Catalytic Converter Replacement

[vtmecheng]

I have a '95 S10 4x4 with the 4.3 Z code engine (TBI) and live in Virginia where we have to pass emissions every two years doing the dynomometer test. I need to replace my catalytic converter because the one I put on almost 2 years ago seems to not be a 3 way cat, doesn't take care of NOx, but at least I got it for free. I am looking at buying an after market cat but don't want to buy one and not pass emissions. Has anyone here installed an after market cat and what brand did you buy? I was looking at Eastern Catalytic, Megaflow, CatCo, and Walker. While each company claims I will pass emissions testing with their cat the price differences between them is significant, making me question if some will work. Thanks for the help.

[ballinjefe22]

im not really sure how strict the emmision laws are there, but my uncle has a 85 camaro that he had straight piped and still could pass the emissions in phoenix everytime he had to. his trick was pouring a bottle of the emission pass stuff in the car and follow the directions on the bottle, then play around with the carb and make it run damn near as lean as possible for the test. so i would say keep it how it is, and try something like that. good luck to ya though

[vtmecheng]

Just to update, I replaced the cat with a Catco universal one and passed without a problem. Also, might I recommend for people to not try and pass an emissions test without a cat as ballinjefe22 suggests, not only are you never going to pass with today's testing but it is very much against the law. When I go in for testing in Virginia they look under the truck and make sure the cat is there, if not it is a federal offense.

[ZL1power69]

even if your state does not have a visual inspection at the emissions station, you can't legally pass a state safety inspection without a cat.

[vtmecheng]

ZL1power69, you hit the nail on the head. Seems a number of people on here are all about gutting or taking off the Catalytic converter. From the research I have done and what I learned in my Advanced Technology Vehicle class back in college, a good high-flow cat will create negligible back-pressure (some of which your engine needs anyway). The $60 I payed for my cat was well worth the money imho.