catalytic converters carb

[tieddo]

Corvette Mike mechanic claims he cannot replace cats on my '91 zr1. In seventeen years he claims he has never been able to replace CARB cat's!?
If anyone has first hand experience with this issue please advise me. This is a California from Michigan.


Thank You in advance

[BigJohn]

Where are you located?

[tieddo]

los angeles

[-=Jeff=-]

The only OEM options is finding a used set.. dunno what options you have for that state

[Ccmano]

As was said on your thread over on Corvette Forum, Corvette Mikes is not on our recommended list for a reason.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/4371751-91-zr-1-a.html

The fact that converter replacement is being recommended in the first place makes me suspicious, unless the car has headers. Converters on these cars are generally robust, with the exception of some 90 catalysts coming apart. (That causes other more serious issues) I assume your having problems getting the car to pass emissions in CA?

Here’s another recent thread from a San Jose owner with the same issues. You may want to contact him to see what he has done.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31407&highlight=Emissions

A small shop called Franks Performance in Santa Ana has recently been recommended by some members. Www.Franksperformance.com

If you were closer I’d give you a set of manifold/cats for free. But I seriously doubt that will solve the issue.
H
:cheers:

[tf95ZR1]

Good point, Hans. Why did they recommend that you
replace the catalytic converters? Another possibility is
American Heritage Performance in Harbor City. They
were honest with me.

If you do need some exhaust changes, I have heard a tactic
is to say, " but you can't get OEM *** anymore." You
then open another can of worms when you will have
to go through a CA Bureau of Automotive Repair
(BAR) Referee Station.

[WARP TEN]

Yes, why do you think you need new cats? Do you have aftermarket headers and need to pass visual? If so you should be able to find a good set of used headers and cats that still work fine.I would take Hans up on his offer and take a scenic drive. I have seen several for sale recently. If that is not the reason, what is? Running rough? Maybe O2 sensors? Anyway more info on your needs would be helpful. Lots of ZR-1s pass California emissions. -Bob

[Ccmano]

Good point, Hans. Why did they recommend that you
replace the catalytic converters? Another possibility is
American Heritage Performance in Harbor City. They
were honest with me.

If you do need some exhaust changes, I have heard a tactic
is to say, " but you can't get OEM *** anymore." You
then open another can of worms when you will have
to go through a CA Bureau of Automotive Repair
(BAR) Referee Station.

Unfortunately we have heard American Heritage Performance is turning away ZR-1/LT5 Business. I would love to hear otherwise if anyone has up to date info.
H
:cheers:

[Z51JEFF]

Unfortunately we have heard American Heritage Performance is turning away ZR-1/LT5 Business. I would love to hear otherwise if anyone has up to date info.
H
:cheers:

I honestly don’t know why a competent shop would turn away a ZR-1,business must be good.

[Corvettes White]

My understanding is that it is illegal to install used cats in California. And new cats are no longer available. So, keeping it legal, no simple issue. One person did go the referee path - from what have read in threads before, and with a letter from the dealer saying the parts were no longer available installed a non CARB approved system. I believe headers with aftermarket cats.
Just from having been here forever, if the cats look original to the car, the smog techs will pass the car. It they look replaced, for a 30 year old car, they may look to see if they are NOS or if they have a CARB number. Last I heard there are no CARB approved systems for the our cars with one piece exhaust manifolds. Without a CARB number, no matter how clean the exhaust is, no pass.
As for the cats the gentlemen has near Reno, if I was in need of a set, I would "make him an offer he couldn't refuse."
George

[PhillipsLT5]

I honestly don’t know why a competent shop would turn away a ZR-1,business must be good.

They have Plenty of C6 & C7 business

[A26B]

My understanding is that it is illegal to install used cats in California. And new cats are no longer available. So, keeping it legal, no simple issue. One person did go the referee path - from what have read in threads before, and with a letter from the dealer saying the parts were no longer available installed a non CARB approved system. I believe headers with aftermarket cats.
Just from having been here forever, if the cats look original to the car, the smog techs will pass the car. It they look replaced, for a 30 year old car, they may look to see if they are NOS or if they have a CARB number. Last I heard there are no CARB approved systems for the our cars with one piece exhaust manifolds. Without a CARB number, no matter how clean the exhaust is, no pass.
As for the cats the gentlemen has near Reno, if I was in need of a set, I would "make him an offer he couldn't refuse."
George

The OP called me & I located a set of very good OEM manifolds/cats which were correct for his car. I even called Corvette Mike's parts guy (they are a customer of Jerrys Gaskets). The parts manager was all in favor of it but the tech doing the work wouldn't do it. I didn't understand at the time, especially not being familiar with CA code. They may not have a CARB number but they would certainly be original for the car.

I suggested he find another shop to replace the manifold/cats. I never heard from him again.

[-=Jeff=-]

I honestly don’t know why a competent shop would turn away a ZR-1

Cause these cars are 25-30 years old.. Hate to say it but many techs were not even born when the ZR-1 FINISHED Production.. This car has a SMALL, wait TINY, percentage so I get exactly why many shops will not touch them

[Corvettes White]

A lot of shops will not install uncertified equipment on a car in California. The state checks by taking in their old bait cars and all offical smog checks here are computerized. But on the other hand no safety checks either.

[-=Jeff=-]

Move out of California then you don’t have to del with smog nazis..

Easy said than done, I know

[tf95ZR1]

The OP called me & I located a set of very good OEM manifolds/cats which were correct for his car. I even called Corvette Mike's parts guy (they are a customer of Jerrys Gaskets). The parts manager was all in favor of it but the tech doing the work wouldn't do it. I didn't understand at the time, especially not being familiar with CA code. They may not have a CARB number but they would certainly be original for the car.

I suggested he find another shop to replace the manifold/cats. I never heard from him again.

We still haven't heard why he needs new cats.