I just wanted to give a very public shout out to the Muffler Tech crew. These guys operate an excellent shop up in the Sacramento area and the reason I mention Sac-Town is the fact that I am out of LA and there's not a single shop in So-Cal (that I found) can you give you the levels of protection against catalytic converter theft. I love my Prius and will keep it forever and now that I have level 3 protection I can rest easy. It was worth the drive up from LA and I'd do it again. My Prius was upgraded and protected in two hours. I can't say enough about the service that Matt, Bill and Colby provided.
I had to get one installed today, thankfully my neighbor caught them trying to steal my converter before it happened. Wish we could set up an electric shock solution instead. Want to touch my shit, you’ll get bbq’d.
Most thieves are using a sawsall on both ends to save time, so I would recommend the cover. Don't bother with the rods or security bolts unless the sawsall won't fit.
Alex respectfully we disagree. We have seen just the cover defeated. We developed the other levels to add to the difficulty to the thieves. We are doing a fourth level now that specifically targets the sawsall.
I got smart real quick on mine. I have a 2007 prius G2. I bought a new aftermarket cat off amazon for $125 and I am not in a carb state. Installer removed my oem cat and welded in my after market cat that I had already painted bright orange with header paint. Sold my oem cat on ebay for $1350.
They cut my cattle that it converter in half and didn't get it, but still it needs to be replaced. Do you think my insurance company will let me keep the parts? And if they will, can I sell it? I need to pay for my deductible!
Sign me up! Seriously. I'm in SoCal. Had mine stolen in August. Luckily the insurance covered the replacement and I was just going to sell the car. But I've been keeping it safe in my mother's garage and can't get myself to sell my baby. 😔 I am definitely going to plan a trip up there!!!
Colby, nice video. I don't live in California otherwise I'd bring my car to you. I can find people here in Portland that carry the cat security and can install it. But I can't find anybody that does a level one, level two additions that you do. Any advice on where to find that service in Portland Oregon? If not could you tell me where I can find those key lock bolts? Thanks a lot man That was the very helpful video
Mine stolen for 1st time and 2nd time I put metal shield hoping no one will steal it again I could not find anybody who can weld metal rod around but now I am covered with one shield only
It will not. When we made this video they hadn’t graduated to the cordless saw with as much consistency. The shield does increase the protection for a sawzall, however, we are also now offering a level 4 that is specifically designed to stop the saw.
They stole mine 2 weeks ago, got it fixed, dealership out the metal cover plate to protect it, few days later they steal it again. Pretty sure it’s the same people. My apartment building has a garage all the tenants cars park at, security won’t even check the footage won’t do anything about it. It’s almost fixed again but I’m scared to park my car in the garage now I can’t keep doing this. Filed police report, nothing. Just bought this car used in December, converter has been stolen before with previous owner.
Hopefully during the visual inspection of the emissions test the tech doesn't fail people for these mods on the exhaust. Technically, Commiefornia doesn't allow changes like this. We can only make changes to the exhaust after the cats.
You can’t modify the functional part of the pipes or the location of the cat(s) or sensors. You can add the rod we do. We’ve done hundreds of cars with these mods with zero issues.
@@mufflertech Right I get that but our laws here are so strict that a tech may fail just out of fear of getting dinged. Which comes back to my origonal statement, commiefornia is so strict that changes to anything on the cat may get you a fail out of fear. For example try telling a cop or tech it's just heat wrap on a stock header/manifold with a cat and you will probably get refed or fail. Heat wrap doesn't change anything but it doesn't matter. I would imagine the same here.
Hi could you please explain why not...are the other gens better for some reason??...im currently looking to buy a gen 2 now... what's different regarding the cat??
I like my 2009 Prius but iam letting it go because they have stole my cat converter twice in 6 months here in California. Thinking about trading in for a bolt EV. I just put a cat converter shield but its just a detterent. Shops still get cars that had a shield on but did not prevent them from taking cat converter. Even though insurance covers it I still gotta pay $300-500 out of pocket every time they steal it.
@@sweetvuvuzela4634 According to Top gear (tv programme) a Prius needs a new battery pack at 10 years old that will cost 6 grand, that was a few years ago so I bet they cost more now.
This is awesome. Cat theft is becoming an issue where I live in Canada but no garages offer these security measures. Where I can buy these key-locked bolts and keys?
Hi David, We have data that shows different. No doubt the battery powered saw is the most difficult thing to stop (we have a level 4 for this now), the levels 1 &2 are still stopping the other methods which force them to use the noisy tool. Relatively speaking 1 & 2 are not expensive. Why not have as much protection as possible for a nearly $3K repair bill? So far with our 4 level system and hundreds of cars out there with it, we have not seen a successful theft. We have with just the shield.
CAT Security Plate is worthless. My 2nd cat was stolen after I installed the plate. They cut in front of and behind the cat even with the plate inplace. Cost me an extra $200 to have them remove the $200 CAT Security plate to put in a new converter; lost an extra $400 with zero protection.
The security plate has foiled many attempts for a lot of my customers, however, in a case like yours is why we have the additional levels, we have since added a 4th level since this video was published.
We have massive amounts of data that say otherwise. Welding the bolts to a steel plate introduce other issues, corrosion, weight, and accessibility for service on the car are a few. I’m not discounting your idea, it’s just not practical on a motor vehicle. We have to consider the operation of the car not just protection of the cat.
What is your opinion on the Cat Clamp, which is the metal wire cage type system? Was thinking of installing a DIY version of this on my Ford E350 V10. Have you seen these defeated by the thieves in your shop?
I called 2 Toyota dealerships in Orange County, CA asking about the shield. Both said they would not install because you have to drill into the frame which would weaken it. Have you heard of this issue before? Thank you!
Ask them if they will install a hitch. The holes drilled for a certified hitch on a Prius are significantly larger and are tested by the companies that manufacture them. That’s a cop out.
Someone took mine two days ago and my insurance doesn't want to cover it and the deductible is $500 and it costs over $3,200 to replace it. I'm a 17 year old girl and I just started working. The cost is triple our rent and I live in with my mom in California. I don't know what to do
If you have comprehensive insurance they have to cover it. If you have liability only unfortunately you’ll have to pay for it yourself. We can do it for under $3k. If you want an exact price please call the shop 916-421-0399
How about using closed cell foam on top on the exhaust bolts and perhaps all over the backend of the CAT and pipe embedding a couple pieces of rebar in there as well all wrapped up in a wad of duck tape or something more heat resistant?
@Muffler Tech Yeah, started looking up stuff after posting. 700F to 1300F is a lot but not as hot as a flame 3500F. I have a call into a company touting a "fireproof" foam that only burns if flame is present. So I'm wondering if a large enough pipe with a sufficient air gap could surround the exhaust pipe then add a wire mesh be added along with pieces of rebar then this fireproof foam added. Hmm, starting to sound like my days over at Intel Folsom working on flash memory based system security. Basically, a security through obscurity play. They would see a bunch of foam start digging, hit hidden metal and get confused. Imagine digging around with a screwdriver. Ah, a new idea... concrete.
@@brentahlquist207 it’s an interesting idea, and one that would probably work to prevent theft. Unfortunately it would also make the visual check on the cats during a smog inspection impossible. There’s lots of compromises to consider.
They are not an end all solution, but they’re a lot more secure then the stock bolt and will require more tools and effort for the thief. You can pick a deadbolt on your house with the right tools, it doesn’t mean you should not have one. Thanks for watching!
I'm up in the Seattle area and thefts are on the rise up here. Do you have any contacts here that can do the install for me for either the special lock bolts and/or the shield?
@@mufflertech I work as a technician in New York and the latest theft now is on the NV 200. I honestly don’t know what this “engineer” did on the Catalytic. That it cost $350 from the dealer, but the scrap metal place is giving $950 for the old one. That’s way too much Platinum and other precious metals.They already stole 4 and we have 200 NV’s. So if you have something for this NV’s and the price is right we would be very interested. Thanks for the response.
Thanks for your input. We use all the levels to work together. If you’re protecting your house from burglary you do a deadbolt, alarm, and bars on your windows. I can come up with ways to defeat all of those things individually, but together they add a higher level of deterrence.
They have, on both of your points. Not because of the thefts we’re experiencing today, it’s because the technology is advancing on modern engines and the cats are starting to need less metal’s as the engines are inherently cleaner burning now. Also cats are more effective when they got hot sooner so many auto manufacturers are putting them in the exhaust manifolds now. Another thing to keep in mind is how long it takes for change to take place in manufacturing, especially an incredibly complex product like an automobile.
It is not. We have a lot of customers that are understandably frustrated with this but think of it this way: if a burglar breaks into your home and steals your jewelry, your homeowners will replace it but they won’t buy you a safe to put it in. Now if you already have a safe and they break into it, homeowners will replace the jewelry and repair or replace the safe. The point is your insurance only covers what you own already, not stuff you want regardless how logical it is to help protect the insured material.
Thanks for this. I took my 2017 Prius to the dealer for service and I asked them to let me look underneath. It looks like the newer models have a redesign to make the cat tougher to steal. Can you confirm that? Also, with your level 1 cable device, I noticed that it doesn’t go over the bulbous part. Can’t the thieves just saw through that and remove the precious metal?
It’s the concept of adding a deterrent so your Prius is less of a sitting duck. When you’re not the weakest link in the chain you don’t break first and the criminal will aim for the weaker target which would be your neighbor. Besides that, making the crime louder and messier will make the cat more dangerous to steal and more obviously stolen when sold on the black market.
Where do you get those keyed flange bolts? I'm helping out a local shop get equipped to help thwart the criminals, and I'd like to tell them where to purchase them.
putting a rod all the way to the muffler is useless cus they don"t cut the back they unbolted the front and cut pass the second catalytic and cut the 02 sensor the rod no god
I am thinking of buying a Prius along with the MillerCat catalytic theft prevention shield. my dealer said they would NOT install "we've been bit int the butt before". called Christian Brothers Automotive they said they would not because they don't install something they don't sell. grrr any ideas? I can't install it myself as I don't have the tools
Sure they can. No different then a burglar can use a crowbar to get past the locks on your front door. We’re not claiming our stuff is foolproof, it just creates more barriers for the thief. The more tools they need to get the part the longer it will take to get the part and the less likely they will have success.
This problem is rife here in Britain and no doubt everywhere else in the world. Car designers and manufacturers *MUST* be aware of this issue yet they do absolutely nothing about it. Given that many jurisdictions require official parts outlets to present formal documentation for every aspect of their business, there's a good chance these cats are being stripped for their ludicrously expensive components (precious metals) or being shipped out of the country.
Vehicle manufacturers can’t be held responsible in my opinion. It takes a very long time to make adjustments in vehicle production for a relatively new problem. Rhodium has only recently increased to a level that has driven the thefts to such a global issue. Newer vehicles are mostly using manifold cats now and by default are much harder to remove. This is for the efficiency of heat and not to prevent theft but it’s a great byproduct.
@@marcosvasquezjr6101 You must be joking... the LOUDEST noise won't bring a cop in less than a half hour UNLESS by some fluke there's a cruiser in the district AND in MY neighborhood the cops won't even respond at all unless you report a firearm involved. In ANY event I'm not worried cuz I know Shaq got MY back.
been watching a few of your videos recently since my cat was stolen twice in the span of 2 weeks. i have a gen 2 prius. On my last cat replacement, the toyota dealer had installed the cat shield with the 2 end covers (upgrade) recently and i am wondering if the cat shield will protect the O2 sensor and those level 2 bolts from being removed? i'd like to have the level 1 protection added, but not sure if i would need the level 2 since i have the shield. please advise.
I had the coded security bolts that requires a coded key installed at your shop. I have shared this information to many people, but they can't seem to find them online anywhere. do you have a source to share with people not close to Sacramento or even the west coast?
Doug thank you for sharing our product. Unfortunately at this time we’re so busy helping our local customer base we have not been able to develop a shipping service.
Our data shows differently. By all means something is better than nothing, but the thieves are cutting through the cable at the tack weld where it doesn’t move. Thanks for the comment!
$300, had my prius c done by these muffler guys last Sept. Before u pay, be sure to test for rattling noises by driving around the block & make some quick turns & hit some potholes for about 5 - 10 min.
i had salvage title prius 2008 in ca so when cat was stolen I had to weld straight pipe as you know the new one is 3500 and car is not worth that much. but funny thing is thieves dont know that there is no catalyc converter so they cut straight pipe and stole that one too so I had to weld it again. I know it will not pass inspection but I had my inspection 3 months ago so I have another 1 1/2 year to drive. I am not democrate so not big fan of green new deal and they made laws to help criminals I don't feel as guilty as I should be. car runs fine I see engine ligst but no other issues.
Your party assignment has nothing to do with it. Your position on the environment does. If you believe the hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and NOX are not things that matter then so be it. I understand your resistance to spending the high cost of repair on a low value vehicle, my suggestion would be to get an aftermarket part for the interim so your at least not hurting the planet. You will also solve your check engine light with this idea. I'm not bashing you, just trying to be responsible in advice. Thanks for watching and commenting! :-)
"The oppressive state of California"? How about "The state of California where the air is breathable". When I once temporarily moved out of state, I could immediately smell the difference whenever standing outdoors near traffic, until I had been there long enough to stop noticing. Of course, the danger is the exhaust components you *_can't_* smell. I appreciate the value California puts on public health and on the environment.
All I meant by the word oppressive is that it’s over regulated. I also pitch my tent in the camp of taking care of our air quality, I’m in the catalytic converter business.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING THE POOR MOTORIST!!!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND TO ALL. LET'S BE KIND TO OUR FELLOW AMERICANS!!!!!!
I just wanted to give a very public shout out to the Muffler Tech crew. These guys operate an excellent shop up in the Sacramento area and the reason I mention Sac-Town is the fact that I am out of LA and there's not a single shop in So-Cal (that I found) can you give you the levels of protection against catalytic converter theft. I love my Prius and will keep it forever and now that I have level 3 protection I can rest easy. It was worth the drive up from LA and I'd do it again. My Prius was upgraded and protected in two hours. I can't say enough about the service that Matt, Bill and Colby provided.
I had to get one installed today, thankfully my neighbor caught them trying to steal my converter before it happened. Wish we could set up an electric shock solution instead. Want to touch my shit, you’ll get bbq’d.
I had the same idea of shocking the person who touches my car!
Thieves just to LAZY to find honest work!
I like the idea of rigging up something to drop down and cut off their hand!
@@mtnlinda you asking fou the sharia-law😁
This video really helped because I got into the situation and I hope everyone stays out of the same situation that I went in
Thank you so much
One would think Toyota would make this a standard safety feature on new models.
Thank you so much! My converter was just stolen, 2002, Prius. I will send this to my Toyota dealer who is looking for a converter has we speak!
Driving around with no muffler, the coolest a Prius driver has ever been.
Most thieves are using a sawsall on both ends to save time, so I would recommend the cover. Don't bother with the rods or security bolts unless the sawsall won't fit.
Alex respectfully we disagree. We have seen just the cover defeated. We developed the other levels to add to the difficulty to the thieves. We are doing a fourth level now that specifically targets the sawsall.
@@mufflertech Can you let us know what Level 4 entails?
I got smart real quick on mine. I have a 2007 prius G2. I bought a new aftermarket cat off amazon for $125 and I am not in a carb state. Installer removed my oem cat and welded in my after market cat that I had already painted bright orange with header paint. Sold my oem cat on ebay for $1350.
They cut my cattle that it converter in half and didn't get it, but still it needs to be replaced. Do you think my insurance company will let me keep the parts? And if they will, can I sell it? I need to pay for my deductible!
Sign me up! Seriously. I'm in SoCal. Had mine stolen in August. Luckily the insurance covered the replacement and I was just going to sell the car. But I've been keeping it safe in my mother's garage and can't get myself to sell my baby. 😔 I am definitely going to plan a trip up there!!!
We'd love to help!
Why do you leave the Shop radio blasting when you are trying to do a video (how to).
You can buy those "keyed socket" at harbor freight
I just got done replacing mine myself but it costed me$1200 😖 Now I need to protect it... Any clue how much this will cost ❓
Where did you buy the cat?
Colby, nice video. I don't live in California otherwise I'd bring my car to you. I can find people here in Portland that carry the cat security and can install it. But I can't find anybody that does a level one, level two additions that you do. Any advice on where to find that service in Portland Oregon? If not could you tell me where I can find those key lock bolts? Thanks a lot man That was the very helpful video
Did you have any luck finding level one or two service in PDX? Just moved back here three weeks ago and had my cat stolen for the first time.
Mine stolen for 1st time and 2nd time I put metal shield hoping no one will steal it again I could not find anybody who can weld metal rod around but now I am covered with one shield only
You keep showing the piper cutter, but could the steel rod withstand the sawzall because that's what the thieves are using?
It will not. When we made this video they hadn’t graduated to the cordless saw with as much consistency. The shield does increase the protection for a sawzall, however, we are also now offering a level 4 that is specifically designed to stop the saw.
Thanks that’s great idea on your 1 to 3 level security’s ! Do you have any other shops in other states??
LOL. Good job dude. Nice video.
They stole mine 2 weeks ago, got it fixed, dealership out the metal cover plate to protect it, few days later they steal it again. Pretty sure it’s the same people. My apartment building has a garage all the tenants cars park at, security won’t even check the footage won’t do anything about it. It’s almost fixed again but I’m scared to park my car in the garage now I can’t keep doing this. Filed police report, nothing. Just bought this car used in December, converter has been stolen before with previous owner.
Can you get it to us for our extra protection?
@@mufflertech I will try since I live in Los Angeles
@@akxsharma it’s only 384 miles 😎
Hopefully during the visual inspection of the emissions test the tech doesn't fail people for these mods on the exhaust. Technically, Commiefornia doesn't allow changes like this. We can only make changes to the exhaust after the cats.
You can’t modify the functional part of the pipes or the location of the cat(s) or sensors. You can add the rod we do. We’ve done hundreds of cars with these mods with zero issues.
@@mufflertech Right I get that but our laws here are so strict that a tech may fail just out of fear of getting dinged. Which comes back to my origonal statement, commiefornia is so strict that changes to anything on the cat may get you a fail out of fear. For example try telling a cop or tech it's just heat wrap on a stock header/manifold with a cat and you will probably get refed or fail. Heat wrap doesn't change anything but it doesn't matter. I would imagine the same here.
colby im a new sub I have a question for someone who makes videos on cat shields and the insalls why do you not have one on your prius ?
do you know how much this cost? im in sf and can drive up to you guys to get this install.
It starts at $129 installed, the whole package is $500 plus tax
@@mufflertech We are in Seattle. Know anyone up here who could provide a similar service?
I’d pay 500$ for this. Just had my stolen In Phoenix
hi there , where can i get those cat bolts from?
where can I get those anti theft bolts?
search for E-Torx.
its not really security because any set of universal wrench or socket can remove them.
This his why I won’t buy a Gen 2. Thank your for the info and trying to help the problem.
Hi could you please explain why not...are the other gens better for some reason??...im currently looking to buy a gen 2 now... what's different regarding the cat??
@@madmax8620 Gen 2 have the Cat with the precious metal. Those are the ones the thief’s want.
@@gasolinaquema8416 well i was understanding that all cats have precious metals and prius is more desired because they have 2 cats?
@@madmax8620 Gen 2 cats a worth most. That’s why they’re stolen/preferred
@@gasolinaquema8416 so just put a gen 3 or 4 cat in place of a gen2 and problem solved.
There has been a rash of catalytic converter thefts in San Jose, CA this summer. Telling all my friends about this product.
Will not do any thing
They got blades that cut thru all
I like my 2009 Prius but iam letting it go because they have stole my cat converter twice in 6 months here in California. Thinking about trading in for a bolt EV.
I just put a cat converter shield but its just a detterent. Shops still get cars that had a shield on but did not prevent them from taking cat converter. Even though insurance covers it I still gotta pay $300-500 out of pocket every time they steal it.
You can lower the deductible only on your comprehensive for very little money. You should call and check.
Woke up this morning and my 09 Toyota Preus as been done uk 🇬🇧
Stuart Torevell insurance will most likely write it off.
@@sweetvuvuzela4634 According to Top gear (tv programme) a Prius needs a new battery pack at 10 years old that will cost 6 grand, that was a few years ago so I bet they cost more now.
@@olivertaylor4779 I got a 2008 Prius on its original battery with 145,000 in 2021 still going strong buddy
This is awesome. Cat theft is becoming an issue where I live in Canada but no garages offer these security measures. Where I can buy these key-locked bolts and keys?
They cut the exhaust with power tools. Anything short of a shield is useless.
Alright get to it already
Hi sir , Level one and two no good ,
They. Used a sawzall to cut through the exhaust, The Metal plate works ,
Best of luck , Dublin Dave .
Hi David,
We have data that shows different. No doubt the battery powered saw is the most difficult thing to stop (we have a level 4 for this now), the levels 1 &2 are still stopping the other methods which force them to use the noisy tool. Relatively speaking 1 & 2 are not expensive. Why not have as much protection as possible for a nearly $3K repair bill? So far with our 4 level system and hundreds of cars out there with it, we have not seen a successful theft. We have with just the shield.
@@mufflertech Can we get more detail on the level 4 protection, including cost?
Do you have one installed in your Prius. ? It should take that anxiety away but great way to keep the theifs away
CAT Security Plate is worthless. My 2nd cat was stolen after I installed the plate. They cut in front of and behind the cat even with the plate inplace. Cost me an extra $200 to have them remove the $200 CAT Security plate to put in a new converter; lost an extra $400 with zero protection.
The security plate has foiled many attempts for a lot of my customers, however, in a case like yours is why we have the additional levels, we have since added a 4th level since this video was published.
Aluminum won't do anything. Weld the bolts to a steel plate is the best way. Chain the exhaust thru the car and weld.
We have massive amounts of data that say otherwise. Welding the bolts to a steel plate introduce other issues, corrosion, weight, and accessibility for service on the car are a few. I’m not discounting your idea, it’s just not practical on a motor vehicle. We have to consider the operation of the car not just protection of the cat.
Time to go all EV or old school straight pipe lol
Where can I buy this protection in SF? I’m really exhausted it’s stolen last night which is my second time:(
Toyota of San Francisco has them
What is your opinion on the Cat Clamp, which is the metal wire cage type system? Was thinking of installing a DIY version of this on my Ford E350 V10. Have you seen these defeated by the thieves in your shop?
I called 2 Toyota dealerships in Orange County, CA asking about the shield. Both said they would not install because you have to drill into the frame which would weaken it. Have you heard of this issue before? Thank you!
Ask them if they will install a hitch. The holes drilled for a certified hitch on a Prius are significantly larger and are tested by the companies that manufacture them. That’s a cop out.
I have dealt with this guy (Colby) --& he is as good as this video shows! He's a star! And excellent at Prius catalytic converter rescue. Look him up!
Someone took mine two days ago and my insurance doesn't want to cover it and the deductible is $500 and it costs over $3,200 to replace it. I'm a 17 year old girl and I just started working. The cost is triple our rent and I live in with my mom in California. I don't know what to do
If you have comprehensive insurance they have to cover it. If you have liability only unfortunately you’ll have to pay for it yourself. We can do it for under $3k. If you want an exact price please call the shop 916-421-0399
@@mufflertech thank you
How about using closed cell foam on top on the exhaust bolts and perhaps all over the backend of the CAT and pipe embedding a couple pieces of rebar in there as well all wrapped up in a wad of duck tape or something more heat resistant?
The cats can get up to 1300 degrees, I don’t think any material you’re referencing will withstand those temps.
@Muffler Tech Yeah, started looking up stuff after posting. 700F to 1300F is a lot but not as hot as a flame 3500F. I have a call into a company touting a "fireproof" foam that only burns if flame is present. So I'm wondering if a large enough pipe with a sufficient air gap could surround the exhaust pipe then add a wire mesh be added along with pieces of rebar then this fireproof foam added. Hmm, starting to sound like my days over at Intel Folsom working on flash memory based system security. Basically, a security through obscurity play. They would see a bunch of foam start digging, hit hidden metal and get confused. Imagine digging around with a screwdriver.
Ah, a new idea... concrete.
@@brentahlquist207 it’s an interesting idea, and one that would probably work to prevent theft. Unfortunately it would also make the visual check on the cats during a smog inspection impossible. There’s lots of compromises to consider.
Not bad ,but they still pry that cover off in no time with a pry bar and use a portable reciprocating saw and take in less then 3 minutes
On the red bolt would a gator grip socket take that off. I know they use gator grip for remove keyed lug nuts
They are not an end all solution, but they’re a lot more secure then the stock bolt and will require more tools and effort for the thief. You can pick a deadbolt on your house with the right tools, it doesn’t mean you should not have one. Thanks for watching!
I'm up in the Seattle area and thefts are on the rise up here. Do you have any contacts here that can do the install for me for either the special lock bolts and/or the shield?
Have you find any place?
Looks like the best prevention is to not buy a Toyota Prius
Can’t they just cut right through the metal with the same tool they cut the converter out with??
Yes but it takes much longer. The difference in 2 and 5 minutes is huge to the thieves.
Can you recommend someone in the Bay Area to install catalytic anti theft measures on Ford e450
Unfortunately we don't have any alliance with any shops in the Bay Area. You're not that far from us, come on in!
That may work for those thieves that use that pipe cutting tool, in New York, they are more high tech, and use a 24 volt reciprocating saw.
We have a level four now to combat this, the level three shield also acts as a deterrent for a power saw.
@@mufflertech I work as a technician in New York and the latest theft now is on the NV 200. I honestly don’t know what this “engineer” did on the Catalytic. That it cost $350 from the dealer, but the scrap metal place is giving $950 for the old one. That’s way too much Platinum and other precious metals.They already stole 4 and we have 200 NV’s. So if you have something for this NV’s and the price is right we would be very interested. Thanks for the response.
By the way this is a Taxi Fleet. With NV’s from 2017 to 2019
ua-cam.com/video/_hwUr6h7Z5s/v-deo.html
If you want to buy some in bulk I can work you a deal. Call me at the shop on Monday. 916-997-3687
@@LiGhTSPiRit888 what the fuk is NV2000,,?
they have a saw so they cut like butter thru that with no problem i use a aluminum plate made by miller 255 out the door
Thanks for your input. We use all the levels to work together. If you’re protecting your house from burglary you do a deadbolt, alarm, and bars on your windows. I can come up with ways to defeat all of those things individually, but together they add a higher level of deterrence.
You think manufacturing would stop making converters with expensive metals in them or make it harder to cut off
They have, on both of your points. Not because of the thefts we’re experiencing today, it’s because the technology is advancing on modern engines and the cats are starting to need less metal’s as the engines are inherently cleaner burning now. Also cats are more effective when they got hot sooner so many auto manufacturers are putting them in the exhaust manifolds now. Another thing to keep in mind is how long it takes for change to take place in manufacturing, especially an incredibly complex product like an automobile.
@@mufflertech so a 2022 Prius has a different cat from previous gens?
@@Houdini_Bob each generation has a unique part
THIS HAPPENED TO ME LAST NIGHT PRIUS HYBRID 2007
The only problem with placing a covers in genereal is when you drive it makes vibration under your foot
We’ve done hundreds of them now with no issue. Possibly the installation wasn’t done correctly on yours.
Hello, do you have dealers, companies or deliveries to the Netherlands?
I’m sorry, we’re a small local business
Is the cat protection covered by comprehensive insurance?
It is not. We have a lot of customers that are understandably frustrated with this but think of it this way: if a burglar breaks into your home and steals your jewelry, your homeowners will replace it but they won’t buy you a safe to put it in. Now if you already have a safe and they break into it, homeowners will replace the jewelry and repair or replace the safe. The point is your insurance only covers what you own already, not stuff you want regardless how logical it is to help protect the insured material.
Thanks for this. I took my 2017 Prius to the dealer for service and I asked them to let me look underneath. It looks like the newer models have a redesign to make the cat tougher to steal. Can you confirm that? Also, with your level 1 cable device, I noticed that it doesn’t go over the bulbous part. Can’t the thieves just saw through that and remove the precious metal?
It’s the concept of adding a deterrent so your Prius is less of a sitting duck. When you’re not the weakest link in the chain you don’t break first and the criminal will aim for the weaker target which would be your neighbor. Besides that, making the crime louder and messier will make the cat more dangerous to steal and more obviously stolen when sold on the black market.
Hi where can i find the lock bolts used on the video
We can ship you some, $199
Where do you get those keyed flange bolts? I'm helping out a local shop get equipped to help thwart the criminals, and I'd like to tell them where to purchase them.
We make them in house
I'm in Portland, OR. Will insurance help cover cost of theft prevention? Also, how much does all the theft prevention additions cost?
Never mind. I see the cost but still wondering about insurance helping with the $500 full package?
putting a rod all the way to the muffler is useless cus they don"t cut the back they unbolted the front and cut pass the second catalytic and cut the 02 sensor the rod no god
I am thinking of buying a Prius along with the MillerCat catalytic theft prevention shield. my dealer said they would NOT install "we've been bit int the butt before". called Christian Brothers Automotive they said they would not because they don't install something they don't sell. grrr
any ideas? I can't install it myself as I don't have the tools
Where do you live?
@@mufflertech I live in Texas, about 90 miles north of Houston.
@@Houdini_Bob well that’s quite some distance from us. Obviously we can help but you’d have to plan a road trip.
How hard is it to remove those stickers before installing those cats?
Bro it sounds like a hellcat V8 with them taken off
Can't they just use the gator grip socket on your keyed bolts?
Sure they can. No different then a burglar can use a crowbar to get past the locks on your front door. We’re not claiming our stuff is foolproof, it just creates more barriers for the thief. The more tools they need to get the part the longer it will take to get the part and the less likely they will have success.
02:54 installing of two little rads on both sides r enough to prevent...???? 👍
None of our ideas shown here completely prevent all theft attempts, it’s the combination of our level system together that discourages the thieves.
There wont be theft if they can get to the buyer.
This problem is rife here in Britain and no doubt everywhere else in the world. Car designers and manufacturers *MUST* be aware of this issue yet they do absolutely nothing about it. Given that many jurisdictions require official parts outlets to present formal documentation for every aspect of their business, there's a good chance these cats are being stripped for their ludicrously expensive components (precious metals) or being shipped out of the country.
Vehicle manufacturers can’t be held responsible in my opinion. It takes a very long time to make adjustments in vehicle production for a relatively new problem. Rhodium has only recently increased to a level that has driven the thefts to such a global issue. Newer vehicles are mostly using manifold cats now and by default are much harder to remove. This is for the efficiency of heat and not to prevent theft but it’s a great byproduct.
@@mufflertech I now feel better schooled on this subject!
Glad I could help, thanks for watching!
Does the shield cause overheating?
No
I don't see any protection from a saws-all. To me it looks like you turned a 1 minute theft into a 2 or 3 minute theft.
And all that noise your making will get the cops on you real quick
@@marcosvasquezjr6101 You must be joking... the LOUDEST noise won't bring a cop in less than a half hour UNLESS by some fluke there's a cruiser in the district AND in MY neighborhood the cops won't even respond at all unless you report a firearm involved. In ANY event I'm not worried cuz I know Shaq got MY back.
Where do you buy the keyed bolts?
We make them in house.
They cut mine with power tools in less than 5 mins. I see them using nice Milwaukee tools. Sol
They are probably the same low life scum that caused Home Depot to lock up power tools
I live about 2 hour away from the shop. How long would the installation be for all 3 level or would I have to leave it at the shop for a few days.
We can do it in the same day, it takes a little more then an hour.
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT- best option?
We’ve never had one of those in for a stolen part
Again with the music. WTF!
Great info, but....... it's not MTV.
Got my CAT stolen in the church parking lot. Those thieves are playing with fire.
Where can I get those bolts?
Nice video. Thanks. But please remember to fasten your seat belt.
been watching a few of your videos recently since my cat was stolen twice in the span of 2 weeks. i have a gen 2 prius. On my last cat replacement, the toyota dealer had installed the cat shield with the 2 end covers (upgrade) recently and i am wondering if the cat shield will protect the O2 sensor and those level 2 bolts from being removed? i'd like to have the level 1 protection added, but not sure if i would need the level 2 since i have the shield. please advise.
Without being dramatic, I would recommend all of our levels. We are still seeing a lot of these car’s.
@@mufflertech are you seeing the prius gen 2 cars still coming in missing the cats with the cat shield level 3 with the upgrade end covers?
I had the coded security bolts that requires a coded key installed at your shop. I have shared this information to many people, but they can't seem to find them online anywhere. do you have a source to share with people not close to Sacramento or even the west coast?
Doug thank you for sharing our product. Unfortunately at this time we’re so busy helping our local customer base we have not been able to develop a shipping service.
@@mufflertech Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I wasn't aware that you made them at your location. Thanks again.
Tack welding cable is better
Our data shows differently. By all means something is better than nothing, but the thieves are cutting through the cable at the tack weld where it doesn’t move. Thanks for the comment!
Can a level one (with rod) be shipped to someone not in your area?
Does a Bolt Key come with purchasing the bolts?
Shipping the cat assembly is difficult. It’s long and wide and potentially fragile. When we do the bolts the customer gets the key.
@@mufflertech Thanks.
How will they get their platinum and palladium?
Recycling facilities are able to smelt them down and extract it.
HOLY MOLY.....Why do you NOT wear a seat belt.?
Do u have a place in so cal Los Angeles???
How much are you guys charging for the cover install? Thanks
Attempted theft on my Prius early this morning. Scarred them off.
Please call the shop, market prices change and I don’t like to post estimates here. 916-421-0399
$300, had my prius c done by these muffler guys last Sept. Before u pay, be sure to test for rattling noises by driving around the block & make some quick turns & hit some potholes for about 5 - 10 min.
Where can I buy the level 2 exhaust flange bolt keys?
Email us at mufflertech01@gmail.com
Hi, I'm down in LA, where do I find those bolts? Is that something you sell?
Amazon
Link to the bolts
there is no need all that welding just replace them bolts its done
We have data that proves otherwise
i had salvage title prius 2008 in ca so when cat was stolen I had to weld straight pipe
as you know the new one is 3500 and car is not worth that much. but funny thing is thieves dont know that there is no catalyc converter so they cut straight pipe and stole that one too so I had to weld it again. I know it will not pass inspection but I had my inspection 3 months ago so I have another 1 1/2 year to drive. I am not democrate so not big fan of green new deal and they made laws to help criminals I don't feel as guilty as I should be. car runs fine I see engine ligst but no other issues.
Your party assignment has nothing to do with it. Your position on the environment does. If you believe the hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and NOX are not things that matter then so be it. I understand your resistance to spending the high cost of repair on a low value vehicle, my suggestion would be to get an aftermarket part for the interim so your at least not hurting the planet. You will also solve your check engine light with this idea. I'm not bashing you, just trying to be responsible in advice. Thanks for watching and commenting! :-)
The oppressive state of California.
Truer words have never been spoken
Are you seeing theft on the Gen 3 Prius too or just Gen 2? I have a 2014.
Yes, but about 10 to 1. The gen 2 is definitely the most frequent.
@@mufflertech what about the gen 4?
sorry if i missed it, but where are you guys located?
also price for level 1,2,3 protection?
Muffler Tech
6160 Florin Rd
Sacramento Ca 95823
916-421-0399
All 3 levels are $500 plus tax installed
What’s the address??
Muffler Tech
6160 Florin Rd.
Sacramento Ca 95823
916-421-0399
"The oppressive state of California"? How about "The state of California where the air is breathable". When I once temporarily moved out of state, I could immediately smell the difference whenever standing outdoors near traffic, until I had been there long enough to stop noticing. Of course, the danger is the exhaust components you *_can't_* smell. I appreciate the value California puts on public health and on the environment.
All I meant by the word oppressive is that it’s over regulated. I also pitch my tent in the camp of taking care of our air quality, I’m in the catalytic converter business.
@@mufflertech Glad to hear it!
Enjoy your green energy inspired rolling blackouts in the socialist republic of California.
👍
I took my prius to muffler tech and got all their stuff. The crackheads got my cat converter anyway. RIP "anti-theft"
Please call us, I’d like to talk about how they did it and where it happened. We’re trying to collect as much data as possible. 916-421-0399
CCM isn't that ice hockey skate 🏒
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Do you have any catalytic converters for sale ?? Mine was just stolen today
I dont understand why u ppl don't have fences like us here in texas how about dog's outside
We get plenty of calls from people in Texas. In urban environments some don’t even have yards. People live in all different environments.
You feel anxiety over a cat? Now you know how EVERYONE feels when a Pious attempts to join traffic.
Lol! I agree!
Here in Ireland we drive 1l cars with 69bhp and 16 sec 0-60. You can drag race with a Prius :D
Next time you make a video kill the music buddy!