Stolen Cats

Welcome to StolenCats.com by Muffler Tech.

Welcome to StolenCats.com.  If you’re here you’re likely an unfortunate victim of catalytic converter theft.  A stolen catalytic converter is a problem but at Muffler Tech we have specialized in the replacement of catalytic converters for almost 30 years.  Since the cat theft epidemic started back in 2008, we have been replacing missing parts.
As the targeted vehicles have changed over the years we have been able to stay ahead of the curve because of the large customer content at our shop.  If you have had your catalytic converter stolen, we can help.  Below you’ll find some videos that will help you better understand the reason why certain vehicles are targeted.  We often add new videos on the topic on our YouTube channel; click here to visit.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen a big uptick in stolen catalytic converters from a many different vehicles.   Prius was the most popular target of thieves in the past but since the pandemic many other makes and models are being sought out and have become the target of catalytic converter theft.  This video explains more detail about the rise in theft and the variety of vehicle models targeted.

Do you own a Honda?

The Honda Accord is one of the newest vehicles that the thieves have been targeting.  In the video here we’ll overview some reasons and options for replacement of your stolen catalytic converter.

The Honda Element is also a common target for catalytic converter theft.  In this video above you’ll find more information about why this is such a highly targeted vehicle and your options to get your Element back on the road.

Motorhomes

Toyota Prius Still #1

The Toyota Prius is still the number one vehicle we see for stolen parts, especially their catalytic converter, and this video explains why they are a target, this also pertains to some of the other vehicles mentioned above. If you have a Prius please see our other page www.priuscats.com for a lot more specific information.

WE CAN HELP!

(916) 421-0399

by muffler

Prius Catalytic Converters

Welcome to PriusCats.com by Muffler Tech.

We developed this page to help all the Prius owners that have experienced catalytic converter theft in California.  Why only California?  We are currently the only state that has our own Air Resource Board known as the “California Air Resource Board” or “C.A.R.B.”.  The reason this is impactful is that C.A.R.B. has very specific and strict rules around catalytic converter replacement, and an aftermarket part has to be on an approved list before it can be considered a legal alternative to a factory part.  Unfortunately there are no approved parts for any model year Prius as of now approved by C.A.R.B.  See this link:

What does this mean for Prius owners that need a replacement catalytic converter?

It means that the replacement part has to be the expensive Toyota part.  We assure you that any and all parts other then the Toyota assembly will not get through a California smog inspection.

Here at Muffler Tech we believe that we are doing more of these replacements due to theft than any other shop regionally.  We average about two per day.  Because of this we have negotiated a very aggressive price from our wholesale Toyota parts supplier and we can be very competitive on the replacement/repair for those customers that do not have comprehensive coverage on their insurance policy.
If you do have coverage, we do full insurance claim processing at our shop.  We know the ins and outs of handling a claim and will work with your carrier to fix your vehicle and get everything covered to the best of our ability including organizing and getting one of our tow partners to your car to get it to our shop.
Another matter to take very seriously with this sort of theft is that as mentioned above, the replacement of this part is another factory piece.  This is important because the thieves know that they can come back to your car and it will have another valuable cat assembly to take again.

This is why we have developed three levels of theft prevention for the Prius here at Muffler Tech.  Please see the attached video for some explanation around this and come in or call the shop for more detail.

Remember, if you make an insurance claim for anything on your vehicle, you legally have the right to take it anywhere you prefer, don’t let your insurance decide that for you.

Why is this happening?

All catalytic converters are manufactured using precious metals in their substrate.  We have seen the cat theft as far back as 2007 starting with Toyota trucks.  It has progressed into Honda products and also Ford Super Duty gasoline models with the Prius being the number one target currently.  The reason these particular vehicles are at the highest risk is that the vendors that manufacture the parts for these vehicles use an unusually high content of Palladium and Rhodium both related to the Platinum family.   What are the perpetrators doing with the cat they steal off your vehicle?  More then likely they are going out of the state or country to a recycling facility to be smelted down for the precious metals.  They are not, as far as we can tell, being sold to shops for reinstall.  It is important to know that in the state of California it is illegal to buy and or install a used catalytic converter.

WE CAN HELP!

(916) 421-0399

by muffler

Catalytic Converter

Muffler Tech is Sacramento’s complete catalytic converter repair and replacement shop.  At Muffler Tech we can take care of both OBD 1 & OBD 2 styles. We specialize in CA legal and compliant parts. Most parts are in stock which means you don’t have to wait for parts to be delivered for us to repair your vehicle. If your catalytic converter is broken, clogged, overheating or just needs to be replaced we can help. We can replace your catalytic converter for any make and model of car and install it to get you back on the road.

WHAT IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER?

A catalytic converter is a device that uses a catalyst to convert three harmful compounds in car exhaust into harmless compounds.

The three harmful compounds are:

  • Hydrocarbons (in the form of unburned gasoline)
  • Carbon monoxide (formed by the combustion of gasoline)
  • Nitrogen oxides (created when the heat in the engine forces nitrogen in the air to combine with oxygen)

Carbon monoxide is a poison for any air-breathing animal. Nitrogen oxides lead to smog and acid rain, and hydrocarbons produce smog.

In a catalytic converter, the catalyst (in the form of platinum and palladium) is coated onto a ceramic honeycomb or ceramic beads that are housed in a muffler-like package attached to the exhaust pipe. The catalyst helps to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. It converts the hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. It also converts the nitrogen oxides back into nitrogen and oxygen.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

Failed smog check?  Stolen catalytic converter?  We can help.  At Muffler Tech, we’ve been helping people with their exhaust systems since almost two decades.  We can help you with any make and any model of installation.

If you’re affected by the recent surge in Toyota Prius catalytic converter theft, we have a full page dedicated to helping get you back on the road.  Visit our PriusCats.com page here for more information. 

And for any year, make, and model repair or replacement please call us at 916-421-0399 or drop us a line using the form below.

DROP US A LINE

(916) 421-0399

by muffler

Performance

DEALERSHIP PARTNER

Offer your customers customized options to improve their new car’s performance with customizations to their exhaust system, suspension and brakes or engine.  Muffler Tech has created many custom packages that are offered by car dealerships at the point of purchase.  Your customers will love their new car customized just for them with a package created exclusively for their vehicle’s specific year, make and model.  Contact Muffler Tech today for more information about our options for partner car dealerships.

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES

There are many other things for most vehicles beyond a quality exhaust upgrade to maximize your performance. At Muffler Tech we have been installing vehicle specific components that add power and efficiency since we opened. Some of the brands we offer are K&N, Stillen, Fabspeed, BMC, GiroDisc, Tubi, Edelbrock, Dougs, Superchips, Hypertech, Cobb Tuning, Airraid, and many more. Check with us today to see what we can offer for your car.

DROP US A LINE

(916) 421-0399

by muffler

Muffler Tech Ferrari Testarossa Exhaust

https://youtu.be/a7YywR_s03k

by muffler

Muffler Tech Rat Rod dual mode exhaust

This is our exhaust system that uses electric valves from QTP that are controlled with the handheld remote. When open the exhaust goes through the outlets through the bed and when closed come out the side pipes that come out behind the tires. When closed the exhaust runs through a set of 40 series Flowmasters.

https://youtu.be/XFO2r3pBVkE

by muffler

Luxury Motorcars Ferrari F430

2005 Ferrari F430 available for sale at Luxury Motorcars, please find more information at luxmotorcars.com.

https://youtu.be/w4v_du_aRCw

by muffler

Muffler Tech Nissan GTR exhaust

This is our medium sound level system for the GTR that utilizes 2.5" tubing after the Y to the tips.

https://youtu.be/Tw9i1z8ky3I

by muffler

Suspension

CUSTOM SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

Muffler Tech is an overall performance shop offering far more than just exhaust systems. Over the years our interest in modifying our own cars here at the shop has developed into a whole different division here. We have our “back shop” where we do suspension upgrades on select vehicles. From a basic lowering spring kit to full blown remote reservoir coil overs and everything in between, we can handle your suspension upgrade needs. We are connected with many brands to help you achieve the performance and look you’re going for, please check with us today as to what sort of packages we can do for you.

SUSPENSION REPAIR SERVICES

Is your suspension sagging and worn?  Do you feel every bump and get tossed around on every turn?  Or maybe your vehicle is just burning through tires way too often?  We can help.

Replacing worn suspension components can provide a huge improvement for your ride quality and the wear of your tires and related components.  These items wear with use and time and need to be replaced to ensure your vehicle is riding and handling as well as it did the day it drove off the showroom.  Let Muffler Tech help you enjoy a smooth ride by repairing worn out suspension parts.

DROP US A LINE

(916) 421-0399

by muffler

Brakes

CUSTOM BRAKE SYSTEMS

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

BRAKE REPAIR SERVICES

 here about brakes and things that will help them provide services about brake repair, pad replacement, rotor resurfacing, disc, drum for cars, trucks and any make or model.

This is where we continue to explain our services about brake repair for all makes and models for the disc, drum etc.

DROP US A LINE

(916) 421-0399

by muffler