moved to LA 21 years ago we were having stage 2 & 3 smog alerts....I have not seen any of those in at least 15 years.....

I flew to DFW a couple of weeks ago....couldn't see downtown Dallas..or Ft Worth from the air.....and they don't have mountains to trap the smog in.....

So, yea, it's working......or, in other words, you can have your cake and eat it too....kinda pricey...but worth it.....it's like good sushi....you don't mind paying for it if its good.....

Buy the good cat....