The car is from out of state and has federal emissions. Smog guy says that's not the problem. He says problem is the cats were replaced with aftermarket federal cats sometime in the past. This surprised me because the car is 2009 and low miles I would have thought the cats would last at least 150k miles....I am getting crazy high estimates for replacing both cats ...but I am seeing universal carb compliant cats that fit an hhr for fairly cheap....like $200 each....and of course they have to be cut and welded in....honestly any advice you have would be very welcome as getting this car legal in California is starting to get expensive .....also I looked under hood and on strut etc for vehicle emissions label and it's just not there....maybe I can get another from dealer?

 

There’s this CARB complaint unit from RockAuto

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...converter,5808

the AP 771442, no welding required

 

Oldblue that really helps! I saw some cheaper units....thanks!!

 

Just 5 fasteners and the O2 sensors. I suggest just get new sensors, better than wrestling out the old ones and if they’re OE then they have done their job!
soak those exhaust manifold bolts for a few days to help loosen the rust!

 

Thanks oldblue. I will start spraying the bolts with pb blaster...I am a little concerned because some guys say the bolts snap and then you have to drill them out! Seems difficult from under the car. .I hope there is room in there to drill them out if I must...

 

Easier to remove the exhaust manifold