Hi all,
I have a 1988 F350 with a 460 and a single 3 inch exhaust.
The oxygen sensor is pre-catalytic in position.
What is the difference between a California and non-California catalytic converter for this truck?
Thanks in advance,
Gerrit

 

Since you are in California you will have to buy the California converter. I believe it is CARB certified replacement part.

 

Does that mean its identical except maybe a stamp or sticker?
Worried more about emissions check and passing than a certification stamp

 

They will check for the CARB id number on any aftermarket cat. So you need to buy the correct approved cat for your application.

 

Thanks guys, maybe I wasn't clear.
So as to pass a "sniffer" test from the smog man. Are the internal workings of a 49 state and 50 state (O.E.M. replacement) catalytic converter the same?

I get the whole CARB stamp thing, not worried about that.

 

No real difference, so yeah any cat appropriately sized will blow clean. However, a legit smog guy will check the numbers on the cat and if they do match it's still a fail even if the numbers are clean.

 

Modern 3 way convertors are better than the old stuff that was originally on these trucks. Modern 3 way cats will pass the sniffer but you'll have to be creative with the air injection to pass a strict visual test. If I'm not mistaken, you can get a 3 way with air injection port but most don't have them. If you don't have to worry about visual, any properly sized cat will do.

 

The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornistan will do visual and a tailpipe test except in counties that have fewer residents than what lives on my block. Depending on if the truck is over or under 8,500 GVW, the test may or may not be on rollers.

A good smog guy will look for that rectangular four bolt cat inlet that came on a number of these trucks w/ 460s. Also, good luck buying a 49 state cat for a California vehicle and getting it shipped to a Cali address.

I think Magnaflow makes a Cali legal TWC that has an air injection port but don't quote me on that.

 

Passed with flying colors, visual inspection and all. Smogman said new cat makes all the difference!
Thanks all!

 

Which converter did you buy?

Did the installer weld it with nickel wire or something to keep the welds from rusting?