94 Catalytic Replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
94 Catalytic Replacement
In need of two new catalytic converters. HC's way too high and not passing smog. Any So Cal suggestions to where I can take it for replacements?
My guy suggested the recommended OEM from MagnaFlo (not the barrel type) but they appear too long to fit under there without blocking access to the starter, etc.
He quoted me $500 for both, installed. Sounds reasonable.
FYI, engine is in tip top condition, changed O2 sensors, EGR at last smog check and barely passed the HC test so I knew I was going to have problems this time with the state lowering the allowable numbers.
My guy suggested the recommended OEM from MagnaFlo (not the barrel type) but they appear too long to fit under there without blocking access to the starter, etc.
He quoted me $500 for both, installed. Sounds reasonable.
FYI, engine is in tip top condition, changed O2 sensors, EGR at last smog check and barely passed the HC test so I knew I was going to have problems this time with the state lowering the allowable numbers.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 800
Likes: 45
From: San Diego CA
Magnaflows are probably going to be your best bet. Also, that's not a bad deal for those installed. I didn't know they lowered the numbers for these cars. When I read stuff like this, it makes me want a C5+.
BTW, how many miles on your C4???
BTW, how many miles on your C4???
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 30
From: Riverside California
In need of two new catalytic converters. HC's way too high and not passing smog. Any So Cal suggestions to where I can take it for replacements?
My guy suggested the recommended OEM from MagnaFlo (not the barrel type) but they appear too long to fit under there without blocking access to the starter, etc.
He quoted me $500 for both, installed. Sounds reasonable.
FYI, engine is in tip top condition, changed O2 sensors, EGR at last smog check and barely passed the HC test so I knew I was going to have problems this time with the state lowering the allowable numbers.
My guy suggested the recommended OEM from MagnaFlo (not the barrel type) but they appear too long to fit under there without blocking access to the starter, etc.
He quoted me $500 for both, installed. Sounds reasonable.
FYI, engine is in tip top condition, changed O2 sensors, EGR at last smog check and barely passed the HC test so I knew I was going to have problems this time with the state lowering the allowable numbers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Check my old thread.....
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1996-cats.html
$500 is not a bad price for the s**t you have to go thru to fit these in place.
When I put mine in there was no direct fit that was CARB legal. Magnaflow now has them.....
https://www.magnaflow.com/catalytic-...ornia/products
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1996-cats.html
$500 is not a bad price for the s**t you have to go thru to fit these in place.
When I put mine in there was no direct fit that was CARB legal. Magnaflow now has them.....
https://www.magnaflow.com/catalytic-...ornia/products
Last edited by John A. Marker; Oct 7, 2015 at 06:53 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Checked the Flowmaster site....the CARB legal California cats are about $329 each......California screw tax.......
Checking the cost of the cats online that are compliant.....hard to believe that your installer can install (labor and materials being the two cats) for $500.
Checking the cost of the cats online that are compliant.....hard to believe that your installer can install (labor and materials being the two cats) for $500.
Last edited by John A. Marker; Oct 7, 2015 at 07:01 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Before you go and buy new cats hear me out.
Betty Boop was a 95 with 150,000+ miles, and passed smog.
There are few little things you can do, and retry.
Ensure the PCV is good, air filter clean, fuel cap seals, ensure the EGR is working properly, and the most important drive at least nine miles before you SMOG it. Ensure those cats are VERY HOT for the test.
I used to leave the Vette running on the parking lot. These things are technically ancient, and to keep up with California's demands we got to learn how to play with them.
One last thing, if you choose to buy new cats, those aftermarket cats do not have heat shields. Do not believe they are not needed, if you go ahead and install them without heat shields you will feel the heat on your right leg right away.
Betty Boop was a 95 with 150,000+ miles, and passed smog.
There are few little things you can do, and retry.
Ensure the PCV is good, air filter clean, fuel cap seals, ensure the EGR is working properly, and the most important drive at least nine miles before you SMOG it. Ensure those cats are VERY HOT for the test.
I used to leave the Vette running on the parking lot. These things are technically ancient, and to keep up with California's demands we got to learn how to play with them.
One last thing, if you choose to buy new cats, those aftermarket cats do not have heat shields. Do not believe they are not needed, if you go ahead and install them without heat shields you will feel the heat on your right leg right away.
Last edited by PLRX; Oct 7, 2015 at 07:12 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
Check my old thread.....
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1996-cats.html
$500 is not a bad price for the s**t you have to go thru to fit these in place.
When I put mine in there was no direct fit that was CARB legal. Magnaflow now has them.....
https://www.magnaflow.com/catalytic-...ornia/products
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1996-cats.html
$500 is not a bad price for the s**t you have to go thru to fit these in place.
When I put mine in there was no direct fit that was CARB legal. Magnaflow now has them.....
https://www.magnaflow.com/catalytic-...ornia/products
The important thing is that per CA smog rules, the numbers have to go with the engine number of the vehicle. In other words, can't install generic ones without running the risk of it not passing and who wants those type of headaches. Other than that, the car is in perfect running condition. I just don't drive it much.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
Before you go and buy new cats hear me out.
Betty Boop was a 95 with 150,000+ miles, and passed smog.
There are few little things you can do, and retry.
Ensure the PCV is good, air filter clean, fuel cap seals, ensure the EGR is working properly, and the most important drive at least nine miles before you SMOG it. Ensure those cats are VERY HOT for the test.
I used to leave the Vette running on the parking lot. These things are technically ancient, and to keep up with California's demands we got to learn how to play with them.
One last thing, if you choose to buy new cats, those aftermarket cats do not have heat shields. Do not believe they are not needed, if you go ahead and install them without heat shields you will feel the heat on your right leg right away.
Betty Boop was a 95 with 150,000+ miles, and passed smog.
There are few little things you can do, and retry.
Ensure the PCV is good, air filter clean, fuel cap seals, ensure the EGR is working properly, and the most important drive at least nine miles before you SMOG it. Ensure those cats are VERY HOT for the test.
I used to leave the Vette running on the parking lot. These things are technically ancient, and to keep up with California's demands we got to learn how to play with them.
One last thing, if you choose to buy new cats, those aftermarket cats do not have heat shields. Do not believe they are not needed, if you go ahead and install them without heat shields you will feel the heat on your right leg right away.
Two years ago my numbers read:
15 mph: HC Max-59, Meas-55/CO Max-.34,Meas-.20/NO:Max-484,Meas352
25 mph: HC Max-34,Meas-27/CO Max-.32,Meas-.20/NO Max-541,Meas 446
And that's with a well running engine.
But maybe I'll give it another shot before spending $$$. Can't hurt.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
Checked the Flowmaster site....the CARB legal California cats are about $329 each......California screw tax.......
Checking the cost of the cats online that are compliant.....hard to believe that your installer can install (labor and materials being the two cats) for $500.
Checking the cost of the cats online that are compliant.....hard to believe that your installer can install (labor and materials being the two cats) for $500.
As a reference for anyone interested, MagnaFlow's P/N's are 332408/332409
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
The Magnaflow cats that I installed on my 95 were Universal and required cutting and fitting in place and then pulling out to complete the welding. It took me about half a day per side, but I am picky and want things right. Check out my thread in my first post above. My universal cats were actually a little smaller that stock. The direct fit would be a much quicker job. But if someone else is doing all the work, you can sit down with a beer in hand and offer advise 
.
.
Last edited by John A. Marker; Oct 8, 2015 at 07:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
The Magnaflow cats that I installed on my 95 were Universal and required cutting and fitting in place and then pulling out to complete the welding. It took me about half a day per side, but I am picky and want things right. Check out my thread in my first post above. My universal cats were actually a little smaller that stock. The direct fit would be a much quicker job. But if someone else is doing all the work, you can sit down with a beer in hand and offer advise .
.OK, those of you who work on your own cars, as I do, have a sense of how is is running. You know, a six sense kind of thing.
Let me begin by saying that the smog inspection place is not where I normally take my vehicles. This guy appeared to quickly access that I needed cats. As you all know I then took the cars to get new cats, well, you all know the story.
I just wasn't satisfied with this dude so I drove the car back to my own guy. You see, I work 40 miles away, don't drive in, take the train, so the Vette always stays in my area.
Anyway, this morning I take it to my guy, he runs the test and I pass.
He didn't do anything illegal but it makes me wonder how different each station is calibrated or if their testers are in working order.
It's like attaining a 2nd opinion from a Dr. Might be worth it.
So! A birthday gift to me today is that my Vette passed!
Perhaps I will use the $500 I would have needlessly spent on cats on new tires.
Or maybe it's time to sell her. I've only put 461 miles on her since the last smog check. Just don't have the time these days to drive her much.
Love her because everything works except the cruise control (cc is on a 6 spd anyway is beyond me).