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2010 catalytic converter replacement advice

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PanLinh, Feb 2, 2021.

  1. PanLinh

    PanLinh New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2021
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Someone recently tried to steal the cat in our 2010 Prius (IV). They didn't take the cat but the wider part below it and the pipe below that. It's part 1741037300, pipe assembly, exhaust - front.

    We live in CA. Toyota will only sell the entire system because it comes in one piece. The most expensive component of that part is the cat but we don't need that. Our muffler guy said he'd be willing to install an after market part or weld together whatever we provide.

    We have a friend in NV who can buy and send us an after market part.

    Will the MagnaFlow OEM Grade Federal/EPA Compliant Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter #52453 work? I know this part doesn't have the exhaust heat recirculation system; do we need that? Will we pass a smog check with this? We just passed smog in December 2020 so we don't have to do it again for two years. We'd be happy if we extend the car's life for two years for ~ $1,000.

    If the MagnaFlow won't work, since we just need the middle part and the pipe, can we still buy the MagnaFlow and have our muffler guy take it apart and just use the components we need by welding them to our intact cat?

    If that won't work, do we have any other options? Thanks! (Sorry I couldn't post links since I'm new)
     
    #1 PanLinh, Feb 2, 2021
    C Wagner likes this.
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    Nov 9, 2012
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    Location:
    Central MO
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    II
    Any muffler shop can fabricate the missing piece
     
    #2 tankyuong, Feb 3, 2021
    C Wagner likes this.
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
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    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Sadly, your profile claims you are in CA and CARB does not allow any Cat except a new one from Toyota. (This is also true in NY and ME but not the rest of the US)

    CARB lists allowed third party Cats for each car, but last time I checked there were none for a Prius


    Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database


    I still see none for any Prius.
     
    #3 JimboPalmer, Feb 3, 2021
    C Wagner likes this.
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Feb 7, 2017
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!!

    If you have some pics that would make it easier.

    Do you still have the muffler and the flange that connects it?

    Using the image below, they cut it off near the 4th dotted line (from the left) and again cut at or towards the circled number '2'?
    [​IMG]
    After a brief search (an advertisement popped up in DDG), here is an OEM for only 1400 (such a deal) :
    Toyota Prius Pipe assembly, exhaust, front. Engine - 1741037300 | Salinas Toyota, Salinas CA


    Youmight find an OEM replacement at that price locally, try a quick search at http://parts.toyota.com/
     
    #4 SFO, Feb 3, 2021
    C Wagner likes this.
  5. C Wagner

    C Wagner Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2020
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    Location:
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    For anyone reading this, get one of the US-made Cat(alytic converter) saver/defender/guards. They cost about $200, are made of steel or thick aluminum sheets and rivet on to the bottom of the car. You can do it yourself, but I was happy to have my mechanic do it - they reported two priuses in the area had been in the shop recently, during COVID, due to cat thefts on the rise. I'm out $300 for my cat defender thing, and will be out more if the shop has to get to the 02 sensor or something up under the shield, but that's a lot better than losing the cat and trying to replace it! I'm not connected to any of the manufaturers; just mentioning it because, although I got my prius for little and considered it 'low value/low theft value', it's the replacement cost of the cat that made me realize I'd better spend this money.
     
    #5 C Wagner, Feb 3, 2021
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