Failed Smog, need new Catalytic Converter, what are my options?

[theredcouch]

Hi, I have a '97 Boxster and it failed the California smog inspection. I took it to my Porsche mechanic (TRE in Van Nuys) and he told me they ran some tests on it and it was the Catalytic Converter, not the O2 sensors, and that it would cost $2600 to fix. My question for you is, does this price seem right (he says he has to order the part from Porsche) and if so could someone like Midas do it for a lot cheaper? I don't want to put a bunch of money into it because I'm thinking of selling it but I'm not able to sell it in California without an emissions certificate.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Tim

[Loren]

Hi, I have a '97 Boxster and it failed the California smog inspection. I took it to my Porsche mechanic (TRE in Van Nuys) and he told me they ran some tests on it and it was the Catalytic Converter, not the O2 sensors, and that it would cost $2600 to fix. My question for you is, does this price seem right (he says he has to order the part from Porsche) and if so could someone like Midas do it for a lot cheaper? I don't want to put a bunch of money into it because I'm thinking of selling it but I'm not able to sell it in California without an emissions certificate.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Tim

My advice is to find another shop - have them tell you all the fault codes (write them down and report back here).

[geoff]

A few months ago the catalytic converter was stolen from my '88 Toyota pickup when it was parked near LAX. I stopped by the Toyota dealer in Marina del Rey on my way home and they said OEM replacement would run about $1400 just for the parts, but the suggestion was to go aftermarket from a muffler shop. I called around and ended up getting a new catalytic converter installed at Pettigrew in Oxnard. Original estimate was $280 installed, full warranty, but ended up costing $400 because the vandals did other damage while sawing off the cat (Magnaflow, which doesn't show a Porsche replacement part). My truck runs much better than before, and I was very pleased with the quality of the installation

I'm not sure I would do the same thing for my Boxster or Carrera, but might depending on the circumstances. It's clear OEM catalytic converters are a lot more expensive than the aftermarket ones. Also, starting January 1 2009, all replacement catalytic converters in California have to be certified for a specific, so the number of "universal" replacement options is greatly reduced

I've heard horror stories about Midas, and Meineke are supposed to be complete crooks. If you want to go OEM, maybe try calling Sunset for pricing and have a reputable independent muffler shop do the install (lower labor prices than Porsche indy mechanics, and all they do are exhausts). Most high quality independent muffler shops will send you somewhere else if they don't think they can do the job right

[airswear]

Tim,

I'm in the same boat. 98 boxster just failed smog and looks like it might be the cats. However, we have a real problem. As stated by Geoff there are new laws governing what Catalytic Converters can be installed. At this time there are NO aftermarket converters for the BOXSTER that are CARB approved. How can I be so sure?? I manage a performance exhaust/muffler Shop in the Sacramento area.

If you were not to far off, like me, you might just want to get it warmed up a little more. I passed on the 15mph and failed the 25mph by 8 points on hydrocarbons. I’m going to change the plugs get it good and warm and give it another shot. If you can find your smog sheet post what you failed on.

Colby

[ericinboca]

Tim,

I'm in the same boat. 98 boxster just failed smog and looks like it might be the cats. However, we have a real problem. As stated by Geoff there are new laws governing what Catalytic Converters can be installed. At this time there are NO aftermarket converters for the BOXSTER that are CARB approved. How can I be so sure?? I manage a performance exhaust/muffler Shop in the Sacramento area.

If you were not to far off, like me, you might just want to get it warmed up a little more. I passed on the 15mph and failed the 25mph by 8 points on hydrocarbons. I’m going to change the plugs get it good and warm and give it another shot. If you can find your smog sheet post what you failed on.

Colby

I've used aftermarket cats before - had no problems. Recommend Maxspeed Motorsports for them - made in Taiwan, but they are very nicely made. I use the racing headers from Maxspeed now on my track 986S.

Changing the cats/headers is not a hard DIY - most of the header bolts are easy to get to...not all, but most. $2600 for new cats/headers installed is nuts.

[airswear]

Tim,

I'm in the same boat. 98 boxster just failed smog and looks like it might be the cats. However, we have a real problem. As stated by Geoff there are new laws governing what Catalytic Converters can be installed. At this time there are NO aftermarket converters for the BOXSTER that are CARB approved. How can I be so sure?? I manage a performance exhaust/muffler Shop in the Sacramento area.

If you were not to far off, like me, you might just want to get it warmed up a little more. I passed on the 15mph and failed the 25mph by 8 points on hydrocarbons. I’m going to change the plugs get it good and warm and give it another shot. If you can find your smog sheet post what you failed on.

Colby

I've used aftermarket cats before - had no problems. Recommend Maxspeed Motorsports for them - made in Taiwan, but they are very nicely made. I use the racing headers from Maxspeed now on my track 986S.

Changing the cats/headers is not a hard DIY - most of the header bolts are easy to get to...not all, but most. $2600 for new cats/headers installed is nuts.

California is a little different.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermktcat/aftermktcat.htm