I have a 2003 Accord EX Auto Transmission 4Cyl SULEV (Calif/CARB) 3HNXV02.4KCP that had the catalytic converter stolen.
Multiple muffler places quote $3500 and many weeks wait for a replacement part. Am I screwed or can I buy one from honda parts online and install it myself?
The part numbers I see on the website 18160-RAD-L10 based on searching using the VIN number. Is this the right one or is there another part number for the converter I should be looking for?

 

Im in the same boat bud... Mine was stolen too..They stole my downpipe too....ice holes....

 

Honda parts online, or several other on-line places that sell legit Honda parts would be the place to get it. Unlike RockAuto, these places are usually Honda dealers that decide to have a web-business from their parts counter. Some people have said that local dealers will match price with these places.

Seems to me that actual OEM Honda parts have to be OK, because that's what the car had from the factory. Just make sure the seller knows you're in CARB-lee-Fornia. I've never lived there, but I think the whole CARB certificate thing is for aftermarket components from different companies.

 

Davrk, I got 18160-RAA-A00 but I didn't go by VIN. When I put in model info, there was no place for me to say SULEV so I would rather trust the number that you got by using your VIN.

Remember, that's ONLY the converter. Not including the heat shields. Chances are you'll break some of the flange bolts, and you'll certainly want to have new gaskets, new rubber hangers, etc...

 

He posted on HT too. I answered his other thread at HT previously.

18160-RAD-L10 is for California emissions, while 18160-RAA-A00 is not listed for California emissions.

This is his other thread at HT: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...erter-3351757/

 

For example:

 

Okay, thanks everyone, I am going to see if I can actually get the 18160-RAD-L10 with the bolts, shields, and gaskets. Probably should engrave the VIN and a $500 reward notice on it too.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kir...outputType=amp

Beware!!!

 

I was looking on Majestic Honda, I wonder why they didn't have the KA vs. KL drop-down???

 

Unfortunately CARB is the leading trend-setter on emissions standards for the entire USA, so it’s not just aftermarket parts that have to meet their requirements but also OEM. Although their authority is technically limited to CA, they have the worst smog problems of any state and since at least the 1980’s they’ve been manipulating their way into setting federal standards. CARB is the primary reason that OBD systems were developed and implemented.

I live in central Iowa and a few years ago Karl Chevrolet (which happens to be one of the largest GM dealers in the nation) had something like 40 or 50 catalytic converters stolen off of a bunch of brand new trucks in their lot. Someone just moved from truck to truck with a sawzall. They didn’t have any idea anything had happened until their salesman started them up for test drives!

I don’t know if anyone was ever caught but Karl’s lot is VERY well lit (albeit humongous)- almost daylight conditions - and the Ankeny PD is very pro-active in looking for crimes in progress so it’s a bit surprising they weren’t caught in the act.