spectre1995

So I finally got through all the "easy" stuff on my "new" Mustang, the last part remaining needing replacement is the catalytic converter in order for it to pass smog.

For the guys that have replaced cats in the past, do you usually order one yourself and either weld it in yourself / have it welded in? Local muffler shops want $600 for both cats! That's far outside my budget right now.

The code it's pulling is P0420 (bank 1) so I probably only need to replace one cat.



I do welding on thin metal all the time (firearm work) so would it be doable to weld the cat in myself and still pass the visual exam / smog check?



Thanks in advance.

Derf00

You have a 95 and only two cats in Cali? Normally Cali Mustangs have a total of four. Two precats and then the cats. (unelsss 94-98 are different from 99-04). Also in Cali, they don't just do a visual, they put it on a dyno so, they'll be able to tell if you only have the empty shells for show.

Now if you're in Canada, can't help you there.

Anyways, you can install your own cats BUT, they must be CARB certified (CA only). I believe Pypes and walker have universal ones that will fit and are CARB approved.

spectre1995

CA as in California. I read about CARB compliance and all that but a local smog place said they fail all aftermarket catalytic converters based on visual exam. Haven't talked to other places yet.

There may be four but I only recall seeing two.


Thank you for the input. I'll probably end up getting one of those universal ones and just weld it in myself assuming the other smog place I go to says it's okay

mustangman02232

P0420 is down stream I'm pretty sure, I would just replace cats with whatever is cheapest of they are clogged and run MILs