Hello all,
We have a 2015 Acura MDX AWD that needs a new catalytic concerter. It was sold new in New York, but we live in Florida.
While shopping for catalytic converters, we found that CARB compliant catalytics converters are used in New York and that a car sold new there would need one even if it is no longer registered there.
Is a CARB compliant converter is absolutely necessary for our car, or can we use a normal one?
Thanks in advance.
Generally, compliant cats are certified and tested to meet emissions standards and they have more of the stuff that makes them work inside. Non-compliant parts will have less of the expensive stuff and have not been govt. certified. Many cars are made today to meet CA standards no matter where you buy it, but that is not always the case. There is a sticker under the hood that has emissions level info. So the parts may or may not need to be compliant to fit your car, you’ll have to check. The downside to non-compliant cats are the fact there is less convertory goodness inside and you will (in our experience) have an engine light come back in less than 6 months for efficiency again, no matter if you get an ebay special or name brand exhaust part.