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 a cheap catalytic converter worth it?

Manufacturer-sourced catalytic converter replacements/repairs can run well over $1000, so it's not surprising that car owners frequently turn to alternative resources when facing this repair. An aftermarket catalytic converter can save you over 80% on the price of a new OEM version, a significant savings.

What is the difference between a cheap and expensive catalytic converter?

Since the Aftermarket Catalytic Converters are not held to high warranty standards like OEM converters, the Aftermarket Manufacturers save costs by using less precious metals. Because less precious metals are applied to the converter, there is less filtration of toxic compounds from the vehicle's engine.

Why are aftermarket catalytic converters so cheap?

There are many reasons for the aftermarket versus OEM price disparity. One key reason is aftermarket manufacturers skimp on strong yet expensive precious metals, such as platinum, palladium or gold.

Are generic catalytic converters good?

Since aftermarket products have been used before, they will wear down and break much faster than new products. They can also be prone to damage during collisions, which may lead to you needing another replacement, and in extreme cases can cause damage to your emissions system.

OEM vs. Aftermarket? Catalytic Converter Comparison | Inside Leif's Garage

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.

What should I look for when buying a catalytic converter?

How long will a cheap catalytic converter last?

In the case of the catalytic converter, if you buy a cheap one, it's not going to convert the exhaust gases as much. 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.

How many miles does an aftermarket catalytic converter last for?

And when should you count on having to replace it? The truth is, on modern vehicles, the catalytic converter should last the life of the car or truck, given an "average" life of about 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers).

Are Chinese catalytic converters good?

They use expensive precious metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, to catalyze the toxic emissions. The EPA inspection revealed the Taotao catalytic converters lacked enough of the precious metals to be effective in removing pollutants from the vehicle exhausts.

Is it OK to use a universal catalytic converter?

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.

How can you tell if catalytic converter is aftermarket?

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

Which catalytic converter is worth the most money?

How much does a cheap catalytic converter cost?

Catalytic converters have a broad range from about $900 on the low end to $3,500 or even a bit more on the high-end. The difference in price is primarily around parts, because labor is a relatively small part of the cost.

How long do Magnaflow catalytic converters last?

Catalytic Converters are emission control devices which are designed to last the life of the vehicle and do not normally require replacement. Furthermore, if the vehicle is properly used and maintained, original converters are covered by the emission control warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles.

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

Most catalytic converter failures fall under one of three categories: Overheated, melted or broken converters.

What happens if you don't replace catalytic converter?

When the converter first starts showing signs of failure, it will not immediately affect the engine. Left unchecked, however, it will eventually degrade and collapse, plugging the exhaust, which will choke vehicle performance and limit the life of the motor.

Do you get better gas mileage with or without a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters reduce emissions but do not reduce fuel consumption.

How do you test a catalytic converter?

Testing Catalytic Converters

To test efficiency, Hold the engine speed at 2500 RPM for several minutes to heat up the catalytic converter and allow engine to idle. Using a pyrometer (high temperature thermometer), measure the temperature of the exhaust pipe around 50 mm before and after the catalytic converter.

Can a catalytic converter ruin your engine?

What Are Potential Issues With a Catalytic Converter? Catalytic converters often last for 10 years or more, but they can become contaminated, clogged, overheated or physically damaged — leading to sluggish engine performance and, eventually, engine shutdown.

Why are catalytic converters so cheap on eBay?

Other states are usually more lax about the emissions standards, and thus cheaper cats. There are no aftermarket catalytic converters that are legal in California. The only ones on eBay that are being sold that are CARB legal are used OEM takeoffs. Like a lot of auto parts, not all catalytic converters are the same.

How many years does a catalytic converter last?

The catalytic converter, which converts harmful emissions into harmless gas, often lasts 10 years or longer and should be replaced only when needed. It can become clogged, physically damaged, or contaminated by oil or engine coolant.

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.

How much is a good catalytic converter?

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.

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.