My 98 Accord 3.0 is in need for a new cat for me to pass CA smog next month. I was looking at Magnaflow aftermarket universal cats and noticed they have two versions:

1. CALIFORNIA CARB OBD-II (Part #:46054)
2. Non-CALIFORNIA OBD-II EPA compliant (Part #: 99334HM) <--Much cheaper

If I go with the Non-CALIFORNIA, would I still be able to pass smog here in Cali with two sets of new O2 sensors installed as well?

 

Hello,

I would think the EPA one would be good enough as it is compliant for my home state of MD (which is strict on the emissions testing) and most Honda's are ULEV or LEV vehicles (in fact Honda was able to get away with no Cat for about 3-4 years on their CVCC engines before laws were made to require all new cars have them.

BUT knowing that CA has the toughest emissions checks in the USA, you might be better off just buying the CA compliant cat in the first place. Remember CA is the state that lists on their website how you can report your neighbor for having a car that smokes, allowing every busy body that has nothing better to do but make mischief, call up and report folks. It also sees fit to meddle into all the other 48 state's emission laws.

If you are going to attempt to use the non CA cat, here are some other things you might want to do:

1. Run fuel injection cleaner through the car
2. Change the plugs and wires (and any other ignition parts)
3. Change the oil and filter
4. change the air filter


Good luck

Cheers
L