morganabowen

This is a dealer only item and the cost from the dealer is $2000
Are there options
Appreciate any advice

vange_c4s

can you provide the specific codes?

white out

Your options are:
New OEM
Used OEM
Aftermarket
test pipes and tune

Macster

Depends upon the codes are. Could be aging O2 sensors.

Assuming it is not, and it is not in my car's case, what I've done with a P0430 error code in my Boxster is to move to and always use a top tier gas (when gas prices got real high I'd switch to discount brand but the error code would appear more often).

I also treated the engine to a bottle or two of Techron using it according to directions. I've done this just once though in the last oh 4 or 5 years.

The engine is kept in reasonably good tune, with plugs that do not have too many miles on them. Whatever their change schedule is or close to it.

I started driving the car a bit more aggressively. Nothing gruesome I just rev'd the engine out a bit more and modified my gear selection to select a gear to keep the rpms up a bit, mainly to keep them above 2K and preferrably above 2.5k. Roughly up to 20mph I use 1st, up to 30mph I use second, up to 40mph I use 3rd, and so on. Whatever keeps the revs up some. Short runs on the freeway I cruise at the limit in 4th instead of 5th, though on longer drives I'll use 5th.

I've managed to nurse a converter now for several years.

However, with cold weather here the CEL came on the other day and it was P0430. The code is always more likely to appear in colder temps.

If the above doesn't help or you do not want to bother you can consider what I"m considering and that is seeking out a used exhaust manifold/converter from one of the Porsche wreckers (Parts Heaven is just a few blocks away from my office) and then having the Porsche dealer tech replace the bad one.

I'll probably have him do this when I take the car in to have a leaking camshaft cover on that side addressed. Figure I'll save a bit of labor in the process.

Sincerely,

Macster.

Imo000

^^^^ Why do you always write there long winded replies?

Post a few questions to the OP and when they reply with some answers, then write the diagnosis. Sometimes less is more.

OP please post the trouble code.

soverystout

Don't spend $2000 at the dealer when you can get both factory cats for $2460 from Sonnen Porsche.

http://sonnenporscheoemparts.com/par...HAUST%20SYSTEM

KrazyK

If its a not a California car (but it looks like you are), the Catco OEM replacement converters are much, much cheaper. If you live in Commie California, drive across border and install in Az. or have a friend buy them for you. If your sure its the cats and not a sensor(s), maybe remove the exhaust and physically inspect? I think all aftermarket cats are stainless steel now and have 5yr/50K warranty.

morganabowen

Thanks to everyone for the ideas and suggestions. I am taking the car in Saturday for diagnosis, since the initial code which I posted here was one of the less expensive hand held units.

Macster, I appreciate you suggestions, and most of them are already a part of my normal routine I've had a couple of PMs with some unique suggestions and ideas which I will also consider. I will post the final results when the issue has been resolved. Thanks to everyone

Hardback

If you have to replace your cats why not go with 200 cell high flow cats? I few of us run them and they will improve the cars exhaust sound and give you some added power. My xpipe sounds incredible with PSE.
GT3 like...

fpena944

Agreed. When things like this happen I always look at it as an opportunity to upgrade. Fabspeed cats are less than $1800 for both.

beowulf

Hi, if your cats need to be replaced you should consider the Cargraphic Cats that are for sale ($1100)
at Road Sport Supply/ Stuttgart Performance in Orange County! I recently purchased these cats
for my 996.
rss.prmware.com

morganabowen

P0420 & P0430 Ring a bell

Macster

Yes. These are arise from the converters performing below par.

The reference I have if there are aging O2 sensor codes along with either or both codes is to replace the sensors indicated by the sensor related error codes and clear the codes and drive the car.

If the P0420/0430 error codes come back replace the converters.

The converters are basically unable to store oxygen and release it to process exhaust gases.

Contamination (leaded gasoline) or some fuel or oil additives can damage these.

They can just wear out.

Yet another failure mode is a mechanical failure the metal/ceramic matrix comes loose and exhaust flow through the converter is compromised. The converters need to be hot to work and they remain hot by working. If exhaust flow is wrong they cool down and their efficiency drops off pretty quick.

A bit strange both sides fail. Sometimes a coincidence is just that but is there anything that has been done to the engine or the exhaust system or possibly happened that could be a common failure point?

MiamiC70

FYI if car is under 8 years old from original sale date they are covered under warranty as per EPA. I Porsche replace both my cats free of charge on my 2004 6 months ago.

that said if out of warranty I would opt to get sport cats and call it a day or try and find someone that upgraded and maybe has original cats for sale. However, with 2nd option you run risk of the used replacements going bad at a later date. So, if me i would deffinately go sport cats 200 cel.

5CHN3LL

Since you're in the People's Democratic Republic of California like me, remember that non-CARB-certified cats are grounds for failing the visual inspection... even if you pass the sniffer, catalytic converters that do not have the correct markings (I do not remember the proper CARB nomenclature for the ID number) are not allowed.

Now, in reality, no inspector is likely to search your catalytic coverter for the CARB number, but it's something you might want to be aware of. It would suck to pay out for high-flow cats and still fail smog.