So... I am new to this smog testing routine here in California. I have a 1987 XJ with a really noisy cat (has come apart inside) and I want to replace it.

Now I have read some things about high flow or cheaper then $200 cats are not allowed on my Jeep in CA, on the other hand, if it is OBD1 it might be allowed?

I am really clueless about this and I would rather not have one anyways but I have to...

Is my 87 4.0L Jeep:

OBD1 or 2?
Legal to run an aftermarket HF cat?
Does anyone have a cheap used one if not?

Thanks

 

Neither OBD-I or OBD-II. You have a Renix.

Not sure if CA allows the high flow cats. Look for the "50 state legal" disclamer on whatever you buy. You'll be safe with that.

 

I'm not sure about the Hi-flo cat thing, but I put some off the shelf $99 ones on my '87 Olds (god bless its soul...lol) and our emissions gestappo didn't care, as long as I had them on there. I know Cali is different, but being that old, I don't see it being a problem. And don't spend the extra $$ on hi-flo ones, just get one with a lil bigger I/O if you're worried about exh. restrictions.

 

MagnaFlow catalytic converter either universal ($157) or direct fit ($177) from oreillyauto.com here in California are both Pre-OBDII. Other than universal or direct fit, there really is no other option in this state if you want a legal cat AND want it to pass a smog test here.

 

X2, an aftermarket or cheap universal CAT will not pass the visual test. CA. has a list of CAT converters that you can use. The only plus side to this is that if you plan on keeping the vehicle, the CAT will last more than two years if your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.

 

I've never had a smog test guy really look at the converter, only to see if it was there and functioning. Some counties are more strict than others though. I live in an un-inhanced area. Cities like Sacramento are inhanced and require a dyno as part of the inspection.