C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

[Ed H.]

My 07 LS-2 flashed CHECK ENG LITE, found out by my OBDII that my Passenger side catalytic converter needed replacement. Check with all Chevrolet Dealers in the US, none were available, and the factory was not replacing the unit. I need a source for the OEM, new. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Michael H.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Ed pick up a good used one or two. Are you sure the O2 sensor is not defective ?

Mike

[Ed H.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Mike, due to new laws in Ca. regarding Cats, the unit must have a serial number and a parts designator to be sold and applied to the vehicle, indicating the VIN # of the car I am hoping some muffler shop or restorer has one or two in their inventory that has never been installed. My last effort is to use a new Cat and have it engineered to work on my C-6. I can't register the car in my home area with a defective Cat. Thats Ca. SIERRA HOTEL. The vehicle flashed the code for the Cat not the o-2 sensor.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

If you delete the code, how long does it take until the code returns?

[Terry M.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Ed
There is a TSB for a Catilic Converter Effeminacy code. Happened to my 08 Z06 while under warrantee. They flashed the computer. Your case may not be under warrantee, but a computer "adjustment" is easier then replacing the CAT. I don't remember either the code or the TSB number, but all that should be on the internet that never forgets, if that applies to you.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Mike, due to new laws in Ca. regarding Cats, the unit must have a serial number and a parts designator to be sold and applied to the vehicle, indicating the VIN # of the car I am hoping some muffler shop or restorer has one or two in their inventory that has never been installed. My last effort is to use a new Cat and have it engineered to work on my C-6. I can't register the car in my home area with a defective Cat. Thats Ca. SIERRA HOTEL. The vehicle flashed the code for the Cat not the o-2 sensor.

Ed------


It's still possible that the O2 sensor is the root of the problem. I'd change it, anyway.

If you do actually need a replacement converter, it's going to be very tough to find an original GM unit, last available under GM #15218288 for the passenger side. I don't think you'll find any muffler or exhaust shop that has one of these in stock as such places usually do not stock GM-source parts and especially for something as expensive as this converter.

You do have another option, though: Magnaflow Exhaust Products supplies a direct fit, California approved converter for your application. It's their part number 5461999. It won't be OEM and will be configured somewhat differently than OEM but it will be functional and will keep your car on the road.

By the way, I sure hope this post is not considered an advertisement for Magnaflow with whom I have no connection. Lately, I really hesitate to offer any information as to a source for needed parts lest they be construed by board moderators as "advertisements". In fact, in several recent cases when I knew the source for hard-to-find parts, I have declined to provide the information.

[Ed H.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Joe, the only source in Ca. Is Magna Flow. The unit has to have a special code etched in the body due to all of the midnight supply in this state of milk and honey, very costly. Oh well SIERRA HOTEL.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Joe, the only source in Ca. Is Magna Flow. The unit has to have a special code etched in the body due to all of the midnight supply in this state of milk and honey, very costly. Oh well SIERRA HOTEL.

Ed-------


The Magnaflow converter will have the CARB "EO" number visible on the converter. This is what's required in California. So, there's no problem when using the Magnaflow product part number I provided in California.

California requires that OBD-II quality converters be installed on all cars requiring converters in California, even if the cars are of the OBD-I generation (i.e. pre-1996. Converters for most other states only have to meet EPA standards for replacement converters which are usually less than OEM. So, what's the difference? The difference is precious metal content and that's why OEM converters and CARB approved replacement converters cost so much more than EPA-only approved converters.

A converter for your application can also be obtained as manufactured by Walker. However, their product is not a direct fit. It has to be welded in to existing pipes. I do not recommend a non-direct fit converter if a direct fit is available. While direct fit converters are available for most EPA-approved states, there are far less available for California. Fortunately, yours is one of the California applications for which a direct fit converter is available.

I still recommend replacing the oxygen sensors first. If there is more than one, I'd replace all. Keep in mind that the catalytic converter has no sensor of its own. It's health (or lack thereof) is determined by O2 sensor readings. So, it's possible to have a situation in which the O2 sensors do not set a DTC but do cause a catalytic converter DTC to be set. Not common, but possible.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Ed-------


The Magnaflow converter will have the CARB "EO" number visible on the converter. This is what's required in California. So, there's no problem when using the Magnaflow product part number I provided in California.

California requires that OBD-II quality converters be installed on all cars requiring converters in California, even if the cars are of the OBD-I generation (i.e. pre-1996. Converters for most other states only have to meet EPA standards for replacement converters which are usually less than OEM. So, what's the difference? The difference is precious metal content and that's why OEM converters and CARB approved replacement converters cost so much more than EPA-only approved converters.

A converter for your application can also be obtained as manufactured by Walker. However, their product is not a direct fit. It has to be welded in to existing pipes. I do not recommend a non-direct fit converter if a direct fit is available. While direct fit converters are available for most EPA-approved states, there are far less available for California. Fortunately, yours is one of the California applications for which a direct fit converter is available.

I still recommend replacing the oxygen sensors first. If there is more than one, I'd replace all. Keep in mind that the catalytic converter has no sensor of its own. It's health (or lack thereof) is determined by O2 sensor readings. So, it's possible to have a situation in which the O2 sensors do not set a DTC but do cause a catalytic converter DTC to be set. Not common, but possible.

Not only that, oxygen sensors are cheap and relatively easy to replace. Not much different than swapping a spark plug, though you do need the correct socket.

[Ed H.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

To put this problem1 to bed, as I sit here my man is replacing both 0x units on the pass side. Life is good again. Thanks to you guys, Terry and Joe and all others. 120 bucks vs 1800.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

To put this problem1 to bed, as I sit here my man is replacing both 0x units on the pass side. Life is good again. Thanks to you guys, Terry and Joe and all others. 120 bucks vs 1800.

Ed------


By the way, I should have mentioned, if you do find that you need a converter, now or in the future, I do not recommend going with a used unit unless you can get it dirt cheap and are willing to gamble. At a minimum, part of its life is used up and you don't know how much of a part. Plus, it could be poisoned (e.g. used with a misfiring engine, etc.). Basically, you don't know if a used converter is any better than the one you need to replace.

[Ed H.]

Re: C-6 LS-2 Exhaust part OEM

Copy that Joe, if I have to a cat it will have to be new due to The Calif. EPA la