You can buy 2 brand new high flow catalytic converters. On ebay for about $100 what's the difference between these and the oem ones that are being stolen.. if someone stole the cat from my Dakota. I'd fix it myself for $50.oo no big deal. Or am I wrong?
Depends on where you live... In many states (and certainly in California) you need a cat with an EO #
https://www.walkerexhaust.com/support/tech-tips/state-catalytic-converter-guide.html
The states referenced below currently have their own regulations governing the sale and installation of aftermarket converters.
COLORADO (Effective 1/1/2021) AND CALIFORNIA (Effective 1/1/2009)
CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for any vehicle operated in these states.
COLORADO- AND CALIFORNIA-COMPLIANT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Effective January 1, 2021 for Colorado and January 1, 2009 for California, new aftermarket catalytic converters sold or installed in Colorado or California must meet the following requirements:
- Be labeled or tagged with a CARB EO (Executive Order) number indicating the converter complies with California’s requirements for aftermarket converters.
- Be installed only on applications listed in the manufacturer’s Vehicle Application Catalog and per CARB’s Installation Guidelines.
- Be warranted for 5 years/50,000 miles, and cover the cost of parts and labor.
- Be compatible with OBD catalyst monitors. This includes making sure converters won't cause false catalyst codes, while also making sure that the OBD system will continue to set a catalyst fault code if the aftermarket converter fails.
NOTE: CARB permits any aftermarket converter to be installed on vehicles older than 5 years and for which the OE emission warranty has expired.
MAINE (Effective 6/1/2018)
CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for California Emissions Certified vehicles, model years 2001 and newer, operated in the state. EPA-compliant converters may be used on vehicles from model years 2000 and older, OR all Federal/EPA-only Emissions Certified vehicles, regardless of model year.
NEW YORK (Effective 6/1/2013)
CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for California Emissions Certified vehicles – model years 1993, 1994 or 1996 and newer – operated in the state. EPA-compliant converters may be used on vehicles from model years 1995, 1992 and older, OR all Federal/EPA-only Emissions Certified vehicles regardless of model year.