how do i choose a catalytic converter

by Omer Jerde Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

^{Catalytic Converter Guide: 4 Steps to Choosing a Catalytic Converter}

Select Your Application The best way to begin your search for the right catalytic converter is by first narrowing your focus to the converters that fit your vehicle’s year, ...
Identify The Emissions Level Most emissions-compliant, late-model vehicles will include a Vehicle Emissions Control Information Tag, which states your vehicle’s factory OBDII emissions certification. ...
Select The Right Converter Grade MagnaFlow recommends the use of the following catalytic converter grades, depending on your vehicle’s factory emissions certification: Heavy Metal Grade OBDII: For vehicles conforming ...
Select the Configuration of Your Converter

Select Your Application. The best way to begin your search for the right catalytic converter is by first narrowing your focus to the converters that fit your vehicle's year, make, and model. ...
Identify The Emissions Level. ...
Select The Right Converter Grade. ...
Select the Configuration of Your Converter.

Apr 19, 2013

How long does it take to install a catalytic converter?

How long does a catalytic converter take to install? Replacing a bad catalytic converter is the third most common car repair related to a check engine warning light, according to CarMD

]. Installing a new catalytic converter usually takes about one hour.

When should I replace my catalytic converter?

What are the 3 most leading failures of a catalytic converter?

Unburned Fuel. Heat can be damaging to almost any engine component, so it's no surprise that it's one of the most common causes of catalytic converter failure.
Coolant Leaks.
Oil Consumption.

How much does it cost to replace my catalytic converter?

Replacing a catalytic converter in older vehicles can set you back $140 to $500, whereas replacing it in newer vehicles will cost much more. How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Cost? Well, the parts alone usually cost from $300 to $1,650, whereas parts and labor are $650 to $2,400.

How do you attach catalytic converter to pipe?

Method 2 of 2: Installing a catalytic converter built into the exhaust manifold

Locate the catalytic converter. For vehicles that utilize catalytic converters that are built into the exhaust manifolds they can be found under the hood, bolted directly to the ...
Remove obstructions. Remove any covers, cables, wiring, or intake pipes that may be obstructing access to the exhaust manifold.
Spray penetrating oil. ...
Raise the vehicle. ...

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How do I know which catalytic converter I need?

1:454:06How To Select A Catalytic Converter For Your Vehicle ApplicationYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe easiest way to find this information is to look in the engine compartment of the vehicle. ThereMoreThe easiest way to find this information is to look in the engine compartment of the vehicle. There is an emissions tag which states the certification.

Does engine size matter for catalytic converter?

The vehicle must have the same size engine or a smaller engine than the engine size listed for the universal converter.

Will any catalytic converter work on any car?

As the name implies, universal catalytic converters can be installed in almost any vehicle, as long as the diameters of the inlet and outlet tubes are the same on the converter and the exhaust system, and it is the correct converter for the particular vehicle and the state it will be registered in.

What are the best catalytic converters to get?

7 Best Catalytic Converters on the Market TodayEvan Fischer 960301.Magnaflow 51356.Walker 15634.Magnaflow 27402.Walker 16370.Walker 16468.Magnaflow 99006HM.

What's the difference between factory and aftermarket catalytic converter?

Aftermarket Catalytic converters are very cheap compared to the OEM converters because aftermarket part manufacturers do not have to meet the warranty standards before distributing them. OEM Catalytic Converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car if handled adequately.

Should I get a universal catalytic converter?

Universal catalytic converters are a great option for those needing to replace a defective catalytic converter on their vehicle. This is because universal catalytic converters can be made to fit many more vehicles than the one that came with your new car and are often less expensive.

How long do cheap catalytic converters last?

A cheap catalytic converter may work for a while. In our experience, we have found that they're good for about a year to maybe two years. An emission test is required every two years in parts of Virginia. Generally, they don't make it to the next emission test before they need to be replaced.

Are aftermarket catalytic converters worth it?

The main benefit of an aftermarket catalytic converter is… money. An aftermarket catalytic converter can save you over 80% on the price of a new one, costing less than $200, and sometimes as low as $60.

Can I replace my catalytic converter with a straight pipe?

The short answer is yes you can. If you install a straight pipe, often called a test pipe, you will fail all emissions tests or smog checks.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters on them?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

What is the most popular catalytic converter to be stolen?

These vehicles are the most targeted for catalytic converter...1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)1989-2020 Honda Accord.2007-17 Jeep Patriot.1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.1997-2020 Honda CR-V.1987-2019 Toyota Camry.More items...•

What catalytic converter has the highest scrap value?

10 Cars With The Most Expensive Catalytic ConvertersNo.Catalytic ConvertersPrice12007 GM Catalytic Converter$1,475.9022010 B8.5 S4 Stock OEM Catalytic Converters$1,200.003OEM Catalytic Converter Toyota Prius 2011$1,100.0042013 BMW N55 Catalytic Converter$769.006 more rows

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru models also fall into this category. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.

Can you replace catalytic converter with a straight pipe?

The short answer is yes you can. This is because a catalytic converter's primary job is to convert dangerous emissions (like carbon monoxide) from gasoline-fueled engines into more environmental-friendly gases, like carbon dioxide or water vapor.

Are catalytic converters the same size?

Converters range in size, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It's easy to find a catalytic converter anywhere from 13 inches to as much as 45 inches long! Because they work by using valuable and rare metals, they are also a common target for thieves.

What are the different grades of catalytic converters?

At MagnaFlow we offer three grades of catalytic converters to meet the needs of customers in Federal emissions regulated states: OEM grade, HM grade and Standard grade.

What type of catalytic converter do I need in Maine?

In Maine your vehicle will need either a California/CARB or Federal/EPA compliant catalytic converter. CARB compliant catalytic converters are required for model year 2001 or newer vehicles with California emissions systems. California emissions vehicles model year 2000 and older may use a federal part. For such vehicles, we recommend using one of our OEM grade converters, although an HM grade converter may be used if we do not offer an OEM part for a particular vehicle application. We recommend HM grade converters for OBDII vehicles with Federal emissions systems. Standard grade converters are compliant with pre-OBDII vehicles manufactured prior to 1996.

What type of converter is used for 1995 California?

OBDII vehicles registered in the state of New York with Federal EPA regulated emissions systems should use either our OEM grade or HM grade replacement converters. These types of converters are also an option for model year 1995 vehicles with California emissions systems. For model year 1995 California emissions vehicles we recommend an OEM grade converter, although an HM grade converter can be used in select applications where we do not offer an OEM grade converter.

What is the number to call for Magnaflow catalytic converter?

If you have further questions regarding picking the right converter or need help with installation, please feel free to give our tech line a call at (800) 990-0905 and we’ll be happy to help. Check out our social media accounts ( Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter) and weekly blogs to stay up to date on upcoming product releases.

What is an OEM catalytic converter?

OEM grade catalytic converters are manufactured with the required precious metals to be compliant for OBDII (1996 and newer) vehicles with California or Federal/EPA emissions systems registered and operated outside of California. HM grade products are compliant with OBDII vehicles equipped with Federal/EPA emissions systems. They can also be used on California emissions vehicles in select applications where MagnaFlow does not offer an OEM converter in vehicles registered and operated outside of California. Standard grade converters are compliant with pre-OBDII vehicles (manufactured prior to 1996). In short, for California regulation vehicles registered and operated outside the state of CA, we recommend purchasing an OEM grade converter if available, whereas either an OEM or HM grade converter is recommended for EPA regulation vehicles. Please note, these products are EPA/Federal legal and cannot be sold in the states of California or Colorado.

How to find a pre-OBDII catalytic converter?

Pre-OBDII vehicles can skip the VECI/EFN step and use basic vehicle information and the Shop by Vehicle tool to find the right California Pre-OBDII catalytic converter.

What is direct fit converter?

As the name implies, direct-fit converters are designed to replace the specific application's OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part directly without modification—no fabrication required. Such precision is possible thanks to extensive use of 3D scans to ensure perfect, OEM-like fitment. Because of this, some customers choose to install our direct-fit converters themselves. Conversely, universal catalytic converters offer compatibility with a wide range of vehicles based upon its physical universal design and specific emissions standard loading. As a result of this adaptability, universal converters generally require additional fabrication, for which professional installation is highly recommended.

How to find the right catalytic converter?

The best way to begin your search for the right catalytic converter is by first narrowing your focus to the converters that fit your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

What grades of catalytic converters are recommended by MagnaFlow?

MagnaFlow recommends the use of the following catalytic converter grades, depending on your vehicle’s factory emissions certification: Heavy Metal Grade OBDII: For vehicles conforming to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Tier O and Tier 1 emissions use .

Can you use a direct fit catalytic converter?

Once you’ve pinpointed your converter grade, you can opt for a direct-fit or universal-fit design. A direct- fit catalytic converter will give you hassle-free, OE-like fitment tailored to your specific application. On the other hand, a universal-fit catalytic converter may require cutting, welding, or fabrication.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A Catalytic Converter is an emissions control device that converts harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before leaving a vehicle’s exhaust. Buying the right catalytic converter is essential for your vehicle to be legally registered and driven on public roads.

What is a direct fit catalytic converter?

Direct-fit or Universal: A Direct-fit Catalytic Converter is made to fit directly into the vehicle, offering hassle-free installation with basic hand tools and no cutting or welding. A Universal Catalytic Converter often requires professional installation because exhaust pipe cutting, welding or articulation is necessary.

What type of catalytic converter is needed for OBD II?

For California OBD II vehicles, there is only one choice: a CARB-approved catalytic converter.