Alexander Louie

Hi everyone, I'm brand new and this is my first post.

My 2001 C320 may have a failing catalytic converter. I'm getting a P0430 code. I'll check it out to confirm it's the converter and not a sensor problem, but I was just wondering about the cost if I have to replace it.

I live in California, where the air standards are higher than any other state. In the fall, I might be moving to Oregon, where I could use a converter that conforms to every state excluding California and New York.

My question is, is the cost difference significant? Would it be worth my while to wait until I get to Oregon, or is it better to change it as soon as possible?

Thanks for you help.

tommy

Yes, it is. An oem cat will set you back $1200 - 1500, while a Magnaflow non-CA/NY cat will be mid $200s. So if you can deal with it and are definitely not moving back to CA, I'd suggest waiting to get the MF cat.

insame1

Just gut them for now and worry about it until you don't move or if you need to get a smog.

Russell Ormerod

Then y not not just leave them in? Good thing in my country we just throw them away when they fail...

tommy

Yes, cleaner air has no advantages.

insame1

It surely does but sometimes having money in my pocket is an advantage that I have to take. Ideally you would replace them but..... Also you not having them makes your car more efficient. Not to go too far off topic here but I have always wondered and have never been able to find any documentation on the trade off of emissions equipment VS efficiency. you could buy a us spec honda civic hatchback in 1985 that got 50 mpg. I fyou took that same car and add all the new smog stuff we have today I would assume that the efficiency would go down enough to offset the mpg. hypothetically if you can go 50mpg with no smog and you can only get 30mpg with the equipment in place is that really a win?

tommy

There's far more to not getting 50 mph currently than just the smog equipment, though. Mostly weight, size, and the HP that most modern cars are putting out.
You're also forgetting about the societal costs of additional pollutants - increasing health costs, sick days at work, soil and water contamination and their cleanup costs, quality of life, etc.
Ask someone who's in LA now if they'd prefer the smog of 20 years ago vs now, regardless of costs.
While I haven't really seen any info on a direct economic analysis to your question, my off the cuff answer would be that the costs of decreased fuel would be more than offset by the total factors if you were to total all of them. Especially with gas being so cheap these days, relatively.

C230 Sport Coup

Just check the CARB website for which Cats are approved for your car.
If you just need the one it will only cost $150 to $250 for the cat, then find
an honest muffler shop to weld it.
Shouldn't cost more than $50.
Just get it over with.