Featured California APPROVES Aftermarket Catalytic Converters!

So based on what I am reading the 2001 Prius that is physically impossible to buy a CAT for in California isn’t covered by this?

Sounds like the state still needs a lawsuit to provide a means to comply

 

CARB sets the standards and does testing for California. They are one and the same in this case.

There might be confusion over the term Executive Order in this case. We usually here it in reference to the President of state governor, but this one came from the chief of emission certification and compliance division of CARB.

That was likely the main hold up for such parts in California. As long as they are cheaper than the Toyota cat, it's a win for owners.

Not sure, but manufacturers are only legally required to supply parts for a set amount of time; I want to say 10 to 15 years. Which isn't normally a big when the car company stops supplying the market, as aftermarket companies have likely filled void, and have been under cutting the car company for some time. Plus used parts are an option in many cases.

The gen1 is likely pass the point in which Toyota needs to legally supply parts.
With less than 50k sold in the US, they'll likely claim financial distress, or the cats will be too expensive. Global sales were 153k, so it isn't like Toyota is making them for other markets.

 

@Trollbait - Unfortunately I heard that CA disallowed the use of used catalytic converters. (Drove me crazy but I guess in part to inhibit theft)?...

moto g(7) power ?

 

Looks like Amayama.com has the Gen 1s for about a grand:

Buy Genuine Toyota 17410-21300 (1741021300) Pipe Assy, Exhaust, Front for Toyota Prius. Prices, fast shipping, weight - Amayama

moto g(7) power ?

 

i'd like to know the process that determines that a used cat on a used car is not original to the car

 

Never thought that far...

moto g(7) power ?

 

That's probably one reason why California is approving aftermarket cats.

The company that owns Magnaflow finally sees a market for making a profit for replacement cats and has calculated the cost of getting C.AR.B. approval. They also realize how the Toyota supplied OEM ones are in short supply.

They need only to sell them for $100 or so less than Toyota does and still have a captive market.

Toyota needs to manufacture the replacements without the resonator, since when stolen, that's all that's needed. It would save manufacturing cost and shipping cost.


Eventually, one might see Toyota's cat sold for less than Magnaflow's. It's called market competition.

 

I just started this new thread, because I know that the crooks are not far behind.

When are the counterfeit OEM and C.A.R.B catalytic converter's coming? | PriusChat

 

Are the original cats marked with the VIN?
Who does the inspections in California; the state, like NJ, or private shops? If the former, failing and then passing without a shiny new cat would be suspicious. For the latter, you'd need to find a shop willing to risk the penalties if caught.

 

Individuals are buying used cats and installing them by themselves. Law enforcement has discretion and will almost never prosecute a private individual.

 

It's mostly private shops that do the smog testing. We also have Test Only where the shop doing the test is not allowed to repair any issues.

@bisco I thought some more. I'm afraid a used cat on a used car looks like a used cat that's been installed in a used car. (Did that make sense)? It's no longer one solid piece AND the replacement obviously does not look like a new replacement.

moto g(7) power ?

 

good point!

 

The shop won't care. They only want to do what that is minimally required. They are not fraud investigators.

 

Despite the domain name, parts.toyota.com is operated by a third party (SimplePart), and it’s had inaccurate information before. It wouldn’t surprise me if the “Product Not Available” and “This Product Is No Longer Available” messages for part number 17410-21500 are just side effects of the restrictions that Toyota has reportedly placed on the sale of catalytic converters.

I wouldn’t assume that any part has been discontinued until a Toyota dealer parts department—with access to Toyota’s actual parts ordering and inventory system, for which I’m not aware of a publicly-available interface—has confirmed this in person or by telephone or e-mail.

 

I'm really surprised people aren't installing a temporary straight pipe on the car, driving out of Calli, installing aftermarket, and driving back. it would be ... what... $1500 cheaper ?

 

Until the fine during smog testing.

Smog Inspections - California DMV

 

When you get a Test Only Renewal notice they might not care. When you just need to renew they can earn $$$ from you. They are real sticklers a majority/most of them. The range of pricing for the test can vary from $30 up to $100+ at the dealer, ie Mercedes or other luxury car dealer, with most somewhere in between.

I have installed a K&N FIPKII (50 State legal) intake on a ‘99 Lexus GS400. I added a K&N pre-filter. I placed the small plaque with CARB EO# right in clear view for the inspector. The two techs looking over the car spent a good 5 minutes looking at it like they were figuring a way to screw me over on it. Haven’t gone back to that station, you get to choose wherever you want to go.

For those local to me check out Red Box Toyota in Alhambra. Whether our 556 hp CTS-V or our Prius v, same price. Call up a majority of the smog check stations and ask “hey, how much for a smog check?” A lot of times you’ll get a question before an answer, “what kind of car is it?” Gulp if I need to take the Cadillac….

 

I haven’t seen an inspector check underneath our Prius v, he just connects his computer to the DLC3/OBDII port. BUT a straight pipe is going to be LOUD. Once he hears it he just takes his long stick with mirror at the end, aims it under your car, and boom, you just failed the visual inspection no need for him to do anything more and he gets to pocket your fee (less the certificate cost usually around $10). Easy $20 AT MINIMUM you have to get it fixed (if not Test Only he can then earn $$$$ from you at the same time)!

EDIT- Granted by law you are not required to get it repaired at this specific station BUT if you only paid $20 in the first place he’s probably one of the cheapest to repair as well. Also some places provide free retest so there comes the convenience/time cost factor. Do you have the time to take your car to another place get it fixed then go back?

I was in line at the Pasadena CA Tesla store for the Model 3 reservation. The guy next to me just so happen to work for CARB. He noted that they caught VW by just driving the diesel car around and around and around with their equipment/computers hooked up, so long that the software believed it could not be an emissions test and boom. Those guys take their jobs seriously….

With regards to the aftermarket catalyst, the manufacturers note that they are a a poorer grade resulting in more emissions. If you go to Rock Auto you see the aftermarket get two stars and the OEM get four or was it five stars for emission performance. In a CA car this may lead to catalyst efficiency error with check engine light. Check engine light is an immediate fail…

 

But yes @privilege I’m considering trying to buy one on our trip this month as a spare/emergency, to roll the dice if I need a replacement if it is ever stolen….