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Thinking of getting Catalytic Converter Protection

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by fruitydog, Jun 11, 2021.

  1. fruitydog

    fruitydog Junior Member

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    2005 Prius
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    I live in a fairly high theft town for cat theft. Although my prius is in an apartment parking lot, my space is at the end of the row of cars, so it's possibly more vulnerable.

    My mechanic does a technique of welding steel braided cables to the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold. They've installed close to 800 of these anti theft devices and are aware of 3 converters that have been stolen with that device. They've seen many tampered with, but unsuccessfully. It costs $290.

    It seems the "Cat Shield" also has strengths and weaknesses.

    What protection seems the most successful?

    Thanks

    2005 Seaside Blue Pearl Prius
    44,000 miles
     
    #1 fruitydog, Jun 11, 2021
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  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Prime Plus
    Living in a similar neck of the woods, I installed the Cap City Muffler shield on our 2019 Prime:).

    My goal was to deter the crime as if the thief is determined enough, they will get it:whistle:.

    Some say the Miller Cat Shield is better (and not sure on a Gen2), I got the CCM shield for $160, which I thought was a good price ;).

    Get some protection is what I would say(y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Jun 11, 2021
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  3. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    #3 SFO, Jun 12, 2021
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  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    No.
    Not being my usual snarky self.
    The vid below is done by a tech who has lots of info on Prius cat theft prevention.
    WORTH an hour or so of your time....

    $290 seems a bit steep for welding steel braided

     
    #4 ETC(SS), Jun 13, 2021
  5. donbright

    donbright Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2018
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    Location:
    oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Two
    i considered it kind of like buying insurance, a sort of cost/benefit analysis

    The first key variable is the cost of replacing the cat. It can range from like $150 to over $1500.00, depending on the laws where one lives about whether OEM replacement is required, whether one has a shop to go to vs dealership, how much DIY equipment and experience one has, access to a place to do DIY work, etc.

    The second key variable is the likelihood that someone will try to steal it - honestly at this point I'd say that has become really high for all of us Gen II-ers, regardless of where we park. Just reading the threads on this board and through personal experience.

    The third variable for me is kind of the intangible emotional aspect. I wanted to do something even if it wasn't 100% certain to work. Just for peace of mind.
     
    #5 donbright, Jun 18, 2021
  6. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Two
    This video shows how effective some versions of cat protection are.



     
    #6 Georgina Rudkus, Jun 18, 2021
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