So what are the chances of me convincing a junkyard to sell me a cat? I already know its illegal. All the aftermarket one's i've seen are junk compared to the oem units. I am not sure why the govt prohibits selling used ones.
Looking for a newer one with low miles, but all the recent models seem to be in the hands of recyclers. I'd like to hear some creative stories of getting one used.
I would check the humane society for a used cat first but that is just me...
Urm, get the whole exhaust system on a day when they're incredibly busy and don't have time to cut it out?
Magnaflow's cats are really nice. Just an option...
With the spike in precious metals, your chances are slim to none. Even my local pick and pull stopped hacksawing them off, they now go after them with a nuematic set of super scissors, which makes getting a decent downpipe a real pain.
P71 wrote:Magnaflow's cats are really nice. Just an option...
I did buy a direct fit one, i wish you could see the disgust on my face when i opened the box. The magnaflow one is literally 1/2 scale of the oem unit. The OEM one was like a 2 liter bottle. The magnaflow one was the size of a 16oz can. The flow must be crap. I'd would really like keep a cat on the car, but not replace it with something that is basically a clog.
Its highly illegal, and every junkyard I have been to has been extermly careful to check that no one buys them (I really feel sorry for the poor guy with a V6 coutour that has the cat as an integral part of the exhaust manifold and needed a new one. What a crappy car). But anyway, IMo your choices are: 1. Sell the car and buy something you either dont need a cat for or van buy a new one. 2. Buy a factory cat if you can. 3. move to a state where they dont check to see if you have them (probably still illegal tho, and I wouldnt do it) 4. Use an aftermarket one.
The junkyards here destroy every downpipe, set of headers, etc with the scissor things as well.
jdmae92 wrote:I would check the humane society for a used cat first but that is just me...
and remember to spay or nueter
But seriously, I understand how exuast from a salvage yard can be a pain. I couldnt find a decent DOCH neon exaust at the yard. And any that looked half-way decent I couldnt get to because the muffler sits on the "jack stands"
Last time I was at a dismantler, a Mexican guy came in wanting a cat. The guy at the counter kept explaining that he could not sell one... but he could give him one free if he bought $X of other exhaust stuff immediately around it.
English was not this customers first language and he did not understand the game the sales guy was trying to play to stay technically legal. He only understood "can't sell you a cat".
The flow on the Magnaflow cat is probably much better then you think. OE cat's use a certain cell size which dictates how large it has to be, most aftermarket cats use a much larger cell which passes more air but doesn't catalyze as well.
I have sold used ones on ebay - you probably won't find them listed as catalytic converters since it is prohibited to buy/sell a used catalytic converter. You can however buy it for the precious metals and still end up with a full cat at less cost than buying new.
When the remaining cat on my P5 went bad a 2' long 1/2" drive extension and a hammer fixed it right up. And with the non-fouler o2 sensor trick the car still thinks it's there so I'd probably pass the OBDII plug in e-check we used to have. Car does smell like an old lawnmower now when it's running...
buy one from an individual.
Depending on the type of car, there's probably a forum for it. Ask around to find someone parting one out. Maybe Craigslist might be a good forum to post a WTB ad, since you can focus on just local sellers.
Most individuals are not too concerned about breaking the law that's enforced by the EPA regarding selling used cats- but most businesses simply don't want to risk it- that and they usually have buyers who are willing to pay them good $$$ for all the scrap cats they can supply.
Actually, it's no longer illegal to buy a cat from a junkyard. That's legal, in the name of recycling. It's still illegal for you to buy a cat to install on another vehicle.
Why the heck is it illegal to sell a used cat to install on a vehicle? This is for environmental reasons? Don't they see the downright stupidity in that?
GameboyRMH wrote:Why the heck is it illegal to sell a used cat to install on a vehicle? This is for environmental reasons? Don't they see the downright stupidity in that?
it is assumed that the car in JY does not have a functional cat. After all tampering (removing) functional emissions equipment is a federal offense.
GameboyRMH wrote:Why the heck is it illegal to sell a used cat to install on a vehicle? This is for environmental reasons? Don't they see the downright stupidity in that?
ehhh, if it were legal with the cost of a new one ABSOLUTLY no one would buy new, and it would be the same old tire cats on the road.
Most people don't work on their own car, so something goes wrong.. they take it to the mechanic, he tells them it needs a new cat... they cuss a little at the price then buy a new one.
GameboyRMH wrote:Why the heck is it illegal to sell a used cat to install on a vehicle? This is for environmental reasons? Don't they see the downright stupidity in that?
Its just one more way to help get all the old (as in over 5 years old) c cars like all the saturns, neons, escorts, etc that get 40 mpg so they an be replaced by brand new trucks and suvs that get 15 mpg. Make lots of sense huh?
Most creative way:
1) Go to Harbor Fright, buy battery powered recip saw
2) Skulk around late at night, looking for similar car with current emissions inspection
3) [tinfoil hat]You figure it out from there, the Fibbies are watching my every move.[/tinfoil hat]
Where are good places to buy aftermarket cats? I'm in need of one for my 2002 Civic Si. I contacted Eastern and they don't have one that works for the Si. The only other company I know of is Random Technology. I want a direct fit cat - no welding - but don't know much about the aftermarket companies that make them.
How did the cat in your 2002 die so quickly?
For a car that new you might be best off just going to the dealer. That or go to an exhaust shop and have them do the welding (make sure to inspect their work before they take it off the lift)
I had some exhaust work done back in 2004 and they welded the midpipe to the cat. The new exhaust was way too loud for my tastes so I decided to go back to stock. Since they had welded the midpipe to the cat I bought a used cat from someone. That one had between 60,000 - 70,000 miles on it when I bought it so right now the cat has over 150,000 miles on it. It's dead. I've heard of others with my car only having them last 80,000 miles so I can't complain much.
From the dealer it's around $1100 so I'd prefer to go aftermarket. I just don't know much about the companies.
I want a direct fit cat. I don't want anything welded.
