How do you match a catalytic converter to a car?

How do I know which catalytic converter I need?

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.

Can 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.

Can you use a catalytic converter from a different car?

You cannot install a catalytic converter that is not made specifically for that car, be it universal or direct fit.

What happens if you put the wrong catalytic converter on a car?

The wrong converter will cause your check engine light to come on and will cause you to not pass emissions. It can also cause some performance and efficiency issues over time. There are specific converters built for all vehicles and that is what needs to be used, especially in California.

TEST YOUR CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN 15 MINUTES!

What happens if I replace catalytic converter with straight pipe?

However, it is illegal. If you install a straight pipe, often called a test pipe, you will fail all emissions tests or smog checks.

How much is a CAT converter worth?

The average catalytic converter ranges between $800 and $1,200, depending on the vehicle's make and model. In general, the larger the engine, the more expensive the converter.

Do they put VIN numbers on catalytic converters?

The new law will require new and used car dealers to engrave the full vehicle identification number on a catalytic converter unless the vehicle is sold at wholesale or if the converter is not clearly visible from the underside of the vehicle.

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.

Does it matter what catalytic converter you use?

An aftermarket catalytic converter isn't identical to the original equipment manufacturer catalytic converter. Just make sure the aftermarket catalytic converter you consider meets your state's or region's requirements as well as vehicle compatibility. If not, passing the emissions test is going to be challenging.

Why can't you buy a used catalytic converter?

In the USA, the EPA has banned the re-use of used catalytic converters as replacement converters. The only legitimate reason for buying a used catalytic converter is for recycling purposes so the precious metals can be extracted and provided back into the automotive circular economy.

What can I do instead of replacing catalytic converter?

Consider switching to high-octane fuel, at least periodically, if you find that changing to high-octane fuel fixes your catalytic converter problem. The initial change cleans out the catalytic converter, but a permanent switch could maintain it for the life of your vehicle.

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.

Is it OK to use aftermarket catalytic converter?

Both OE (Original Equipment) and aftermarket catalytic convertors are acceptable. In theory, both must meet federal standards for emissions performance, but nobody tests aftermarket catalytic convertors to see how well they work.

Will a car run better without a catalytic converter?

Without the catalytic converter, your car won't perform as well as it would if it were equipped with one. Without a cat, the oxygen sensors installed before and after the cat will not operate within range. Engine fault codes will be generated, and engine performance will suffer as a result.

What if there is no numbers on a catalytic converter?

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.

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.

Where can I get my VIN etched into my catalytic converter?

It will be located near the engine block underneath the car, or along with the exhaust system that runs from your engine to the rear of your vehicle.

What converters are worth the most?

Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. This is the main reason why they are sold as the most expensive scrap. Because it contains rhodium, palladium and platinum, which are among the most precious metals.

What are the most stolen catalytic converters?

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.

How much cash can you get from a catalytic converter?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Can you save a catalytic converter instead of replacing?

It may be fixable if you catch a catalytic converter in the early stages of failure. However, it will probably need to be replaced if it is discolored, warped, rattling, or smells like sulfur.

Can I replace my catalytic converter myself?

If it has been welded in position then you may not be able to remove it yourself. If you have access to the correct tools and are confident removing the converter then you will be able to continue with the replacement yourself. If not, you will need to take your car to a garage to have a professional look at it.

How long can you go without fixing your catalytic converter?

A Catalytic Converter Can Be Driven Indefinitely

Driving with a bad catalytic converter is not too dangerous. If some small parts of your catalytic converter is plugged, you can still drive your car as usual.