Having trouble passing smog (63 HC/62max). I have an aftermarket Magnaflow. I probably put over 50K on the cat in the past 2 years. I replaced my 02 sensor and after the ECU monitors set, I got P0420. I cleared it and it went away, but I likely need a new cat.

Last time I bought the Magnaflow and had to cut and weld it for the 00GSR. Does anyone know of an actual direct fit CA-legal cat for the 00GSR? Besides Acura? i was looking at 446650. The smog guy wants to give me a universal one for about $450 installed.

Also, since the HC is just one freaking point above max, maybe I should just retard my timing to 14 degreees and try again. Also didn't run it on the freeway first, just a few WOT pulls up the expressway until it was hot.

 

Well, I managed to pass smog anyway, barely. Backed the timing to 14*, I drove it hard on the freeway for about 30 minutes and filled it up with a new tank of gas. All this only got me 1 point lower on the HC, if anything, but it was just enough.

As I got back from the smog shop, it threw P0420 again. I don't want to drive around with a CEL on, and I also don't want to buy a new cat until the next time SMOG is due. Maybe I will get one of those SHO2 sensor extenders.

First thing I will do is set the timing back correctly to 16* and reset the ECU.

 

Defouler set-up sounds like what you need? Took my CEL off instantly. Driven about 100 miles since installation, no CEL. The previous owner of my car gutted the cat and I needed to just pass PA emissions for right now. Yes, it passed emissions testing just fine. Saftey is another story that I am currently working on

I know CA is "bad" when it comes to testing, but PA is apparently the second worst!

 

you should have a copy of the warranty card for the cat.

it also shows that both the repair shop and CARB should have copies of the warranty card for your CAT it will tell you the mileage of the car when installed

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...tallcatq&a.pdf

Q. What are the conditions under which the manufacturer must honor the warranty?

A. Aftermarket catalytic converters must be warranted for 5 years or 50,000 miles from
defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty covers loss of conversion efficiency,
detection of a malfunction within the converter by the vehicle’s OBD system, corrosion of the
converter shell and end-pipes, and faulty welding that occurs during the course of normal usage. Abnormal engine operation, including overfueling, the presence of engine misfire, of excessive oil consumption would not constitute normal use, nor would physical damage to a converter caused by road debris or vehicle accidents.

Should an installer or vehicle owner believe that their warranty claim was unreasonably
denied by the converter manufacturer, the ARB staff is available to investigate and possibly mediate such a claim.

 

Good info, unfortunately I installed it myself and I also put over 50K miles on it since 2010. Not to mention the blown engine and 2 rebuilds since then.

cvcrcr99, any links to a defouler that will work on our cat? Im not sure if I should get an angled one or a straight one. I suppose I should crawl under there and look ;P
Thx everyone as usual!

 

Have you decided on a replacement? I'd like to get a high flow cat some day but none of the aftermarket brands have great reliability reputations. It sounds like the Magnaflow died a little early.

 

This is exactly what I used and what I did. Cost me about $6 at the local Pepboys.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-integra-type-r-8/spark-plug-non-fouler-1841240/

 

I'm not going to replace it until I have to smog again. I wouldn't say the magaflow died early, I got over 50K miles on it and had a blown HG at one point. Coolant kills the cat.

Thanks for the link. If I get the P0420 again I will try that out.

 

Did you get a new cat yet? If not, check out DEC cats. They make direct fit CA converters.

$450 for a universal one is pretty steep. Try some local muffler shops. They usually cost $250-300 (or about the same as a DEC direct fit cat).