Catalytic converter issue/questions

[Dan.NY]

My pathfinder stranded me a few days ago and was diagnosed as plugged catalytic converter. The issue is this is a California emmissions vehicle but I am on the East Coast now. The repair place is telling me they cannot put on a federal converter as its not legal and if it were, the pathfinder would not run right. They are also saying its going to be upwards of 3000.00 - 4000.00 to repair this. I see quite a few converters that say CA emmissions. Does anyone know about these online adds for converters? Are you direct fits? Will they run proper with a CA car? Thanks.

[Towncivilian]

Many brands of aftermarket catalytic converters are just as effective as a nearly dead OEM cat - but I don't know if this is the case with CA emission cats.

A $3000-4000 repair bill is bullcrap. You can buy an OEM cat for $567.08 at Courtesy Parts.