are early and late catalytic converters interchangeable?

[garrett376]

Hi Guys, I have an 02 996 that has a bad catalytic converter, and can get a good deal on some catalytic converters from an earlier (2001) 996 to replace them... if they fit! Before I tear everything apart, does anyone know for sure if they are interchangeable? The PET has different part numbers for early versus later car catalytic converts, but maybe they are just updated somehow and still work?

Thank you! I am hoping to save from taking it all apart and find the parts wont fit!

[Loren]

For the most part Porsche says it is okay to use the larger diameter exhaust parts from the 3.5 liter on a 3.4 liter - but not the other way around.

So, that is not recommended by Porsche.

[garrett376]

Thanks Loren, that is what I wanted to figure out before I tear back into it... Have a great weekend!

[garrett376]

Hi Loren, I had a chance to look at two sets - the early part is the same externally as the later cats (pipe diameter, etc.) - is it an internal difference, I assume?

[Loren]

Hi Loren, I had a chance to look at two sets - the early part is the same externally as the later cats (pipe diameter, etc.) - is it an internal difference, I assume?

I do not know for sure - just relaying Porsche's comments.