My catalytic converter was stolen out of my 1990 Ford F-250 4X4 Automatic with 7.5L engine. I live in California. What is the actual difference other than being certified by having the Converters tested to meet the California Air Resource Board standards and obtain an E.O. approval letter and a non-certified catalytic converter. When I went online to try to purchase a converter the non-certified catalytic converter are a lot cheaper. None of the website would ship to California. Somehow when I ordered a new catalytic converter I specified for California I received Bosal model 079-4042 (Bosal is owned by the same company that owns Magnaflow). Upon inspecting the Converter it did not have the required CARB EO number stamped on the unit. The size, shape and connections all match the OEM converter. My body shop guy said he could install this Converter. Will this Converter still pass smog testing? I know that a commercial muffler shop will not install this unit. If it will pass smog testing I have no problem installing this unit.
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From my understanding the difference is the CARB approved cats are higher quality by containing more precious metals (hence the higher price) and they apparently filter out more of the impurities in the exhaust. The only difference it makes is to the people who breath the air that your exhaust comes into contact with, not the car itself.
I don't live in California (Im in non-CARB state) but I had mine stolen off my Prius..Ive heard some people mention that it's a roll of the dice if you have an unapproved type of converter in Cal., NY etc whether or not you will pass. I personally would just buy the approved type to avoid the headaches (as well as help keep the air a little cleaner). You may really regret putting that Bosal on only to have to spend even more money to change it. Id definitely make sure I have the right one the first time and be done with it
Also- find an anti theft device for your catalytic converter (a shield, catloc, catstrap, alarm etc) BEFORE having the replacement put on so you can have it installed immediately after the cat is put on..the thieves will return. I had a Miller Cat shield put on my Prius and its a perfect fit (unfortunately Miller doesn't make one for your truck but another company may).
I installed the Bosal non-CARB catalytic converter and subsequently had my vehicle smog tested. The results were very low emissions from the 1988 Ford F-350 with a 7.5L gas engine. The non-CARB catalytic converter was less than half the price of a CARB-certified converter. I have been able to acquire non-CARB catalytic converters from several different companies. The primary issue is that many Muffler Shops in CA will not install non-CARB units. So you would need to have a mechnic install the unit verses a Muffle Shop.
Looks like that part is EPA certified only, most likely will not pass your emissions standards. If you can't replace the car then Id get the correct CARB part..definitely not worth risking the headache (and cost) of replacing that new one
I put in a lot cheaper non-CARB certified Cat. The Cat passes all of the smog tests. I do not believe there is more precious metal or it is better built. The manufacturers are forced to perform special tests on the Cat's they want certified. I took my vehicle to multiple shops to get smogged checked. They either would not do a smog check on the vehicle or they would take your money even after the visual fails, send the result to the DMV and then fail your test.
Your insurance will cover the replacement of the Catalytic Converter if you have Comprehensive Coverage. With large numbers of Catalytic Converters being stolen, everyone should reduce their Comprehensive Deductible to $250 or less. The slightly higher premium will be worth it. I spoke today with my auto mechanic. He showed be a Honda CRV he was installing the 2nd Cat in a month. The first he wrapped in supper tough steel cables to deter theft to no avail. The current installation involves a complete cover over the whole unit, welding the cover in various places.