1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Can I use a Corolla Catalytic Converter in my Gen 2 Prius?

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by Kactus, Feb 2, 2021.

  1. Kactus

    Kactus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2020
    39
    7
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    So my cat was stolen and I've been told a Corolla catalytic converter will work. A mechanic will do it for $1000.

    A. Will the Corolla cat work in my gen 2 Prius?

    B. How's $1000 sound for the job?
     
  2. Barsoapguy

    Barsoapguy Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2021
    20
    15
    0
    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Sorry to hear about your cat . It’s literally exploding right now , everyone and their mother is getting jacked .

    I’m hoping to get my cat sheild installed next Monday in time to prevent mine getting stolen .
     
  3. chronon

    chronon Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2007
    601
    105
    3
    Location:
    here and there aint be in frozen wasteland no mo..
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    a) if u want to fiddle with diameters and bending twisting /welding .. u could put about anything into about anything with convertors and adaptors .. -- time -- pain
    b) $1k sounds like ALOT to do an exhaust job like many mulitiples over what it should be ..
    unless this price includes the part then it sounds more reasonable ...
    /they claim '" a cat lasts about 10 yrs .. now if u blow a bunch of oil and other stuff that clogs it that is certainly logical .. . and a car will run better with less restriction so a replacement low mileage cat '__should__' be more open and cleaner ... letting your car run 'less choked up' ...
    West coast was not mentioned .. .. stuff is ~2x the price as it is on much of the other coast .. forgot about that monetary factor
     
    #3 chronon, Feb 11, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2021
  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,668
    6,481
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Any working cat will work.
    Your car knows there's a cat onboard by using O2 sensors.
    The rest is just plumbing.

    In 51 states (if you count DC and PR) this will be effective and legal.
    However (comma!) if you live under a tyrannical government that pokes around under your car every year or so to make sure that you didn't have a non CARB compliant catalytic converter installed, then those same tyrants might not allow you to drive your car on your (THEIR) roads.
    There's an almost 100-percent chance that this repair will extinguish your Check Engine Light, and there's a "pretty good" chance that the VET inspector will see that it's an OEM muffler (probably stolen from a Corolla) because of the Toyota markings.
    They might figure it out.
    They might not.

    So....you're spending $1,000 on 'a pretty good chance' IMO.
    What your muffler shop person did NOT tell you is that this will be an illegal repair in your state.

    Sounds great if you're a muffler shop!
    In 51 states, I'd say it was Highway Robbery for the consumer - especially if it's a used Corolla cat, with fresh saw marks on it! :eek:

    HOWEVER (comma!) in YOUR state, it's probably at least $500 cheaper than a legal fix.

    If you have this unit installed, consider paying another $250 for a cat shield.
    It will make it harder for the thieves to steal the cat a second time, and there's a 'pretty good' chance that it will hide the fact that you have an illegal cat under your car. :D

    How you feel about the moral implications of accepting a used part during a cat theft pandemic is on you (if it IS used.)
    I'm certainly in NO position to judge.

    Good Luck!
     
    #4 ETC(SS), Feb 11, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2021