I am curious if anybody can recommend sources for GM catalytic converters beyond GM itself and the usual web search hits? My friend will likely need to replace the bank 1 cat on his 2008 Pontiac G6 GT convertible 3.9L engine, the problem being there are no longer GM cats to be had anywhere in the GM system, and the only aftermarket I can find is from Walker and designed for the CA, NY, CO, and ME markets, which would be overkill and pricier than what is necessary for us in PA. The annual PA state inspection mandates that the problem be addressed. I plan to start by replacing the two O2 sensors on that side, one at a time, but when it comes to the cat, I am looking for other options.
The garage that originally inspected the car mentioned he gets his cats (and similar items) from 1-800-EXHAUSTā¦or something like that. Nothing like this appears on web searches, and this is the kind of obscure source Iām looking for. I expect there are more. The garage that gave us a second opinion said he could get cats (he wanted to replace both), but it was unclear if these were GM or aftermarket. He didnāt elaborate on the make or the source.
Just curious for the experts here, is installing a used/ recycled cat allowed in some states? One from a wrecked & totaled car, car donated to a recycling program, etc.
As @texases says, just get the cheap one from rock. After market folks take over when the manufacturers discontinue parts. I bought one from rock for my Buick years ago and never had a problem. Under $200.
Since 2008, cars sold in PA must be CARB certified for emissions. (look it up online if you want) If the car is labeled CARB certified for 50 state sale, you MUST replace the catalytic convertor with a CARB certified replacementā¦ I.e. the expensive cats, or you will fail the visual inspection. Look for the emission label underhood. If it is a 49 state car (non CARB) you can use the cheap cats.
It is illegal for any salvage yard to sell catalytic converters. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a violation of its policies for consumers to install a used converter from a salvage yard or sell it for reuse unless it has been properly tested and labeled.
According to the EPA, there are only three situations when you can install an aftermarket converter. They are:
If the converter is missing from the vehicle when brought in for exhaust system repair
If a State or local inspection program has determined the existing converter has been lead poisoned, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement.
If the vehicle is more than 5 years old or has more than 50,000 miles (8 years/80,000 miles for 1995 or newer vehicles) and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and appropriately documented (e.g., a plugged converter or unrepairable exhaust leaks)
Any other converter replacement must be wit a ācertifiedā or new original equipment (OE) or equivalent converter.
It looks like you are required to meet the CARB standards. MY2008 is the first year that CARB compliance was required in PA. You canāt use a catalytic converter that only meets US EPA requirements. The link below is from the PA state government and tells you what you need to know.
I wonder if that applies if the car wasnāt originally sold in PA? My truck was purchased out of state, but it doesnāt have a cat. My car waspurchased in-state, but it has never needed a replacment cat. So Iām not sure what the rule is here in Calif . My guess is that an out-of-state car needing a replacement cat here in Calif only has to meet the original equipment specs where it was sold , not CARB specs.
If I had that problem Iād still be inclined to replace the cat with a CARB-spec cat.
Kind of irrelevant since the car is in penn not cali. But whether to replace a $1000 cat on a $5000 car is an individual choice. Still I wonder if the parts are the same but just a longer warranty thus the added cost for replacements.
And we donāt know where the OPās car was sold originally. I was just thinking out loud if the same applies in Calif or not. I have no idea what , if any, differences there are in CARB spec cats vs non-CARB cats. It seems odd that a car in PA would have to comply with Califās rules, but I guess thatās just the way the cookie crumbles.
Well, not many obscure dealers, I guess. Thanks for the CARB explanation. The car is a 2008 and originally purchased in PA, so thereās no ambiguity. Not sure if itās the correct āsideā, but this is the Walker cat I found over a month ago:
+1. Future Car Talk forum folks with similar car problems using this forumās superb search feature will be helped immensely if OP provides the final diagnosis & solution for reference.
