Finally, yesterday, the CheckEngine light came on and the dreaded P0430 code showed up. I've had this happen on a Montero I had and you start with "must be the O2 sensors" but eventually resign to the fact that the CAT is bad.
Did some more research. Looks like Magnaflow Universal CAT, part #444204 is perfectly legal for a bunch of Porsche models/years in California.
Basically, CARB issues "Executive Orders" (sounds like someone in CARB has the Great leader syndrome) to exempt certain aftermarket Catalytic converters from it's blanket ban on aftermarket CATs. Thankfully, CARB makes the exemption list available via an easily searchable page:
https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTool/CatalystSearchTool.aspx
And, EO D-193-96 is the one that allows use of the Magnaflow Universal CAT.
https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTool/ExecutiveOrderPDF.aspx?AEON=D-193-96
You have to be aware though that certain EOs are rescinded (sigh):
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermktcat/catrescind.pdf
Thankfully, the shop that maintains my cars also has a smog unit so I can make sure I will pass smog before I buy the Magnaflow unit (just to be doubly sure).
My question is while I can getting parts of the exhaust system sawed off and welded back, is there an inexpensive exhaust upgrade I can look at? Nothing too loud to scare off the neighbourhood cats but just a teeny-weeny bit guttural roar?
