I replaced with an aftermarket convertor but car is a bit noisy at acceleration..

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Deepa Ramaswamy, Jun 23, 2023.

  1. Deepa Ramaswamy

    Deepa Ramaswamy New Member

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    So after two catalytic convertor thefts in 1 year, I decided to go with an aftermarket convertor (Davico). I had it installed with a new o2 sensor. But the car does not seem as smooth at acceleration as it was before..Once it picks speed it is good, but when starting after stop, it makes a noise which is not half as loud as without a convertor, but it seems louder than before the replacement. Any experience with aftermarkets..? Should I worry about this? Any help would be appreciated. Should I take it back to the mechanic? No engine light on though. Thank you!
     
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    You should get that shield and install it and put the OEM converter back in.
    Aftermarket converters are very cheap.

     
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Often, aftermarket converter assemblies and gaskets are not installed completely correct. Seen it many times where the fasteners at the exhaust manifold flange are not centered and it creates leaks. usually, it's all about attention to detail. The quality of the gasket makes a significant difference also.
     
  4. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    no codes no problem
     
  5. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Replace the intake gasket with a new OEM one and new compression springs. The universal ones that come with the catalytic converter are junk.
     
  6. SSAutomotive

    SSAutomotive Junior Member

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    Last aftermarket converter a customer used kept throwing CEL due to the volume being literally to small to process and catalyze the engine emissions... Go OE or OEM unless you're sure or there's a written guarantee.
     
  7. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Looks like he had and made an insurance claim on the first stolen one.

    For most of us who live on a limited income and do not have a spare $2500 or $3000 laying around for a new OEM cat, the only option is comprehensive insurance only if we have it or a less expensive aftermarket cat.

    The OP's got either a bad cat or a leak somewhere in the exhaust.

    A good aftermarket cat should function well. I'd get a Walker or for more money, a Magnaflow.
     
    #7 Georgina Rudkus, Jun 26, 2023
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2023
    Deepa Ramaswamy likes this.
  8. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I've replaced dozens of OEM Gen 2 catalytic converters in the last couple years, using the model I've posted about in previous threads (<$150). Always installed a new Denso O2 sensor from Rock Auto ($57) if the OEM was gone. As of yesterday, not a single one has triggered a CEL.
     
  9. Deepa Ramaswamy

    Deepa Ramaswamy New Member

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    Thank you all.