Any way to know if the replaced catalytic converter will pass CA insprection?

Some CA smog stations do an underneath visual inspection. Some do not. If she takes the Prius, her job is to ask around and find out which ones don't.

EDIT: I personally would just keep the NC tags/registration, and if she gets pulled over by the CHP to say that she's visiting family for a couple of weeks.

 

Keeping the tag's only works until you get pulled over by the same cop twice, Then it becomes a fix it ticket, 30 day's usually to correct it. The visually inspection in Ca. is the kicker however. If it did not look like that from the factory, it's illegal and you fail. It does not matter if the car burns clean.

And now that I think about it, there is also an X-Factor. The sticker under the hood that show's vacuum hoses and all the assorted emission equipment on the car. Also shows it's a Ca. car.

Now the fact of the matter is that every car. Since about 1984 anyway, can pass the Ca emission standards. But if a car is from out of state (not a CA car??) It will more than likely get extra scrutiny. At least the first time. That would be the kicker.

Some a CA car with a replacement Cat, could sneak by. But it would be very risky the first time for a car from out of state.

Unless of course you know a guy that knows a guy.

 

What aftermarket cat was it?

 

Are you brain dead? Doesn't matter what aftermarket cat it is if the inspector doesn't look at it.

Just put one on and see what happens. Enough of this nonsense, you're asking the same thing in 5 different threads.

Order this one for $135 "Amazon part Autosaver88" sold and shipped by Amazon, and take a chance. At least you can always return it to Amazon.

 

In CA the smog check places look, unless they are crooked, I suppose.

My car was smog checked a few months after the cat was stolen and replaced, and a shield added. They absolutely checked. First the guy stuck a mirror on a long stick underneath but apparently he couldn't get a good enough view through the shield that way. So he stuck his cell phone under and took a couple of flash pictures, which were good enough to see whatever it was he needed to see. (Just in case, I had brought all the repair records from Toyota of Pasadena, but he didn't need to look at them.)

 

There are 2 kinds of emission testing statons in CA. One is listed as test only and they can't do any work on the vehicle if it doesn't pass. The other is a Star station and they can both test and work on emission problems. One of the things Star stations have to do is physical inspections and since the CA BAR sends lots of "secret shoppers" to keep them honest, most Star stations actually do the inspection part where many of the test only do not. Star stations generally charge a bit more.

Occasionally you will get a registration due letter specifying a Star station is required because they do random polling, especially of older cars and they often do this for a particular older model of car that has shown data that it is typically a high polluter. If the vehicle ever failed an emission test you would likely be going to a Star station.

If have a choice, always go to a test only emission testing place for the greatest chance of passing if you think your vehicle might be questionable.