# Need to replace Catalytic Converter **URL:** \ **Category:** Stock Engine-Bay Components\ **Created:** [February 19, 2009, 1:45am UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634 "2009-02-19T01:45:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/used2bedomestic)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 1:45am UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/1 "2009-02-19T01:45:37Z")
I have a 92 LS and need to replace the Catalytic converter before I smog this year. I searched but didn’t really see the answer I was looking for…I have a stock exhaust system and just want to replace the cat but was wondering if I could use a high flow or better quality cat with the stock system? Will I need to have flanges welded on or is there a cat that can bolt right up and pass Socal smog laws? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Last\_Resort\_DA](https://forum.g2ic.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/da6949/32.png) [@Last\_Resort\_DA](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/Last_Resort_DA)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 1:56am UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/2 "2009-02-19T01:56:39Z")
I bought a brand new direct fit magnaflow cat for just over 100. Its not high flow but i’m sure it flows better than stock. ---
**Author:** ![used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/used2bedomestic)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 2:00am UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/3 "2009-02-19T02:00:22Z")
Did it bolt right in? Do the universal ones work as well and are they difficult to install? ---
**Author:** ![Last\_Resort\_DA](https://forum.g2ic.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/da6949/32.png) [@Last\_Resort\_DA](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/Last_Resort_DA)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 2:05am UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/4 "2009-02-19T02:05:38Z")
yes it did. The universal ones are just the cat, it wont come with any flanges. You’ll have to get them welded on. ---
**Author:** ![used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/used2bedomestic)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 2:56am UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/5 "2009-02-19T02:56:50Z")
I was looking on Summit and other sites and the direct fit Cats by Magnaflow say they are 49 state legal except California? I know I am being a pain in the ass but what gives? Can I still replace mine with a Magnaflow and still pass smog? I am running a stock exhaust and motor. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Colin](https://forum.g2ic.com/user_avatar/forum.g2ic.com/colin/32/16_2.png) [@Colin](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/Colin)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 3:52am UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/6 "2009-02-19T03:52:19Z")
I’ve heard nothing but good about the cats which SMS Products sells: [http://www.sms-products.com/](http://www.sms-products.com/) I ordered a cat and all of the bits from them and I plan to weld it up myself (it will still be bolt on like stock). It’s not the cheapest route, but if you’re looking for great flow and need to run a cat it’s a great option. Oh, and they will do all the welding for you if you just tell them the length you need (I will be messing w/ the length of my header and cat-back so I wanted to do mine myself). There are tons of good references and dyno charts available on honda-tech regarding these cats… ---
**Author:** ![oldGeeSeR](https://forum.g2ic.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/858c86/32.png) [@oldGeeSeR](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/oldGeeSeR)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2009, 6:10pm UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/7 "2009-02-23T18:10:24Z")
magnaflow cat i may be too late but thought i’d reply anyway since i’m about to change my cat as well. the magnaflow cat should work just fine for obd1 vehicles (pre-1996) per strict california smog regulations. as long as your exhaust is all stock it should bolt right up. i found one on ebay for about $106 with free shipping. hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@used2bedomestic](https://forum.g2ic.com/u/used2bedomestic)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2009, 11:00pm UTC](https://forum.g2ic.com/t/need-to-replace-catalytic-converter/85634/8 "2009-03-05T23:00:07Z")
Here’s the kicker now…As of Jan. 2009, California is requiring new catalytic converters on all pre-OBD2 vehicles. All aftermarket cats sold in California have to meet stricter guidelines: All cats will now have an Executive Order number stamped on the cat itself. Here is a list of those that are legal: [http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermktcat/aftermktcat.htm](http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermktcat/aftermktcat.htm) The thing that makes me mad is that I had priced out a direct fit replacement from Magnaflow from Summit and it was $106.00. Now that the new regulations are in effect, the “new” cat is $200.00! Not for nothing but I am not made of money and now it is going to cost me almost twice as much! I like living here in California but the CARB needs to “lighten up Francis”!!