I'm trying to figure out what to do with my cats. I have a 2005 5.4l which has thrown me codes and isn't running well so I had it checked out at a friends shop. Apparently both of the cats need to be replaced. Washington State is ending emissions testing in 2020 but I need to get emissions done by September 2019 for my tab renewal. I'd prefer to not spend about a grand on getting both cats replaced but I know i'm going to have to pass this one last inspection. Ideally I would just delete the cats. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

Will you pass emissions now with the clogged cats? Can you do the test now and then do the deletes?

 

Why would you pay a grand? Universal cats are about $50. Pretty sure an exhaust/welding shop isn't going to charge $900 to stick them on.

 

Walker high flow CARB compliance cats are what you need. like PR mentioned above not expensive and should cost $100 to weld up. Just to let you know.. just because your state is easing emission testing does not mean you don't need cats installed. Its a Federal requirement in all 50 States no matter if they don't check. Some states .. you cant re-sale without proper cats installed and your truck is made to run with them installed.

 

As long as they're not completely plugged, $10 in spark plug antifoulers beneath the downstream O2 sensors would probably do the trick; people have had success in gutting the cats, using the antifoulers on the rear O2 sensors, and still passing emissions. I'd try that first... at worst, you're out $10 and an hour of time.

 

....so you are going to cut the cats off, gut them, re-weld them on, and trick the o2s with something else you have to buy?
Why wouldn't you just put new cats on?
Am I missing something here?

 

 

Magnaflow makes direct fit and universal fit catalytic converters for these trucks that I've used in the past. The direct fit ones are more expensive since they include the piping and everything needed to just bolt them on and go. So you can often times save money on labor by spending a little more up front for those direct fit versions which have OE spec emissions compliant cats built in. The universal fit ones are always less expensive but typically require modifications to install that would be best to have done by an exhaust shop or someone that's experienced with cutting and welding exhaust systems. I can get you a quote for these different options if needed, just give us a call, PM, or email and I would be happy to help.

 

@tuflehundon
I don't believe that i'll be able to pass with the cats as they are now.

 

@techrep
Yeah, I understand that federal laws still apply and that ill need proper cats to sell the truck. It seems the cheapest option is to buy universal cats and get those welded in at a shop. I guess ill have to get more quotes on fitting two universal cats on..