I'm replacing the front cat and y pipe on my 96 Camry XLE due to a tear in the expansion pipe. Originally a California car, it now lives on the east coast. Can I use a "49 state" aftermarket catalytic converter?

 

Is this the flex pipe that looks like an accordion? If so this section alone can be replaced. It is a common repair.

Call a few muffler shops.

The muffler shop or an autoparts store should have them or be able to order one. The Toyota dealer only has complete exhaust systems that includes the CAT.

 

Yes this is the one. The y pipe, expansion sections and cat are all one piece. It was repaired once years ago but is leaking again somewhere. I would like to replace the whole pipe rather than weld it again, I'm finding 49 state parts for a couple hundred dollars as opposed to the six hundred dollar part from the dealer. It doesn't have to pass emissions in California anymore, just wondering if there is something different about the car since it was originally purchased in Cali that won't allow me to use the other parts without setting off a check engine light?

 

Don't know but assume it would be OK with some qualifications.

Other states adapted the California standard but don't seem to have restrictions on aftermarket part usage. California started requiring replacement CAT,s to be certified, approved, etc by the smog board. Parts outlets can't ship CAT's to California unless that part (model) is approved. If in 1997, the 49 state and Calif CAT were the same part, don't know.

It is not uncommon for California owners to install a non-certified CAT, but it is illegal.

As to your situation.

Personally if the CAT itself was OK, I would attempt the flex pipe fix again. Find a competent exhaust shop.

Not all aftermarket CAT's are on par with factory. Some car owners have had issues with aftermarket CAT tripping the CEL. They tend to be undersized to save on cost.

If you do replace the CAT, the old part has scrap salvage value due to the precious metal inside, get the old part back.

 

im looking for a legal california cat converter but i want to find one that sounds like my camero is balzy. how much do they cost with out labor .any links would be highly appreciated. best link gets 10 points.