Toyota Repair: 1989 Toyota Tercel Catalytic Converter With Long OE style Air Tube, 1989 toyota tercel, toyota tercel

Question
I can't find this part and I'm wondering why? Is it discontinued.  The converter on this car looks like this:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=MAR&MfrPartNumber=29248&P...

It's been discontinued and I don't understand why the long air tube. Do I need it?  Can I put any cat converter on this car?  I need your help desperately as I am fixing this for a mother of three who got a rejection sticker that's running out soon.  Thanks so much, Jim

Any recommendations?

Answer
Manufacturers are only held legally responsible to make replacement parts for cars during a certain window period of time after vehicles are sold (usually 5 years). In your case, I would not replace the cat on your Tercel with an OEM product. You could go to almost any muffler shop in your town and ask them to install an after market converter for a fraction of the cost. You do not need the air tube, I believe that model was a universal converter to comply with California's smog standards on the assembly line at the plant.