Catalytic Converter that Won't Throw a Code

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 12:50 pm

Guys,

I will be soon having my forth cat installed on this car (the original and three aftermarket cats). The dealership informs me they can do the job for $1200. I've done a search and see the error of my ways.

Is the info on cats that won't throw a code and their part numbers in this link still current? It's the Walker and Magnaflow.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... d565575cc6

Thanks!

crash93ssei · Post by **crash93ssei** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:02 pm

Are you constantly replacing because it is throwing a code and it annoys you, emissions testing, or they are breaking / plugging up?

If you don't have emissions testing and the light is just bothering you, just send the PCM out and have the rear O2 sensor shut off, I did that with my '03 SSEi years ago when my stock cat crapped out and I replaced it with a $60 Magnaflow. I haven't had a single issue since then and have been very happy.

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:07 pm

Not a question of being annoyed but the need to pass state inspection. It's throwing a code and I'm told the cat needs replaced. It did have a bad maf sensor that was replaced after the most recent cat replacement. In Delaware they hook up a code reader as part of the inspection process. Would reprogramming the PCM cause the inspection to fail?

crash93ssei · Post by **crash93ssei** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:15 pm

Yea, I think programming it out would cause it to fail, but not 100% sure on that. I am so glad I live in a state without inspections!

I think $1,200 is pretty steep for replacement, but I am sure others will know of a good part number that will get you going without any trouble.

Post by **harofreak00** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 2:11 pm

You need to get a HM (heavy metal) aftermarket cat. I've put many of my cars, never thrown a code.

Magnaflow 99306HM Universal Converter

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:10 pm

crash93ssei wrote:Yea, I think programming it out would cause it to fail, but not 100% sure on that. I am so glad I live in a state without inspections!

I think $1,200 is pretty steep for replacement, but I am sure others will know of a good part number that will get you going without any trouble.

I got that quote when I had to change the oem cat 4-5 years ago. Dealershiip won't just replace the cat.... I was told they would only replace everything from a certain point back. And of course, ssei has duel exhaust.

00Beast · Post by **00Beast** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 4:00 pm

Sounds like you need a tune that disables the cat codes, lol. Do they just check for codes, or do they actually monitor activity readings from the PCM? I'd be more prone to replacing both O2 sensors first...

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 4:01 pm

What would be most logical .... a direct fit or universal fit? I know that last three that were installed were universal.

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 4:08 pm

I just found this on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-51306-U ... automotive

It's a magnaflow 51306 oem universal fit. It's one of the three cats suggested on the Magnaflow website.

My question is..... should I consider purchasing it off of Amazon's website? I've never purchased a car part off of Amazon. Not my first choice but the price is right.

Alpine_jake · Post by **Alpine_jake** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 7:22 pm

Try one of these guys.

http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/p/4 ... lator.aspx

Still have a cat there but just hide the pig tail wire with this guy on there.

nubuilder · Post by **nubuilder** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:42 am

malatu wrote: http://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-51306-U ... automotive

My question is..... should I consider purchasing it off of Amazon's website? I've never purchased a car part off of Amazon. Not my first choice but the price is right.

I've ordered dozens of auto parts on Amazon (including 2 cats, mufflers, and tips for my K1500). The important thing is to check the manufacturer's site for the right part number and the specs on it. I never take Amazon's word for it.

If you are set on replacing the cat and are running stock exhaust, I'd just go with the one harofreak00 posted. It is slightly cheaper than the one you posted and is the same as the one you posted, but it isn't labeled "OEM Grade". I have no idea what the difference is.

harofreak00 wrote:You need to get a HM (heavy metal) aftermarket cat. I've put many of my cars, never thrown a code.

Magnaflow 99306HM Universal Converter

I would also just go with a universal fit one. That way all a shop has to do is cut out the existing one and weld in the new one. I don't think there is a direct fit one for our cars.

redzmonte · Post by **redzmonte** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 12:46 pm

Alpine_jake wrote:Try one of these guys.

http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/p/4 ... lator.aspx

Still have a cat there but just hide the pig tail wire with this guy on there.

X2

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:34 am

Thanks.... I appreciate the advice....... I got the oem universal mount from Amazon.

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 12:49 pm

I am having the cat installed today at a local muffler shop. Before they even looked at the car they suggested because of the age of the car and miles, I should replace the o2 sensors.

I don't recall ever having them replaced.

Should I have it done as a precaution?

Is there a way to test them?

nubuilder · Post by **nubuilder** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 3:59 pm

I'd just do them, especially at 180k. There's only 2. I'd go with AC Delco or Delphi. Get them online if you still can before having work done.

malatu · Post by **malatu** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 4:12 pm

Yea... I simply had the shop install them. I was sort of under the gun... I needed to get the car back today and didn't have the time to engage in all of my options. So bit the bullet and had them do the install. They installed Bosh.

nubuilder · Post by **nubuilder** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 5:23 pm

I have 4 Bosch in my K1500 and 3 in my S10. Some say to stay away from them due to running richer longer (when cold I'm assuming) and don't last as long. At the time of doing mine, I had no knowledge not to use them. Looking at prices now, there's not a big difference. So far, so good on both trucks (not sure how many miles I've put on both off the top of my head).

flywelder · Post by **flywelder** » Sat May 11, 2013 12:36 pm

I would like to jump in on this discussion as I am facing converter issues for the first time with my 2005 SE with 3.8 L and is 100% stock, and with single exhaust.
the car has 178,000 miles on it and is driven 650 miles a week.
the car will not pass inspection at the moment because of the converter code.
there is no rotten egg smell. No glowing CAT.

Does the converter actually fail? B/c my 1985 chevy celebrity with V6 2.8 L has the original cat and runs well and has loads of power, and no rotten egg smell.
And there are no exhaust sensor codes at the moment in my car's computer, and i have not replaced the sensors since I bought the car used, in 2009.
So is it ok to go with a magnaflow as they are less restrictive are they not?
Which model has the bolt up flange?
Also, what are your experiences and thoughts about using Mr. Gaskets 'Cataclean' product?
please send me a link to the maintenance schedule, routine I read about in one of these posting . Thanks every one.

mrwildroot · Post by **mrwildroot** » Sat May 11, 2013 12:50 pm

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 25362.html

Common problems/repairs post.

MW

flywelder · Post by **flywelder** » Sat May 11, 2013 1:47 pm

Thanks MW!

MW, would you be able to tell me where the MAP sensor and the purge solenoid is, The PCV, and what the round cylinder is that is on front of the intake plenum , and close to the engine oil fill neck, and has vacuum lines going to it ( i think 3 lines.)? on my SE with 3.8L V6 with no super charger.
Thanks

PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Catalytic Converter that Won't Throw a Code

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