|
It may be worth your time to investigate catalytic converter warranties both on the Federal level and the State level. I have heard of some vehicles having just the cat covered for 10 years out from the date of manufacture, and some vague references to the "life-of-the-vehicle." -but I'm not sure if that was a State requirement or part of the new Federal emissions laws. They dealer may be aware of this, and they may not be. (For example, some of my local parts stores are not familiar with some of the warranties guarenteed to me by the State of Michigan and I have to show them the law in writing before I return a few parts that are out of the 'manufacturers' warranty or didn't come with one to begin with.)
Emissions are tricky in that every state has it's own set of guidelines, plus federal mandates as well. -and they typically change more often than owners manuals get printed, so there's a small chance that you still might be covered. I'd check with the local dealerships first, then the local muffler shops, and then the online copies of your state legislature. -or save yourself a lot of time and pay whatever the $$$ it takes to get a new one. I personally am not thrilled with the idea of used catylitic converters. As far as I understand the current laws, purchasing a used cat in Michigan is a crime.
God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
P.S. Just some FYI for the interested readers: I don't know how much they cost, but back in my college internship days ('97-'00), I read a briefing on a new type of catalytic converter that was being released and introduced on a few new market vehicles. An extra insulation layer was added between the external heat shield and the internal passegeways, and this extra layer held a special type of material. When heated, the material would absorb a HUGE amount of heat and turn itself into a gas, and thus providing a nice thermal buffer between the internal element and the cool outside air. However, the material did not cool down easily once it obtainted a gaseous form, and when you parked your car it could keep the cat at near-operating temperatures for up to 30 hours. Thus, the next time you start the car, the cat is heated and up to operational specs within a few seconds, -as compared to a few minutes with a conventional cold start (thus providing a significant reduction of emissions). Unfortnately my mind escapes me and I can't remember what vehicles these cats were being introduced on, and whether or not they had plans for aftermarket applications. The article was in an issue of AI, an automotive industry magazine.
--
'87 Blue 245, NA 220K
|
