CARB compliant catalytic converter

Your vehicle must have the emission control equipment that was required at the time of manufacture, not what is in effect for the new model year! Your mechanic doesn't know what he's talking about. Look at the emission control sticker under the hood. If the sticker says "This vehicle is C.A.R.B. compliant" then yes, you need a C.A.R.B. compliant catalytic converter. But if it says "This vehicle conforms to Federal Emissions Standards" you do NOT need a C.A.R.B compliant catalytic converter! For 2008 you may or may not be C.A.R.B compliant. My 2000 Grand Prix, originally delivered to New Jersey is C.A.R.B compliant, so is my 2003 S10 Pick Up, originally delivered to Delaware, but my 2008 Grand Marquis, originally delivered to New Jersey is not. So whatever the emission sticker says, that's what you need!! Hope that helps! Jim