I learned something about Prius catalytic converters today...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by LoganAragon, Aug 18, 2020.

  1. LoganAragon

    LoganAragon Junior Member

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    Hi dolj,

    I've thought about an engine de-lousing, but I think I'm past that. In my mind, at some point I had crud/deposits get stuck in my LOW TENTION OIL RINGS (Sorry, rant.) but at this point, I think my cylinder walls are pretty well scored. I should have tired something like that when I first bought the car or first noticed it burning oil. I appreciate the input...I may still try something like that...what's the worse that could happen?!?!

    Logan
     
  2. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    Thanks for sharing your experience.
    Magnaflow now has three series of catalytic converters for Prius cars: “OEM Grade” and “HM Grade,” which can’t lawfully be installed in California and some other states, and a much more costly “California Grade,” introduced earlier this year, with CARB approval.

    They’re probably all effective to some extent—or EPA would take further enforcement action—but it’s likely that only the “California Grade” converters contain enough precious metal to make the exhaust meet the original emissions standards, as CARB requires. Consider this: for a second-generation Prius car, the Magnaflow “California Grade” exhaust pipe assembly (5631752, $2,950) has a higher price than the original Toyota part (17410-21500, list price $2,437). I imagine that if Magnaflow could set their price lower than Toyota’s and still cover the cost of precious metals, they would do so, as they clearly did with their “OEM Grade” part (49752, $744).
     
  3. PaulthePriusAddict

    PaulthePriusAddict Junior Member

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    Did you do the work yourself?
    and was it an exact fit?
     
  4. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    I'm not sure it has anything to do with the precious metal content or just paying California for the legalities.
    I've been running the first magnaflo cat set up for a Prius 2 since 2016. The smog place I go to does not look under the car. It's passed 4 times. There's no reason it needs to cost that much.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.