New to the forum... question on behalf of a family member... hope that's OK.

The car is a 2000 Accord SE, Automatic with CA emissions (108,000 miles). Vehicle was purchased new & remains in Virginia. Apparently the catalytic converter has gone bad and needs replacing. So here's the dilema... factory replacement unit for that car is a $2000 venture because of the CA emissions issue.

In this particular area of VA, there is no emissions test... just an annual safety inspection... which the car just past last week.

Can the CA required converter be replaced with a non-CA aftermarket converter... they seem to run about $200 each and appear very simple to install.

Will the aftermarket units even fit? Will the vehicle's computer system function normally with the aftermarket unit... and are there legal issues when removing these types of items.

I know, lots of questions from a newbie...

ANy info would be helpful.

MM

 

I recently replaced my cat for $98 at autozone (non california emmisions). This cat will bolt right up to your car as well, I seriously doubt even with a smog/safety test that a non CA cat would make a difference unless it was California since they have the strictest laws.

 

no problem, change it out with the cheap one, your computer shouldnt know the difference.

 

Thanks for the quick replies... especially since the news was good... not bad.