How To Buy A Catalytic Converter
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.When buying a catalytic converter, there are several things to consider:
- 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.
- CARB or Federal State: The appropriate converter for your vehicle depends on whether it is registered and operated in California, Colorado or New York, (CARB Compliant Catalytic Converters) or one of the other Federal States (Federal EPA Compliant Catalytic Converters).
Converter Grade
For Federal States (non-CARB) vehicles manufactured since 1996 (OBD II), there are two choices: HM (Heavy Metal) or OEM-grade.
- HM Converters are intended for vehicles with a federal or EPA certification.
-
OEM-grade Converters are intended for CARB-certified
(California Air Resources Board) vehicles registered outside of California, Colorado or New York.
For California, Colorado and New York vehicles, there is only one choice: a CARB-approved catalytic converter.
For 1995 and older (pre-OBD II) vehicles registered outside of California, Colorado or New York (Federal States):- Check the emissions tag in the engine compartment, which should be located on the underside of the hood, on the radiator core support or on one of the strut towers.
- The emissions tag specifies the type of converter on your vehicle: two-way, three-way plus air or three-way.
- Engine size and gross vehicle weight are also found on the emissions tag.
- Use the emissions tag information to guide you through the Shop by Vehicle tool on MagnaFlow.com.
For pre-OBD II vehicles registered in California, Colorado and New York:
- Year, make and model of the vehicle are used to select the appropriate catalytic converter.
- The Shop by Vehicle tool on MagnaFlow.com will help you make the right selection.
Selecting the Right Converter
Have questions? Give us a call at 1-800-990-0905. You can also refer to MagnaFlow’s Federal States and CARB States MagnaFlow catalogs.
Comments
Richard on
I need a universal cat. con. For my 1997 E350 with a Triton V10
Marek Ruiso on
Dear MagnaFlow Team,
I am looking for a high-quality catalytic converter for my 2003 Seat Leon Cupra R 1.8. Since the original part is no longer available, I would like to know if MagnaFlow offers a compatible replacement for my vehicle.
Could you please provide information on:
1. Availability of a suitable catalytic converter for my car
2. Certification and compliance with emission regulations
3. Authorized dealers or distributors in my region (Estonia)
4. Warranty and expected lifespan of the product
I appreciate your time and assistance. Looking forward to your response.
Patrick on
Hello. I am browsing through the Catalytic Converter and I am in need of help in choosing a Catalytic that fits my Nissan Versa 2011 Sedan.
Magdaleno on
I need the universal catalytic converted bank 1 for my 2000 toyota sienna 3.0 I have the welder shop professional wish did recommend me?
Tammy on
I have a 2004 Toyota matrix with 88,000 miles on the engine light on so I checked it with one of those code reading and it said was my catilac converter I’m wondering kind I need to get
Paul M. Lum on
Hi,
I purchased a slightly used exhaust system with a catalytic converter part#418004. I was told by the seller that he used it for his E36 BMW M3. I bought the catalytic exhaust system—midpipe— and had my car smog only to be told that part#418004 is not the correct catalytic converter for my car. I did some research and Magnaflow Part#418004 will fit on Engine Family :WBMXV02.8M52 which is the same Family Engine on my ‘98 BMW M3 Vehicle Emission Control Information “sticker.” I’m confuse and would appreciate a clarification on this subject. Thanks,
Paul Lim
Fremont, Ca