Finally found CARB-approved, inexpensive primary cats for C32
12-09-2010, 06:02 PM
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2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Finally found CARB-approved, inexpensive primary cats for C32
Some info for those of us in Cali who need to replace our primary catalytic converters, do not want to spend $$$$ for OEM, and who want to remain in compliance with the requirements of the California Air Resource Board (CARB). In other words, for those of us who are cheap *******s who want to still be able to pass smog (without any funny business).
As far as I can tell (and after hours of research and phone calls), the only aftermarket cat which is CARB-approved for the C32 is the Walker universal 81807. They are available at Pep Boys for $65 or so each. Note: Be careful when ordering from Pep Boys. . . they insisted that the model which I really needed was the 81802. This is incorrect, as the 81802 is for the other 49 states, and is not CARB-approved. I actually had to get the Pep Boys manager to call Walker to confirm that the California model is the 81807. In any case, these Walker cats have a 50,000 mile warranty.
If you need CARB-approved secondaries, they are Walker model 81660.
Thought this might be good info for my Cali brethren.
As far as I can tell (and after hours of research and phone calls), the only aftermarket cat which is CARB-approved for the C32 is the Walker universal 81807. They are available at Pep Boys for $65 or so each. Note: Be careful when ordering from Pep Boys. . . they insisted that the model which I really needed was the 81802. This is incorrect, as the 81802 is for the other 49 states, and is not CARB-approved. I actually had to get the Pep Boys manager to call Walker to confirm that the California model is the 81807. In any case, these Walker cats have a 50,000 mile warranty.
If you need CARB-approved secondaries, they are Walker model 81660.
Thought this might be good info for my Cali brethren.
Last edited by Vomit; 12-09-2010 at 06:04 PM. Reason: Typo
12-09-2010, 11:21 PM
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2002 c32 AMG 2012 c250 Coupe
Some info for those of us in Cali who need to replace our primary catalytic converters, do not want to spend $$$$ for OEM, and who want to remain in compliance with the requirements of the California Air Resource Board (CARB). In other words, for those of us who are cheap *******s who want to still be able to pass smog (without any funny business).
As far as I can tell (and after hours of research and phone calls), the only aftermarket cat which is CARB-approved for the C32 is the Walker universal 81807. They are available at Pep Boys for $65 or so each. Note: Be careful when ordering from Pep Boys. . . they insisted that the model which I really needed was the 81802. This is incorrect, as the 81802 is for the other 49 states, and is not CARB-approved. I actually had to get the Pep Boys manager to call Walker to confirm that the California model is the 81807. In any case, these Walker cats have a 50,000 mile warranty.
If you need CARB-approved secondaries, they are Walker model 81660.
Thought this might be good info for my Cali brethren.
As far as I can tell (and after hours of research and phone calls), the only aftermarket cat which is CARB-approved for the C32 is the Walker universal 81807. They are available at Pep Boys for $65 or so each. Note: Be careful when ordering from Pep Boys. . . they insisted that the model which I really needed was the 81802. This is incorrect, as the 81802 is for the other 49 states, and is not CARB-approved. I actually had to get the Pep Boys manager to call Walker to confirm that the California model is the 81807. In any case, these Walker cats have a 50,000 mile warranty.
If you need CARB-approved secondaries, they are Walker model 81660.
Thought this might be good info for my Cali brethren.
12-10-2010, 08:28 AM
#6
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Speaking for your Cali brethren, thank you for looking into this and sharing this information. It takes the scare out of thinking about the eventual replacement of the cats.
12-10-2010, 11:24 AM
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2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
I have no idea what cell count these are. My goal was not really performance, but rather CARB compliance without spending a boatload. However, by logical inference, if CARB approved them, they are probably more restrictive than the (non-approved) performance cats out there from Thunderbolt, Magnaflow, etc..
FYI, I tried replacing my FUBAR OEM primaries (they would rattle like crazy at idle or under light acceleration) with OEM secondaries, and immediately got a CEL, so that "solution" sucked. At this point, I just want to get the CEL to shut off and get my car smogged.
In any case, I will keep everyone posted as to the outcome of this project.
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12-30-2010, 11:46 AM
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2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
So far, so good on the Pep Boys primary cats installation
Just thought I would give you an update on the "Pep Boys Primary Cats" install. . .
I had them put in yesterday. So far, nothing but net. CEL is off, and car seems to have picked up a few HP? Before the install, I would not break the rear tires loose in the rain when nailing it from 40 MPH (downshift into 2nd gear). After the install, I am able to break them loose from 40 in the rain. Any HP gain is probably just in my head, however. Have you ever noticed how your car seems to run better after you give it attention, even if it is something that obviously would not affect performance, such as a bath/wax? Or, maybe I am losing my marbles
.
In any case, at the very least, the car has not lost power as a result of these cats.
Today will be the acid test, as I need to get the car smogged. Wish me luck
I had them put in yesterday. So far, nothing but net. CEL is off, and car seems to have picked up a few HP? Before the install, I would not break the rear tires loose in the rain when nailing it from 40 MPH (downshift into 2nd gear). After the install, I am able to break them loose from 40 in the rain. Any HP gain is probably just in my head, however. Have you ever noticed how your car seems to run better after you give it attention, even if it is something that obviously would not affect performance, such as a bath/wax? Or, maybe I am losing my marbles
. In any case, at the very least, the car has not lost power as a result of these cats.
Today will be the acid test, as I need to get the car smogged. Wish me luck
12-30-2010, 01:03 PM
#9
Just thought I would give you an update on the "Pep Boys Primary Cats" install. . .
I had them put in yesterday. So far, nothing but net. CEL is off, and car seems to have picked up a few HP? Before the install, I would not break the rear tires loose in the rain when nailing it from 40 MPH (downshift into 2nd gear). After the install, I am able to break them loose from 40 in the rain. Any HP gain is probably just in my head, however. Have you ever noticed how your car seems to run better after you give it attention, even if it is something that obviously would not affect performance, such as a bath/wax? Or, maybe I am losing my marbles.
In any case, at the very least, the car has not lost power as a result of these cats.
Today will be the acid test, as I need to get the car smogged. Wish me luck
I had them put in yesterday. So far, nothing but net. CEL is off, and car seems to have picked up a few HP? Before the install, I would not break the rear tires loose in the rain when nailing it from 40 MPH (downshift into 2nd gear). After the install, I am able to break them loose from 40 in the rain. Any HP gain is probably just in my head, however. Have you ever noticed how your car seems to run better after you give it attention, even if it is something that obviously would not affect performance, such as a bath/wax? Or, maybe I am losing my marbles
. In any case, at the very least, the car has not lost power as a result of these cats.
Today will be the acid test, as I need to get the car smogged. Wish me luck
Vomit, thanks for the info!!! Fortunately, the Florida contingent doesnt have to worry about this since we have NO emissions/safety testing at all!!!
12-30-2010, 02:56 PM
#10
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The cats are supposed to arrive this weekend, so I will probably have them installed next week. I will let you know if there are any complications and/or perceived performance losses.
I have no idea what cell count these are. My goal was not really performance, but rather CARB compliance without spending a boatload. However, by logical inference, if CARB approved them, they are probably more restrictive than the (non-approved) performance cats out there from Thunderbolt, Magnaflow, etc..
FYI, I tried replacing my FUBAR OEM primaries (they would rattle like crazy at idle or under light acceleration) with OEM secondaries, and immediately got a CEL, so that "solution" sucked. At this point, I just want to get the CEL to shut off and get my car smogged.
In any case, I will keep everyone posted as to the outcome of this project.
I have no idea what cell count these are. My goal was not really performance, but rather CARB compliance without spending a boatload. However, by logical inference, if CARB approved them, they are probably more restrictive than the (non-approved) performance cats out there from Thunderbolt, Magnaflow, etc..
FYI, I tried replacing my FUBAR OEM primaries (they would rattle like crazy at idle or under light acceleration) with OEM secondaries, and immediately got a CEL, so that "solution" sucked. At this point, I just want to get the CEL to shut off and get my car smogged.
In any case, I will keep everyone posted as to the outcome of this project.
01-06-2011, 02:45 PM
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2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Pep boys $65 cats for C32 soung great and pass CA smog
HNY everyone.
Just thought I would update the Pep Boys $65 CARB-approved cats project for my C32. . .
The cats were installed last week. Installer said it was an easy install. I also had him replace the O2 sensors, as he said they were "fried." I immediately went to go get the car smogged, but it would not pass, as the ECU had not yet reset. In all fairness, the installer told me I would have to drive 50 miles or so for the ECU to reset. The smog guy told me, however, that MBZs often take 200 miles or more. His best suggestion for getting the ECU to reset was to "drive it like you stole it," which I thought was a pretty funny/strange piece of advice. Not wanting to defy the smog guy's recommendations, I obliged
. After 200 miles of some smoky burnouts and drifting, I returned to try the smog test again. The ECU seemed to like the joyriding, as it reset and the car passed smog with flying colors (emissions were at less than 10% of what it would have taken to fail).
I have noticed that my car sounds better with these cats ("throatier" and "less harsh" would be the best ways to describe the new sound).
So far, I am very pleased. Seems to be a great alternative to the OEM stealership cats.
Just thought I would update the Pep Boys $65 CARB-approved cats project for my C32. . .
The cats were installed last week. Installer said it was an easy install. I also had him replace the O2 sensors, as he said they were "fried." I immediately went to go get the car smogged, but it would not pass, as the ECU had not yet reset. In all fairness, the installer told me I would have to drive 50 miles or so for the ECU to reset. The smog guy told me, however, that MBZs often take 200 miles or more. His best suggestion for getting the ECU to reset was to "drive it like you stole it," which I thought was a pretty funny/strange piece of advice. Not wanting to defy the smog guy's recommendations, I obliged
. After 200 miles of some smoky burnouts and drifting, I returned to try the smog test again. The ECU seemed to like the joyriding, as it reset and the car passed smog with flying colors (emissions were at less than 10% of what it would have taken to fail). I have noticed that my car sounds better with these cats ("throatier" and "less harsh" would be the best ways to describe the new sound).
So far, I am very pleased. Seems to be a great alternative to the OEM stealership cats.
01-06-2011, 04:23 PM
#12
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HNY everyone.
Just thought I would update the Pep Boys $65 CARB-approved cats project for my C32. . .
The cats were installed last week. Installer said it was an easy install. I also had him replace the O2 sensors, as he said they were "fried." I immediately went to go get the car smogged, but it would not pass, as the ECU had not yet reset. In all fairness, the installer told me I would have to drive 50 miles or so for the ECU to reset. The smog guy told me, however, that MBZs often take 200 miles or more. His best suggestion for getting the ECU to reset was to "drive it like you stole it," which I thought was a pretty funny/strange piece of advice. Not wanting to defy the smog guy's recommendations, I obliged. After 200 miles of some smoky burnouts and drifting, I returned to try the smog test again. The ECU seemed to like the joyriding, as it reset and the car passed smog with flying colors (emissions were at less than 10% of what it would have taken to fail).
I have noticed that my car sounds better with these cats ("throatier" and "less harsh" would be the best ways to describe the new sound).
So far, I am very pleased. Seems to be a great alternative to the OEM stealership cats.
Just thought I would update the Pep Boys $65 CARB-approved cats project for my C32. . .
The cats were installed last week. Installer said it was an easy install. I also had him replace the O2 sensors, as he said they were "fried." I immediately went to go get the car smogged, but it would not pass, as the ECU had not yet reset. In all fairness, the installer told me I would have to drive 50 miles or so for the ECU to reset. The smog guy told me, however, that MBZs often take 200 miles or more. His best suggestion for getting the ECU to reset was to "drive it like you stole it," which I thought was a pretty funny/strange piece of advice. Not wanting to defy the smog guy's recommendations, I obliged
. After 200 miles of some smoky burnouts and drifting, I returned to try the smog test again. The ECU seemed to like the joyriding, as it reset and the car passed smog with flying colors (emissions were at less than 10% of what it would have taken to fail). I have noticed that my car sounds better with these cats ("throatier" and "less harsh" would be the best ways to describe the new sound).
So far, I am very pleased. Seems to be a great alternative to the OEM stealership cats.
Did you go in-store to order the cats? And, I am assuming they are $65 each, right? How much did your installer charge to put them in? How much were the O2 sensors?
Thanks again for your pioneering this project.
01-06-2011, 04:41 PM
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2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Yes, just go into the store. For that matter, you can buy them from any Walker retailer. The only reason I went to Pep Boys is that Walker told me it was my closest Walker retailer. If you go to Pep Boys, just remember that they will try to sell you the 81802 because their computer does not show the 81807 as being available. You will probably have to force them to call Walker (who is on Eastern time), so make sure you go to Pep Boys before noon (assuming you are on PST). Yes, $65 each.
The installer charged me something like $400.00 to remove the old primaries and install the Walker Cats and new O2 sensors (plus $120 each parts charge for the O2 sensors). I thought that the install charge was a little pricey, but I really did not have the time or inclination to go searching for a better price. I would guess that you should be able to find a shop who will remove old primaries and install the Walkers for maybe $200.00.
Hope this helps.
01-06-2011, 04:45 PM
#14
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Thanks.
Yes, just go into the store. For that matter, you can buy them from any Walker retailer. The only reason I went to Pep Boys is that Walker told me it was my closest Walker retailer. If you go to Pep Boys, just remember that they will try to sell you the 81802 because their computer does not show the 81807 as being available. You will probably have to force them to call Walker (who is on Eastern time), so make sure you go to Pep Boys before noon (assuming you are on PST). Yes, $65 each.
The installer charged me something like $400.00 to remove the old primaries and install the Walker Cats and new O2 sensors (plus $120 each parts charge for the O2 sensors). I thought that the install charge was a little pricey, but I really did not have the time or inclination to go searching for a better price. I would guess that you should be able to find a shop who will remove old primaries and install the Walkers for maybe $200.00.
Hope this helps.
Yes, just go into the store. For that matter, you can buy them from any Walker retailer. The only reason I went to Pep Boys is that Walker told me it was my closest Walker retailer. If you go to Pep Boys, just remember that they will try to sell you the 81802 because their computer does not show the 81807 as being available. You will probably have to force them to call Walker (who is on Eastern time), so make sure you go to Pep Boys before noon (assuming you are on PST). Yes, $65 each.
The installer charged me something like $400.00 to remove the old primaries and install the Walker Cats and new O2 sensors (plus $120 each parts charge for the O2 sensors). I thought that the install charge was a little pricey, but I really did not have the time or inclination to go searching for a better price. I would guess that you should be able to find a shop who will remove old primaries and install the Walkers for maybe $200.00.
Hope this helps.
01-27-2011, 11:44 AM
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02 C32 AMG, 2012 S550
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but did you just replace the old cats, or did you get a new exhaust or something and needed to add some cats? I was thinking about eliminating one set of cats on my C32, any thoughts?
03-20-2011, 06:54 PM
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Something Slow
Question: i think my cats are dead, getting a serious rattle when i rev, so would the Walker universal 81802 fit a C320 and since am in NYC i wont need the 81807?
thanks
mike
thanks
mike
03-23-2011, 01:16 PM
#19
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Wow, it's actually approved and that price.
Amazing. No pics or dimensions on the walker site.
Any pics of this?
If this would work with the C230 M111,
that would be the most inexpensive cat thats
Cali approved that I've heard of.
Magnalow universal is around $250 these days.
Yeah, not approved for this car, none are.
Fortunately I have yet to have anyone look under the car other
than to see if it's there.
Amazing. No pics or dimensions on the walker site.
Any pics of this?
If this would work with the C230 M111,
that would be the most inexpensive cat thats
Cali approved that I've heard of.
Magnalow universal is around $250 these days.
Yeah, not approved for this car, none are.
Fortunately I have yet to have anyone look under the car other
than to see if it's there.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 03-23-2011 at 01:19 PM.
03-23-2011, 03:37 PM
#21
Super Member
I'm confused. I keep reading about the Cat's rattling. Mercedes gives a 10yr/100K mile warranty on exhaust, so unless you are over 100K why not get them replaced under warranty. The only reason I know is because my wife's SLK had the cat rattle in 2008 and I took it to dealer to get them to confirm and get a quote for replacement as well as to just buy the cats, and they said, not to worry and that it would be replaced under warranty.
03-27-2011, 02:28 AM
#24
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