cat converter shields

Been thinking about getting a shield to protect, or at least make it more difficult, to cut off the cat converters on my tacoma. After doing some on line research, talking to a car mechanic and someone from Midas Muffler I still haven't gotten a straight answer to this question. Hoping someone out there can help me with this. My understanding is that an aluminum shield while being easier to cut through will not damage a catalytic converter by retaining heat whereas a stainless steel shield, being harder to cut through will retain the heat generated by the converter and over time damage the converter. Is this true??

 

Here are things to remember when weighing the pro's and cons of Aluminum vs Stainless Steel:

1. Thermal Conductivity. Aluminum has a much better thermal conductivity (conductor of heat) than stainless steel. One of the main reasons it is used for car radiators and air conditioning units.
   
   
2. Workability. Aluminum is fairly soft and easier to cut and form. Due to its resistance to wear and abrasion, Stainless can be difficult to work with. Stainless steels are harder and are especially harder to form than aluminum.
   
   
3. Thermal properties. Stainless can be used at much higher temperatures than Aluminum which can become very soft above about 400 degrees.

Catalytic converters usually run at 1200 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. An overheated converter turns bright red and becomes hotter than 2000 degrees Fahrenheit!

As long as the cover is ventilated, you should be okay.

 

Midas muffler ???? Quit while you are ahead.

 

If the truck runs normally, the cats will never overheat even if cat shield is installed
also, most cat shields also cover the oil pan and transmission, so air cooling is affected, but that's tantamount to driving during stop and go traffic on a hot summer day, the truck can handle that, just remember to drain and fill the trans fluid at least every 60k miles because that puts you in severe driving condition

I'd say go for it, I have it on my 4 banger

 

Here is a nice thread that has good discussion on this topic: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/catalytic-converter-theft-deterrent-options.713072/


Lots of options out there. I ended up going with MillerCat stainless steel.

 

Here’s my $0.02. I’ve seen cat shields or anti theft devices go for as much as a skid plate that covers the cat.

 

^^^^ This
One of our local members makes a great version - @Talon2006
Disclaimer: I have one of his.

 

I haven't seen skid plates that cover the cats. Which one are you referring to? For the life of me I couldn't find a proper skid that covered the cats on a V6 3rd gen.

Edit: originally, I had the RCI skid plate. But the taco spends more time parked in cat-theft-central King and Pierce County, Washington, than it does wheeling/actually needing impact protection.

Some folks have modified the RCI skid plate to have wings that cover the cats bilaterally, which I might do one day. For now, the steel pseudo-skid MillerCat will do.

 

The Talon plate is very nice. I would've purchased it over MillerCat if a steel version were available. Perhaps in the future they'll offer it.

 

GetCatSecurity was working on a SS version, but development was lagging, so I quit waiting. Happy with my choice. It’s never about prevention, but deterrent. If they are determined, you aren’t stopping them.

 

I installed Talon's Garage Cat Converter Cover. It is solid 1/4" thick and looks beautiful. Will post a bit more details on what I did for the install.

 

I had the Cat Security installed on my truck today. I love it.

 

I like seeing the notches for the frame vents - Nice!

 

Did you add the drain notches or is he finally selling them like that?

 

They are selling them like that.

 

Anybody experienced a frustrated thief yet? Thief goes underneath, see’s the security plate, gets back up, and takes his sawzall to your doors

 

It would probably still be a cheaper repair…
It’s never prevention, rather deterrent.

 

Awesome. The originals weren't like that. Bought mine two or so months ago and there wasn't a notch. Had to remove the drain plugs to get it to mount.

 

With my TRD Off-Road I had to cut a notch in the plate to allow the skid-plate to stay up by .25".

 

I cut mine with a semi-circle to accommodate the plastic piece when I bought mine a few months ago: