Catalytic Converter

California Smog Legal Options For Strict Emissions States

Drivers in California and other states with tough emissions testing need a converter that actually passes inspection. Our California smog legal 3RZ and 5VZ converter is CARB compliant and built as a direct bolt in unit, so there is no cutting or custom fabrication required. 

It uses free flowing mandrel bent tubing and corrosion resistant stainless steel construction to hold up against road salt, moisture, and daily wear. This is the option to choose if your state requires a CARB certified part on record, since a non certified converter can fail your test even if it flows well.

Shop All 1st Gen Tacoma Exhaust Parts

47 State Legal Catalytic Converters For Everywhere Else

Not every state enforces the same standards as California, and we carry options built for that broader market too. We offer a 47 state legal converter built for the 3RZ and 5VZ as well as a 47 state option for the 22R, 22RE, and 2RZ, so most first generation Tacoma owners outside strict smog states have a direct match. Both are built from freeflow stainless steel and designed to fit OEM or aftermarket exhaust systems.

• Stainless steel construction resists rust and cracking over time
• Matching flanges mean no custom pipe bending on installation day
• Both converters ship with gaskets included for a complete install
• Direct fit design works with your existing OEM or aftermarket setup

Once you confirm your measurements, installation is straightforward enough for most home garages with basic tools. If you are replacing the converter as part of a bigger project, pairing it with a fresh muffler can help you dial in the sound and backpressure at the same time. Getting the flange size right before you order will save you a return trip and keep the whole job moving in one weekend.

Test Pipes For Off Road And Track Builds

Builders working on off-road rigs or track only trucks often want the restriction gone entirely. We carry test pipes built for the 22R, 22RE, 3VZ, and 2RZ engines in a couple of different lengths to match your setup, plus a version sized specifically for the 3RZ. 

Each one is stainless steel with a high temp ceramic coating that matches our headers and cat back systems, so the whole exhaust run looks and performs as one unit. Keep in mind that test pipes remove emissions equipment and are intended for closed course or off road use only, not street driven trucks in states that require smog testing. 

Choosing The Right Catalytic Converter For Your 1st Gen Tacoma

Picking the right part comes down to your engine and how the truck gets used. A daily driver in a smog testing state needs a certified converter, while a weekend wheeler or race truck might do better with a test pipe paired with a resonator built for the same setup. Consider these factors when choosing a catalytic converter: 

• Your state's emissions laws and whether CARB certification is required
• Whether the truck sees daily street use or off road and track use only

Once you have matched your engine code and use case to the right part, you can order directly from this page and have it installed within a weekend. At LCE Performance, we also stock matching gaskets and hardware if you need a complete exhaust refresh while you are under the truck.