So I recently moved to California and I need to get my car transferred over, is the OEM cat the only acceptable replacement?

if so may be a bad thing as I think mine just recently gave out and is rattling.

I was wondering if anyone knew of a shop that has passed you with a aftermarket Catalytic Converter. i.e. Berk, RSG, etc

 

If you don't have a cel, I would think you would be fine with your oem cat since they do not sniff anymore. Also I think some people have a shop weld on the oem heat shields around their aftermarket cats so it looks stock.

 

Here ya go:





-- Chuck

 

So key is to cover the aftermarket HFC with the oem heat shield and as long as I don't throw any codes. I should be okay with smog?

Thanks for the help guys

 

Damn nice, where did you get the tabs done at?

 

Acutech in South San Francisco is laid back. They have a few race cars they track and are very much a race inspired smog shop.

 

In a pinch and on a budget, header wrap can be used to thicken up the area around the ends of the heat shield rather than buying a cat with tabs or welding them on. I've done this previously and had no issues.