California legal converters only — anything else fails the visual inspection.
Catalytic Converter Replacement
California does not accept federal EPA converters on most vehicles. We install CARB-compliant units with the required EO number stamped and documented, so the visual portion of your smog inspection passes as cleanly as the tailpipe portion.
Before we quote a converter we confirm the converter is actually the failed part. A converter killed by a misfire or a leaking injector will die again in months if the upstream cause stays.
What's included
Scope of work
- Converter efficiency and upstream/downstream O2 testing
- CARB-compliant (EO numbered) converter supply and installation
- Front and rear oxygen sensor replacement when needed
- Exhaust leak repair, flanges, gaskets and hangers
- Root-cause repair so the new converter survives
- Drive cycle and readiness monitor verification
- Smog retest in our own STAR lane
- Documentation for the visual inspection
Symptoms we fix
Sound familiar?
- P0420 or P0430 catalyst efficiency below threshold
- Rotten-egg smell from the exhaust
- Rattle from under the car on start-up
- Loss of power or a plugged, restricted exhaust
- Failed the tailpipe or visual smog inspection
- Aftermarket converter installed out of state
How we work it
The four steps, every time
- 01
Verify
Efficiency testing and a check for misfires, injector leaks and exhaust leaks before condemning the converter.
- 02
Quote
CARB-legal part pricing in writing, with the EO number identified for your vehicle.
- 03
Install
New gaskets and hardware, sensors torqued to spec, leak-checked hot.
- 04
Certify
Drive cycle, monitor check, then smog test on site.
Questions
Straight answers
Can I use a cheap converter from online?
Not in California. Non-EO converters fail the visual inspection, and the shop that installs one can be cited. We only install compliant parts.
Why did my converter fail so young?
Almost always an upstream cause — misfire, rich fuel condition, oil consumption or a coolant leak. We check for those so the new one lasts.
Will you smog it after?
Yes, we test right here at our STAR lane.
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Get a straight answer on your vehicle.
Tell us what it's doing. We'll tell you what it takes — in writing, before any work starts.