How do I tell what kind of catalytic converter I have?

Each catalytic converter has a reference carved or printed on it. This reference enables to identify your catalyst.

How can you tell the difference between a factory and aftermarket catalytic converter?

An easy way to identify aftermarket versus OEM converters is through appearance. If the catalytic converter has a silver metal casing on it with an arrow, that typically means it is aftermarket. The arrow indicates the proper installation direction based on airflow.

What kind of catalytic converters are worth money?

Unfortunately, the only suitable catalysts are rare metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. All of these metals are very expensive. Platinum's current spot price is $1,135 per ounce, and Palladium costs more than gold, at $2,332 per ounce.

What if catalytic converter has no numbers?

Without the CAT numbers visible a smog technician has no way of verifying whether or not the catalytic converter was designed to be used on your vehicle. As such, the vehicle can not pass a smog check.

What cars have the most valuable catalytic converters for scrap?

The Prius is not only one of the most popular hybrids on the road, but hybrid vehicles tend to have more valuable catalytic converters than conventional gasoline vehicles.

How to Tell if You Need a New Catalytic Converter in Your Car

What metal in a catalytic converter is worth the most?

"It's platinum, palladium, and rhodium. You have platinum for around $800 or $900 dollars an ounce. You have palladium for around $2,200 an ounce.

What are the most sought after catalytic converters to steal?

Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius have higher standards for cleaning emissions, so their converters are more expensive and are primarily targeted by thieves. Older rides produced after 1974 also have more metals inside their catalytic converters, and luxury models like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

What's the difference between a cheap catalytic converter and an expensive one?

Cheap catalytic converters are out there, but that doesn't mean they're good. Catalytic converters are expensive because of the materials that convert bad exhaust gases to good exhaust gases. The materials that make up the catalyst in the catalytic converter, are materials such as platinum, palladium and rhodium.

How do I know if I have a stock catalytic converter?

How do you match a catalytic converter to a car?

To determine the correct catalytic converter part number for your vehicle, you will need its make, model, model year, engine size and test group/engine family designation.

Is my catalytic converter worth money?

Are your old catalytic converters worth money? Yes, they are! Indeed, they contain some precious metals that are rare and valuable. Thus, consider recycling them instead of throwing them away!

How much is an OEM catalytic converter worth?

An OEM replacement catalytic converter can cost between $700 and $1,300 depending on the make and model of the car. Converters are typically more expensive when the engine is larger because the loadings of precious metals inside filter out the toxic exhaust coming from the inner workings of the vehicle.

How much is a aftermarket catalytic converter worth?

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. However, there are significant downsides in purchasing aftermarket, and you should be aware of them before making your decision.

Do cheap aftermarket catalytic converters work?

If you use an aftermarket replacement catalytic converter, your car will set this code just as it will with an OEM part. A quality aftermarket converter should work. Whether it will last as long as an OEM part isn't guaranteed.

Does painting catalytic converter prevent theft?

Marking your catalytic converter with paint associates it with a jurisdiction and helps prevent theft. The markings also alert scrapyard and recycling businesses the catalytic converter may have been stolen, police add.

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

Stealing a converter takes just a few minutes and a battery-operated saw. "You slide under the car, slice through your exhaust system, and you're in and out usually within 30 seconds to a minute," Glawe said.

Which state has the most catalytic converters stolen?

California is coming in at number one with the highest amount of catalytic converter thefts across the country according to a new report.

How much do catalytic converters sell for?

Catalytic converter worth can range from $800 to $1200. Let's take a look at some factors that drive scrap catalytic converter pricing: The precious metal composition of the car part influences catalytic converter scrap prices.

What does an original catalytic converter look like?

The simplest way to tell if a converter is OEM or aftermarket is to look at the casing. It is most likely aftermarket if the catalytic converter has a silver metal casing with an arrow on it. The arrow indicates the proper installation direction based on air flow. Another way to tell if it's OEM is to look for a stamp.

Will a missing catalytic converter stop car from running?

Technically, a car can function without a catalytic converter. However, this is not a sustainable long-term option.