So my cat on my 90 is toast (bent dented rattly and downright ugly) anyone know what options I have for replacing it that are cali smog legal? I go to a shop that goes easy on the visual (my levels are good) but I don't want to push my luck. Also I weld and I'm hoping for a car this.old I can do the work myself or at least find out what thy look for so I center get away with doing the work myself. May be illegal in some sense but if my cat is on and working correct and my emissions levels are acceptable I don't see why it would be a big deal.

 

I'm sure it is legal to install a cat yourself, though I could be wrong.

 

I've been to a thousand smog shops and they NEVER crawl under the vehicle and look at the numbers on the catalytic converter. They will look to see if it is there and functioning, but never check it to see if is a California only cat or not. I'm saying that you should install a federal emissions cat, I'm just saying they never check it. wink wink nudge nudge. It is not illegal to install your own catalytic converter, it's just easier to have it done by a shop.

 

Ok.... I know they came out with new laws about installation and replacement I'm just hoping thy only have to do with newer cars.... I hope they don't look under lol... shyly don't exactly have to crawl under on mine lol

 

In order to be safe I would recommend using a CARB legal converter, your looking at around $150 for a universal that you could install yourself.

I don't know of any shops that would install them, if they are caught there is a 250k fine and they could lose their business license as well as possibly face jail time. It's a bit ridiculous but it is what it is.

 

Even though my cat is shot?

 

I think mudfrog is talking about a shop installing a fed emissions cat which they wont do here in cali

 

Check the supporting vendor section here. A few of them sell cats, they might work for you.

 

Yea that is what I meant.

 

I see no issue with you installing a new one yourself. I would however not risk it too much - make sure you buy one that is CARB compliant.

Magnaflow i know makes ones that are CARB compliant. Look into those.

 

Thank you I will.