Hello board members. I was wondering if I can use some help here for those that are experts on mechanical issues. I own a 07 350z; however, my catalytic converter (right side) broke on me TWICE w/o any physical damage. Nissan told me they brake because of a vibration, but TWICE with less than 21,000 miles on the car is quite awkward I think. The cat itself has 80,000 mile warranty on it which means it's not suppose to break so fast unless if it's damaged. Any advise or tippers on what I should do??? I'm definitely contacting Nissan consumer affairs. Does rev-ing the exhaust have to do w/ anything as far as the vibration?

 

No normal vibration is going to damage the cats. You probably just had two lemons, or keeping smacking them off the ground hard (parking garages maybe?).

 

ya.... gonna agree. why dont you try some Hi-Flo cats to upgrade while staying emissions legal. although I'm not sure how it'll affect your warranty

 

Technically, HFC's are not emissions legal under federal law.

 

What do you mean by "broken", and what were the symptoms of a broken cat?

 

i always thought they were cause you still utilize the O2 senser.
but good to know

 

I'm not 100% sure but I think it is illegal to modify the emissions system in any way.

 

I've had one replaced and have another/same one rattling again. Reving might have something to do with it. I've heard that tracking the car is a culprit - certainly believable in my case.

The element in a cat is ceramic, it cracks and pieces start rattling around in your exhaust or on the cat.

 

Don't have the exact statute in front of me, but it goes something like this...

In order to be able to legally switch out a catalytic converter:
1. The original one must be broken or defective
2. It must be replaced with an OEM (or equivelent) catalytic converter

The only people I have ever personally known to have been charged though have been shop owners/employees.

 

Yea, you know I believe the reving has got to do with the cracking. It's mainly where the welding points are where the cross bar is. A small whole opens up and gradually increases to a larger opening. It may sound like a dumb question, but I wonder if it'll be ok as long as I don't rev on it...???

 

Okay so you just basically opened yourself up for argument. HFCs could be considered equivalent replacement parts so long as they reduce emissions to similar levels... unless you're in Cali where we have CARB, the nemesis of vehicle tuners. Fortunately I'll be moving and registering my car in another state soon! XD

 

HFC's are not legally considered equiv. to OEM. There are no available HFC's that control emissions to the level of OEM cats.

Feel free to debate this though. I know what I'm talking about.

 

Nah I'm sure your probably right, but even in Cali, most of the time they dont put your car on a lift or go under the car(unless your riced the fu*k out), they just check for any of the check engine lights that can be from a variety of sensors. and with test pipes, your check engine light comes and that leads to failure. After a lil wear and milage HFC's I noticed didn't look like anything outta the ordinary from under the car. At least thats what I noticed.