My 1996 3500 with the V10 has developed the dreaded "cat rattle". The stock cat is a one piece unit welded to the head pipes. When I looked at replacing it, since its a California vehicle, all I can find is the stock one, which is $1500, or a (California approved) Magnaflow weld in (part #45036). What bothers me about the Magnaflow is its the same part number for the V6, V8 and the V10 engines; I can't believe it has enough flow for the V10 if it works for a V6 also!
Having a California vehicle limits me to these two choices, I guess. As of 1 JAN 09, the laws got a lot stiffer and no one will even ship some cats to CA and installers are afraid to work on exhaust systems.
I want to fix the truck the right way, and don't want a check engine lite or driveability issues, but I sure hate to spend a boatload of cash if I don't have to.
Has anyone found a cat for a California V10 besides the stock replacement that works and passes smog?
Thanks for any help!!

 

doesn't the V10 have 2 cats, if so, id imagine each one would flow enough

 

Mine is a stock setup with one cat. Its a 2 into 1 setup; each headpipe is welded to one of the cat inputs and a single out to the muffler. Once its logged into the California smog computer as a single exhaust, there is no changing it. This set up also has 4 oxygen sensors, 1 in each headpipe, 1 at the front of the cat and one downstream of the cat. I think the only way to replace and stay legal is to spend the money and replace with the stock setup.

 

I have a completely CARB-legal single cat 2-into-1 system with three 02 sensors and Borla shorty headers with an Edelbrock muffler. Not sure who made the cat, though. I'll look tomorrow and see if I can get a name for you.

 

Thanks, Miami_Son. Another option would be helpful. The CARB certification seems to be worth a lot these days.

 

It sure is. I had the EO tag welded onto the passenger side header so the inspection place can see it clearly when looking under the hood. I checked my cat and I can't see any identification or brand name on it. Sorry.

 

emissions laws are going crazy

 

Why can't you go to a muffler shop and get a universal cat? There must me a cheaper alternative.

 

As of 1 January 2009, there is no such thing as a universal cat in California, they are all required to be "application specific" approved which means approved for each vehicle. The state also requires a 7 year 70,000 mile warranty on cats. Most manufacturers just stopped getting CARB approved. The Magnaflow website has a good writeup on the law, as does the CA DMV website. My exhaust guy explained that putting a non-approved cat on a CA registered vehicle subjects him to a minimum $5000 fine and passing the "visual check" at smog time subjects the smog tech to a minimum $10000 fine. California has finally gone over the edge of reason; it doesn't matter if the vehicle is putting out no emissions at all, it matters that the paperwork is correct; a crock of crap in my opinion. I think Shwarzenegger wants us all on bicycles!!
I really think I am going to be stuck with buying the stock converter. Thanks for the replies.

 

That really sucks dude! The last CAT I replaced was about 7 years ago and the shop just installed an universal. I didn't know it had gotten this bad. I think the stupid Democrats in the Legislature (Arnold isn't alone in his lunacy) just want everyone to become dirt poor paupers (The dumber and poorer you are the less you can defend yourself). I can tell you a couple of things; First they won't take my truck from me no matter how many stupid laws they pass. "From my cold dead hands" if that rings a bell? Secondly, I won't go down like that. The wife and I have been discussing this for a long time and the next upswing in the economy, we are gone! I won't be a cash cow for the unions and the illegals (not to mention all the insane laws they keep passing).