Catalytic Converter

[cutchaguy]

I looked underneath the car and I noticed that the PO had cut off the converter and put in a piece of straight pipe to fill the void. I don't live in an area with DEQ inspections, but that may change. Even so, it struck me as odd that of the people whose Fiat's I've seen, they've all said that the converter had been removed by the time they bought it.

I'm thinking of replacing my whole exhaust system with a higher performance system. My muffler is nearly shot and I cannot imagine any reputable place replacing it without saying something about the converter.

[bwilson27]

That's kinda my issue, too... In a way.
I'm putting my '74, non catalytic, motor into a '75 body. The '75's had cats... Now I'm wondering if I have to put one on to pass emissions here in Phoenix. I certainly don't want to put one on (plus the extras) if I don't have to. Maybe I should miraculously turn the '75 into a '74?

I've taken cars into muffler shops, and if that year needs a cat, they won't touch the exhaust unless you agree to have one installed. Even in places where there is no emission testing.

[So Cal Mark]

cats are required by Federal law

[manoa matt]

I've got three cats that I want to give away. I was going to post them later this week.

One has the three hole flange on both ends
One has the three hole flange on one end, and a straight pipe on the other
One has a straight pipe on each end.

All are free, you just pay actual postage.

All are in good condition with minor surface rust, no rust through. All should pass a visual inspection, I don't know how well each of them would actually function.

matt.scarton@gmail.com

[dantye]

Has anyone had experience fitting FIATs with catalytic converters from catalyticonverters.com?

They have one listed for 1975-1981 Fiat 124 for $73.96 with FREE SHIPPING! It does not have the 4-bolt flanges, but for the price, it seems one could do a little measuring, cutting, and welding.

REF: http://www.catalyticonverters.com/shop/ ... iat&md=124

[TX82FIAT]

Yep, Federal law. The enforcement is on a state level. I would not take a CAT off of a car. With that said, if you have a car that you purchased with no CAT and it is over 25 years old (all our spiders) you may have a grey area in some states depending on how they test and any listed exemptions. What is interesting about this IMHO is that in reality a 25+ year old CAT in a car with higher miles is worthless. You pass the visual inspection but if they have emmissions testing you will most likely fail.

[tartan18]

I have a 1975 and the plate on my car says it is NOT a California. Does this mean that I don't have a cat?

[fiat218]

we don't have to worry about that in NORTH DAKOTA/MINNESOTA

[dantye]

we don't have to worry about that in NORTH DAKOTA/MINNESOTA

True only as regards mandatory testing.

I'm not sure if your '69 was pre-cat, but I expect if you took your later model Alfa to certain muffler "chain" garages, Sears Meinike, etc. they would not only refuse to remove a cat, but could possibly be required by corporate policy to turn you in to the Feds , either directly or through your State DMV.

Just want everyone to be careful.

[htchevyii]

Has anyone had experience fitting FIATs with catalytic converters from catalyticonverters.com?

They have one listed for 1975-1981 Fiat 124 for $73.96 with FREE SHIPPING! It does not have the 4-bolt flanges, but for the price, it seems one could do a little measuring, cutting, and welding.

REF: http://www.catalyticonverters.com/shop/ ... iat&md=124

I used a universal on mine, more work, but works fine. Be aware that in CA replacement cats must be CARB approved.

[dantye]

Has anyone had experience fitting FIATs with catalytic converters from catalyticonverters.com?

They have one listed for 1975-1981 Fiat 124 for $73.96 with FREE SHIPPING! It does not have the 4-bolt flanges, but for the price, it seems one could do a little measuring, cutting, and welding.

REF: http://www.catalyticonverters.com/shop/ ... iat&md=124

I used a universal on mine, more work, but works fine. Be aware that in CA replacement cats must be CARB approved.

Thanks. I need not worry about the CA standards. It does appear that perhaps the best way to get the flanges I would cut off of the old unit welded straight on a new "flange-less" cat would be to bolt the unit in place and tack weld it, then remove it to complete the weld bead - anyone have any experience with that, or other suggestions?
Thanks!

[fiat218]

I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE A CAT ON THE ALFA, not that im aware of

[dantye]

I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE A CAT ON THE ALFA, not that im aware of

I stand corrected - you missed it by one year with the Alfa - according to Wikipedia, they were required starting in 1975.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_emissions_control

[blurple124]

I have been looking underneath my car and I saw these hangers that look to be part of the exhaust system at one point, but aren't really "in line" with where the exhaust is routed. Are they for a catalytic converter that is long since gone?

[124JOE]

the studs hold a heat shield
the tabs with holes hold the CC with springs
yes cali cars have ehx off to the pass side