RE:Lets talk about CATS (long)
Sounds to me like this is the States way of making another buck somewhere. If you've got a original CAT, you're set and will have no issues. Our X's usually pass with flying colors anyways, at least all mine have.
If you change out the CAT though, it has to be approved by the CARB (California Air Resources Board).
As described below these approved CATS have a number (usually stamped) on the cat which I believe is entered into the CA smog machine during the smog check, so buying any cat out of state wont work.
By the way these CATS can be approved and be total crap as well, such as the last two that I've installed on Porsche 944 turbos. I can't even begin to express the pain and grief it takes to install these:censored:, lots of heating up with a torch, bending,etc.:censored: :wall:just to make it fit! The alternative in this case is factory with a price tag to the tune of about $2,300.00:wacko:
Chris is also right about ZDDP in the oil being harmful to the CAT, but it's also good for the engine. With additive packages in oils being reduced, the CAT will last longer, but the motor less. Personally I think if the motor stays healthy with good quality oils it would last longer and have cleaner emissions.
Rolf.
As taken from the California Air resources Board's (CARB) website
Catalytic Converters
A legal aftermarket catalyst is one that is listed in an ARB approved manufacturers catalogue for the year, make, model, and engine size of vehicle on which it is being installed. Manufacturers of aftermarket catalytic converters must obtain an Executive Order for their products from the Air Resources Board in order to be listed in an approved catalogue.
New Label Requirements
The label on the catalytic converter shell must be ½ inch high and large enough to be read from a distance of 5 feet from either side of the vehicle. The label must show the EO, specific part number (universal or direct-fit) for the vehicle, and date of production (month and year). In assigning specific part numbers, manufacturers have taken into consideration each vehicles exhaust configuration, including the location of the oxygen sensors, pipe size, etc. Therefore, no modifications should be required to fit a catalytic converter on a vehicle other than weld it in, where necessary.