California Certified Universal Catalytic Converter?

[Conki]

I've been researching the topic, but I haven't found an answer yet.
If there is another thread about it, excuse me for starting this.

I have to get my '86 eta smogged in a month, and I'm looking for a catalytic converter.
I haven't found a universal one that meets the new California standards.
The only possible solution would be a direct fit cat from discountconverter.com for $400+.
Is there any other way to acquire a legit converter for less money that passes both the visual and the emission tests?
Thanks for your help in advance!

[Stephen]

Are they enforced yet? i had mine smogged around xmas time, with a universal weld-in cat

[Conki]

Are they enforced yet? i had mine smogged around xmas time, with a universal weld-in cat

The new law is enforced since January 1st, 2009 if I'm not mistaken... Realy a bad timing.

[Jean]

Borrow someone elses?

[mafoose]

Borrow someone elses?

Ha! In that case why not get some buddies together to pool for a "smog cat" then either make an x number of straight pipes or gutted cats for the rest of the time?

[Conki]

Borrow someone elses?

I don't know anyone else owning an E30 around here. And actually I don't know anyone who's had their car smogged this year.

I made a few calls and I was told that Magnaflow 36005 is one that would work, although I haven't found anything about that specific cat...

[Conki]

Ha! In that case why not get some buddies together to pool for a "smog cat" then either make an x number of straight pipes or gutted cats for the rest of the time?

I know it's bad for the environment, but I actually thought of that... Only if I had some E30 guys around here, just have a cat for smog checks in the storage room... As little I drive my car, I wouldn't hurt anyone with a trick like that.

[nwind21]

Any updates?

My 1987 325is failed so I'm looking for a weld in cat to save costs. I was recommended some Catco but it looks like all the current weld-in universals don't meet the new Jan 2009 requirements. I wish I hadn't procrastinated and smog checked/fixed it before Jan.

[e30this]

Check www.summitracing.com for converters for you CA guys.
I know Magnaflow makes a cat that works for the CA laws..

if you want to do a custom exhaust you can go with one of these.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MPE%2D43037&N=700+314772+115&autoview=sku

I know they make a dual in and out one also. I have used it on my car too.

[Conki]

OK, so I just passed smog on Friday.
There wasn't really a choice, I had to take it to a muffler shop. They welded in a Magnaflow Cat. It cost me $219+tax, but at least I can get my tags tomorrow. Yay!

Before:


After:

[B. Tyler]

OK, so I just passed smog on Friday.
There wasn't really a choice, I had to take it to a muffler shop. They welded in a Magnaflow Cat. It cost me $219+tax, but at least I can get my tags tomorrow. Yay!

Which cat did you end up using exactly? Was it this one? I need to get smogged here too and failed by about 100 points.

[Jean]

Conki - cool! My numbers looked the same with 36008.

B.Tyler - he's got a 6 cyl, probably a different cat (most likely 2 in 2 out).

[guibo09]

cats really make a difference. i wonder where a hiflow would sit.

[Conki]

Which cat did you end up using exactly? Was it this one? I need to get smogged here too and failed by about 100 points.

I don't know which model it is exactly, the shop just put in a universal Magnaflow that's right for the 6cyl E30s.

[tiresmokindad]

Hello everyone.

Sorry for my ignorance, I really need help. I was confused if the magnaflow catalytic converter is pretty good?and also where to buy? I do some searched, inguiry and I come up with this Magnaflow Catalytic Converters . Anyone tried it here.? Any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks.