catalytic converter

[ksutter]

I just got a '98 4runner in pristine condition except that somewhere along the line the catalytic converter got taken out (probably stolen) and was replaced by a straight pipe. I have a couple of questions, is this lack of a cat converter potentially causing damage to other systems in the truck? And secondly, how much should it cost me to have a new one installed? Is it important that I get a factory toyota cat converter or could I just get a generic one?
Thanks

 

[jgue467]

Do you Really need it?

Don't think it will cause damage to your vehicle, mostly to the environment. Cost would be higher for OEM, I've read on here several times to go to a decent muffler shop and they can install one the least expensively. But, unless the exhaust is too loud for your taste and your local doesn't penalize you for not having one (as in no passing the smog tests) then I'd leave it alone, you'll probably gain a little power with the slight reduction in back pressure. Luck! :banana:

 

[Robb235]

I just got a '98 4runner in pristine condition except that somewhere along the line the catalytic converter got taken out (probably stolen) and was replaced by a straight pipe. I have a couple of questions, is this lack of a cat converter potentially causing damage to other systems in the truck? And secondly, how much should it cost me to have a new one installed? Is it important that I get a factory toyota cat converter or could I just get a generic one?
Thanks

Is your rear oxygen sensor still in place? If so, go to RadioShack and install a 1 microfarad capacitor, and 1 mega ohm resistor as shown. That will sufficiently fool your computer into thinking you have a working cat. That got my P0420 code to go away. The parts only cost about $5.

 

[GhostRing]

Is your rear oxygen sensor still in place? If so, go to RadioShack and install a 1 microfarad capacitor, and 1 mega ohm resistor as shown. That will sufficiently fool your computer into thinking you have a working cat. That got my P0420 code to go away. The parts only cost about $5.

Is this confirmed? Sounds like a much cheaper option than a $100 "simulator"

 

[Robb235]

Is this confirmed? Sounds like a much cheaper option than a $100 "simulator"

As far as I'm concerned, it's confirmed. It's actually a pretty common method of spoofing the rear O2 sensor, just Google it and you'll see. I originally found a thread on one of the Tacoma forums, however he had incorrectly described how to do the mod, hence my picture that has one diagram labeled "incorrect" and another "correct".

 

[Robb235]

Here, I posted a write-up on how to do this:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...our-own-rear-o2-simulator-$5.html#post1767853

 

[deverlow]

Interesting. I had an aftermarket cat installed almost 2 years ago by a local muffler shop for $350. Great so far but once it fails I'll probably look into this a bit further.