why can't they sell Catalytic converters to CA?

[craig3x]

So I live in CA and I need a new cat on my 2001 4runner. I have found some great deals online, but they all say "Cannot ship to CA" Why is this? And more importantly, if I have it shipped to a friend in AZ, then he ships it to me, will it work for my CA 4runner?

 

[Stick Figure]

They can't ship here because those cats haven't been certified here. Only the OEM for the late model 3rd gens are legal as far as I have found. If you do ship it that way, get it here and throw it on it will probably work to make the truck run okay and not throw a check engine light..... BUT technically you could fail smog for it because it will not have a legit exemption number with it like a California legal catalyst would.

Pretty ridiculous that the only option seems to be $2200 from the dealer.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I heard in CA we can no longer use aftermarket cats including highflow. That is why people get there cats stolen. Well that and they melt them down I think.

 

[craig3x]

but seriously, what smog shop looks under the car for a CARB number on your Cat? The ones I have gone to do not do that