I just had the upper catalytic converter in my mini split in two on me. It appears to be a fatigue failure because all welds are still in tact. I have read through all previous posts on after-market Manifolds/Catalytic Converters and know what the OEM part would cost. I have a few questions regarding my options.

Because I live in California and our strict smog regulations it looks like most after-market parts cannot be sold here. Has anyone in California had this problem and/or used any other parts besides OEM? Will my mini pass the smog requirements if I do use an after market part? Where would be the best place to get an appropriate replacement.

Also, I read somewhere that my exhaust may have been overheating and that could be the cause of the failure. Is this a common problem among mini owners?

Also has anyone done this repair and what are some of the difficulties in this repair? I intend to do the repair my self so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,
Terry
California

 

P.S. My mini has 98,000 on it. Seems like 100,000 miles is the magic Catalytic Converter Failure number :(

 

Isn't there a 10 year emissions warranty?

 

I believe the emissions warranty is 10 years. It's an especially big deal in CA.
I just checked my '05 book and the federal warranty is 8 years or 80,000 miles. In CA it's 7 years and 70,000 miles.

 

Yep, and I'm just over both the warranties mileages... :(

 

I used to live in Ca and unless things have changed, there is no reason why you can't use aftermarket parts as long as they meet the same regs as the OEM parts.

 

Try to get it warranty to cover it first, you have nothing to loose right now.

 

Holy cow, and how long has it been like that ?

 

I guess I'm asking if anyone knows of any after-market parts that meet California's smog regulations. And what distributer can I buy them from?

 

Cheapest I saw from online retailers:

(Make sure it's CA spec)

http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/M3402.cfm

The last time I had a CAT replaced was on an '81 Audi with over 200k. I just went with whatever the indie shop had at the time. It was about $200 out the door. IIRC, Midas does a lot of muffler work. Check and see if they have a good warranty.... xx miles/xx years.

Your CAT might be clogged, causing heat build-up and BAM!!!

 

The law changed in 2009 requiring all exhaust devices sold in CA to meet new emissions requirements. So, you can't buy just any aftermarket header/catalytic converter/pipe/muffler/air intake. It (they) have to be C.A.R.B. compliant. Here's a link that describes the situation pretty well.
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...ek+Google+Base

Here is what you are in for if you have to buy another that is legal.
http://www.koperformance.com/catalog...aust-Man..html

I think I am in the same situation because a previous owner installed an aftermarket header and cat. I don't when, but it been there for awhile. Luckily, the car passed its smog check in October. I may have to go back to the same place because it looks like they weren't paying attention.

 

I'm 99% sure there is no aftermarket CARB legal cat system available in California Your only choice is, you have to buy the OEM header. Now you do have a choice in looking for a used one. That's what I would do

 

It's strange that www.realoem.com doesn't list a CA-specific CAT.

Pelican has a genuine exhaust manifold w/CAT (50 State Legal, CARB approved) for $1485... http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...2005-8%2F06%29

Definitely not mini pricing!!!

 

If you're in the So CAL area, there's a place in Sun Valley, that's strictly a Mini used car parts. I'd ask him and maybe he's got some parts and answers for you.

Sorry the business name escapes me, but it's been posted in this site somewhere.

 

In NorCal, try Mazda & MINI Recycling in Rancho Cordova.

 

Mini World
8729 Bradley Avenue
Sun Valley, CA 91352
(818) 768-4800

 

In http://www.realoem.com/ they list the OEM header, part # 18407533402 for $1294.79. That is a CARB legal part.

You can also get some used parts from, "LKQ", just google it and it's first on the list, I got a used 05 6 speed from them