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Catalytic Converter: Which should I go with?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Dat Boi, Nov 30, 2016.

  1. Dat Boi

    Dat Boi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2016
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    Location:
    Alton, Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hi everyone!

    I just hit 301K, and my MPGs are dropping, along with the CEL staying on more than usual lol. (P0420)

    The cat is failing, so it's a good time to replace :)

    Every muffler shop in the area refuses to use anything that isn't bolt-on, so I said to heck with them and will be doing the job myself with a bolt-on assembly. The guys could barely figure out how the shifter worked to get it on the lift...

    And I won't be taking it to the dealer, lol.

    I've looked at a few options, which should I go with?

    Option 1:

    BRAND NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR TOYOTA PRIUS GENUINE MAGNAFLOW DIRECT FIT | eBay

    Option 2:

    BRAND NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR TOYOTA PRIUS GENUINE MAGNAFLOW DIRECT FIT | eBay

    Option 3:

    Best Designs Direct Fit Catalytic Converter Fits 2004-2009 Toyota Prius 1.5L | eBay

    The shop also said that option two would be the better option, since it's closet to OE quality. Option 3 is the least expensive, but are they that bad? Option 1 would be the middle ground.

    Any input would be appreciated!
     
    #1 Dat Boi, Nov 30, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
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    II
    You can buy a magnaflow on Amazon and just weld it on. $75

    Magnaflow 99205HM Universal Catalytic Converter
     
    #2 JC91006, Dec 1, 2016
    Aaron Vitolins likes this.
  3. Dat Boi

    Dat Boi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2016
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    Location:
    Alton, Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If I had the equipment, I would!

    Every local shop keeps telling me that they can't weld it on and will only install the bolt-on assembly .

    I ended up going with the direct fit so I can do the job without having to weld anything
     
    #3 Dat Boi, Dec 2, 2016
  4. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    How long do you intend to keep the car? If more than 6 months, either get an OEM cat or a pair of spark plug anti-foulers, drill a 1/2" hole in one then install them in the exhaust pipe before re-installing the REAR O2 sensor.

    Toyota (and Subaru) are NOTORIOUS for setting P0420 DTCs (low cat efficiency) when it is performing WELL within emissions standards, but yes, slightly degraded. What I am telling you is THE CAT IS NOT BAD.
     
    #4 05PreeUs, Dec 3, 2016
    JohnInArizona likes this.
  5. pri2004

    pri2004 New Member

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    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I am wondering - did you get the 'best designs' or did you go with magnaflow ? they all claim to be 'direct fit.'
    smog passed ok after you were done ?
    Is there anyway i can do this bolt deal myself - or have to go to a shop with a lift, etc. ?
    thx
     
    #5 pri2004, Apr 8, 2017
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
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    II
    You can get a bolt on version from eBay for about $260
     
    #6 JC91006, Apr 8, 2017
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