Legal CA Catalytic Converter replacement

Hey there - I'm new here and quite honestly don't know much about vehicles. I've always had 4 Runners and Tundras... so not a lot has ever gone wrong. Right now the family has three 4-Runners. The boys have the oldest... a 1997 and a 2000. The '97 is a whole 'nother story, so starting with the 2000 4x4 SR5 Limited. It just failed smog here in California. A few years ago my 2006 Tundra cat was stolen and I was forced to go through Toyota (almost $3k replacement through Toyota - robbery). I did some research on the 2000 4-Runner and it appears I may be able to get an aftermarket cat and still be ok/legal. I'd prefer to do it right the first time and get the whole kit (front and rear portions of the cat). Any recommendations on what kind to get? Should I just buy retail? Or is there a less expensive option online that is a trusted source? I don't want to order one... take it to the shop... and have them send me away because it's not California compliant. The Engine Family number is - YTYXT03.4XBP and the Evap. Family number is - YTYXE0095AE0. Thank you SO much in advance. Money is tight, so looking for minimal cost.

 

I would call a local smog shop and see what they say

 

California's lack of action on cat theft and oppressive requirements to buy expensive replacement ones is irritating.

If your vehicle is a federal emissions 4runner, and you live close to a state border, order a federal emissions cat from magna flow and install it out of state. The federal emissions one is several hundred dollars cheaper than the CA spec. And if your 4runner was originally a federal emissions vehicle, California will be appeased as long as it continues to meet those standards.

If it is a CA spec 4runner, the magna flow cats seem to be the best option. To know if it's a California emissions vehicle there is a sticker on the underside of the hood. As far as California's laws are concerned, the only legal cats are Carb certified. Reputable exhaust companies wont even let you ship stuff into the state if it isn't carb certified.

 

If you go with brand names like Walker or Magnaflow , you should be fine.

EG https://www.stockwiseauto.com/walke...nner&msclkid=39e462fa1d5e19eb9ed70635638eaaed

check the description, it says "CALI" somewhere.....