Stolen Catalytic Converter in CA...Straight/Cat Swap Options?

olivelawn · 03-25-2022, 02:37 PM

Well, it happened on my '00 Ford E250 SMB. Bumming. See pics. I live in SF, CA and catalytic converter theft is a constant problem. With my luck, as soon as I replace it, it'll get jacked again.

I basically move the van once a week for street cleaning when I'm not taking her all over the country. I know there are a lot of threads on the topic of protecting your cat, but I'm wondering if anyone has bolted in an aftermarket one and then simply swapped it out for a straight pipe when parked for long periods in dubious locations? Not trying to violate emission stuffs or anything like that, just trying to think of ways to prevent this from happening again without going the cage route.

1der · 03-25-2022, 03:03 PM

Hate to see this. What part of SF?

shenrie · 03-25-2022, 03:24 PM

You could easily install v-band clamps on each side of the cat and it would literally be 2-12mm bolts to remove it. I’m guessing with how stringent smog is there that they would claim that being able to remove it would be a violation of the law.

gcvt · 03-25-2022, 08:23 PM

Sorry to hear this. Mine got swiped when I lived there too. For a replacement, check with Golden Auto on Mission Street down in Daly City. I got many quotes over $1000 but Golden Auto welded up a brand new one for $412.

1der · 03-25-2022, 08:31 PM

On a v10 are there more than one cat? I am looking at the drawings and under the van and it seems like there are multiple cats, perhaps two on each cylinder bank. Which ones are getting ripped off?

doublevan2 · 03-26-2022, 08:40 AM

My 2002 V-10 has the large CAT and 2 smaller cats - guessing one for driver side and one for passenger side cylinder banks. I saw a photo, I believe here on forum, that showed a bunch of CATS in a truck bed and there were definitely many "small" CATS in the pile. Can't confirm small ones were from Ford V-10's.

Will post my CAT photos soon showing "my" version copying "Wonderboys" CAT protector. I'll also "protect" the driver side CAT that is more exposed to theft than the passenger side CAT that is located higher up into engine/framing area and would be more difficult to access and cut. Adding "band saw" blades seems like a great idea too - as posted here on forum.

olivelawn · 03-26-2022, 10:50 AM

@1der: Van is in the mission district in SF. Parked directly across from my unit.

@gcvt: thanks for the tip on golden auto

I do believe there are smaller cats up front on my van as well. i’ll need to take a peek and cross my fingers that those are still there.

Anyone know the legality of a removable cat in CA?

**BroncoHauler** · 03-26-2022, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenrie

You could easily install v-band clamps on each side of the cat and it would literally be 2-12mm bolts to remove it. I’m guessing with how stringent smog is there that they would claim that being able to remove it would be a violation of the law.

Are you trying to make it easier to steal?

Herb

olivelawn · 03-26-2022, 04:45 PM

haha, but no. cat stays inside house and van sits there with the straight pipe while parked for months at a time in sketchy neighborhoods.

ShuttlePilot · 03-26-2022, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenrie

You could easily install v-band clamps on each side of the cat and it would literally be 2-12mm bolts to remove it. I’m guessing with how stringent smog is there that they would claim that being able to remove it would be a violation of the law.

I vote to design a tool-less system for ultra fast removal/reinstall that would enable folks to walk around with their cat like we did with our stereo face plates in the 90's.

Humor aside I'm sorry this is happening to you olivelawn.

- Eric