Thieves Suck
#21
So California is one of the only states that need cats?!!
If you guys actually saw the amount of traffic here, and the gazillions of cars on the road, Id think you'd rather have the cats on and save your lungs.
If you guys actually saw the amount of traffic here, and the gazillions of cars on the road, Id think you'd rather have the cats on and save your lungs.
#23
While it seems to be happening more on the west coast, I have read articles about it happening all over the country, so NJ might not be as safe as you think (in this matter, anyway).
Our trucks are easy targets for this crap, since they sit high enough to get under easily, and do the deed quickly. The only thing that seems like it might deter someone into looking for another target is some kind of belly pan, to make it near impossible to get the cat out.
As to replacing your OEM cat with a cheaper aftermarket high flow - do you really think that a tweaker is going to know the difference (or care)? They'll chop it out, and then find out it isn't worth anything to them later.
Our trucks are easy targets for this crap, since they sit high enough to get under easily, and do the deed quickly. The only thing that seems like it might deter someone into looking for another target is some kind of belly pan, to make it near impossible to get the cat out.
As to replacing your OEM cat with a cheaper aftermarket high flow - do you really think that a tweaker is going to know the difference (or care)? They'll chop it out, and then find out it isn't worth anything to them later.
#24
I was thinking after my last post, if they want it their going to get it. Sure you can make it a little harder for the thieves to get what they're after but if their deterimined its as good as gone. Sucks but thats just the way it is.
#26
Unfortunately, this is very common here in the Sacramento area. About 6 months ago someone stole my brother-in-law's cat and sensors. Muffler shops are making a lot of money out here replacing cats.
#27
ive yet to hear of a single aftermarket cat being catjacked. im pretty sure the tweekers know what they are looking for. they wont waste time grabbing something that isn't going to be a score when sold, and im sure the guys that buy the cats also let thet their "suppliers" know exactly what to look for.
if this is happening near you, replace it yourself, make a buck and an upgrade, and i doubt you'll have any trouble.
if this is happening near you, replace it yourself, make a buck and an upgrade, and i doubt you'll have any trouble.
#28
...happened to me last month in Chicago. They took it on the coldest night of the year (-5*f). From what I have read on the net, no part of the country is safe from this growing trend.
My $0.02 on the high flow: I can replace the $75 weld on high flow cat many times before the cost of an expensive "direct fit" cat makes sense.
My $0.02 on the high flow: I can replace the $75 weld on high flow cat many times before the cost of an expensive "direct fit" cat makes sense.
#33
some responsibilty needs to be on the buyers of cats, that come from people who dont own vehicels and are repeat customers
#34
It sucks that they stole your catalytic converter. From what I've read there seems to be alot of that going around.
Cat Clamp
Cat Clamp
I'm not trying to flame somebody's product or anything, but it doesn't look like it would do a whole lot, other than make the thief take longer.
I would like to see how they attach all those cables to the frame, because if those aren't secure, then they can just steal your cat, and your cat-clamp.
And they are operating on the assumption that you can't cut cable without "industrial machines", not true. Also what is holding the two sides together? bolts? that is your best anti theft device? I think they have already demonstrated that they know "lefty-loosey, righty-tighty"
and another thing about all of these companies that claim to use "aircraft quality aluminum" or "aircraft cable" or whatever, that is just marketing b.s.
oh, and sorry about your cat getting stolen, that sucks
#35
its a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig problem here in south carolina............these crack heads hit local kia and toyota dealership and stole around 250 cats overnight....off brand new cars
#36
i'm considering purchasing some armor just to possibly prevent this from happening to me. looks like the budbuilt belly pan/skid plate might keep them from getting at the front of the cat. invest $450 now to prevent big dollar replacement down the road. what do you guys think?
#37
right after I posted, I went to msnbc.com, and this was on the front page:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23117250/
here's another one off the font page of msn:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/88793
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23117250/
here's another one off the font page of msn:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/88793
Last edited by b.miller123; 02-13-2008 at 03:45 PM.
#38
i guess i'm glad i only have one catalytic converter, it's rusted on really bad, and it's too cold even for meth heads to want to go outside and steal car parts. sorry to hear about the theft.
#40
right after I posted, I went to msnbc.com, and this was on the front page:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23117250/
here's another one off the font page of msn:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/88793
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23117250/
here's another one off the font page of msn:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/88793
I really wish they wouldn't write articles like this. It's got to give a lot of people ideas.