California catalytic converter question
#1
California catalytic converter question
Hi there! I am trying to help my brother fix his 2003 express 1500 with the V6 engine. It keeps stalling out on him and he has a CEL with a fault for the bank 1 cat converter. If I take the O2 sensors out it runs fine (Although a bit loud ), so it looks like a failed converter.
My question is this - this van was originally from and equipped with California emissions, so I know the cat is different than the other 49 states. The van is now outside of California in Missouri and wont be going back. Do I have to put a California approved cat on it, or can I just weld in a good aftermarket unit from somebody like Magnaflow or use the OEM Chevy unit for 49 state use?
Thanks for the time and help!
My question is this - this van was originally from and equipped with California emissions, so I know the cat is different than the other 49 states. The van is now outside of California in Missouri and wont be going back. Do I have to put a California approved cat on it, or can I just weld in a good aftermarket unit from somebody like Magnaflow or use the OEM Chevy unit for 49 state use?
Thanks for the time and help!
#2
You will be ok to install an aftermarket one as long as it is approved by the state of Missouri. As long as your brother does not plan to re-register the vehicle back in CA, there is no need to keep it CA approved. I hope this helps. California emissions are over the top if you ask me. I lived there for 32 years before I moved to Texas.
#3
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
Professional Mechanic
I am not 100% sure about this because we would never do that at work. The outside of a California looks exactly the same but the inside is not. Since California emission is more strict the computer is set up differently. I would be almost positive that you would end up with a converter efficiency code with in the first month and the have to replace again.
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