Quick question, both rear catalytic converters in my 2005 2500HD are blown out, rattling and causing the O2 codes to be thrown. Will a set of Magnaflow 51209 (I can get them for $86 each; $172 total) universal cats still throw the CEL like some aftermarket cats? Or would it just be easier to get the residual debris out and have a Black Bear tune with the rear O2 reading omitted?

NJ has made these trucks omitted from state inspection so I do not need to worry about emissions.

 

They might work, some aftermarket cats will be okay while other high flow cats will still toss a code.

A custom tune would be easy as well but I wouldn't recommend black bear.

 

I've had bad experiences with universal cats. I really don't want to waste $172 on a plow truck that I barely drive.

who would you recommend tune the truck?

 

See if you can find some o2 simulators it will save a lot of time and money. I bought the baker electronics sim 14 years ago for around $25 when I deleted my cats. Worked great all these years until I recently built another engine and bought HPTuners for the truck.

 

I put a Magnaflow Y-Pipe with new cats on my truck in March, work perfect. I also have a BlackBear tune and when these cats wear out and if my state keeps electing Republican Governors, will gut them and tune them out.

Since that's a plow truck, gut the cats and use something to trick the O2 sensors and put your hard-earned money elsewhere.