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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.
What is the difference between an OEM and aftermarket catalytic converter?
OEM Catalytic Converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car if handled adequately. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters have no responsibility to survive that long, so they are made using cheaper materials.
Do aftermarket Catalytic converters have numbers on them?
Common Letters on Aftermarket Catalytic Converters: These aftermarket cats have just enough PGMs inside of them to have a positive impact on emissions, but not much more than that. Some of the serial numbers you would look for that will help you quickly identify Aftermarket converters are: NT, NAT, NCE, NGE.
How can I tell what catalytic converter I have?
When trying to tell if you have an OEM Catalytic Converter the first thing to look for is a stamp of the manufacturer. Typically, they are by the serial number. It will be the name (Ex: FoMoCo – Ford Motor Company, Land Rover, Hyundai / Kia) or the manufacturer’s emblem (Common for Toyota Catalytic Converters – below).
Why are aftermarket catalytic converters bad?
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. Generally, the lower the price of an aftermarket catalytic converter, the lower its projected lifetime.
Is it OK to use 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.
Do Thieves Steal aftermarket catalytic converters?
If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won’t be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don’t have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don’t take them.
Do catalytic converters have VIN numbers?
Rub with steel wool – Some catalytic converters may be corroded, meaning rust will need to be scrubbed off to reveal the number. Or, there is no number – Some cats simply don’t have serial numbers. A reputable facility should still be able to identify it, though the number is an added layer of protection.
What are the most stolen catalytic converters?
The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, Tacoma, Lexus SUVs, and the Accord are some of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft. So if you own one of these, make sure your car is locked up safe and sound.
Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
Those with the unit in the engine bay are less susceptible to theft. Older models are more likely to be targeted because their catalytic converters contain far more precious metals than those fitted to the latest cars.
What states require catalytic converters?
California became the first state to require the use of CARB-compliant catalytic converters on January 1, 2009. In subsequent years, other states including New York (6/1/2013) and Maine (6/1/2018) mandated the use of CARB-compliant converters for certain model year vehicles.
Are aftermarket catalytic converters legal?
Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California’s anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state. 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 a cheap catalytic converter worth it?
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 much does it cost to install a universal catalytic converter?
You will need around $350-$1500 for the parts only and about $615-$2,200 for the labor. These costs are not always fixed – they vary a lot, so it is advisable to get a quote first before allowing anyone to start working on the converter.
How long will a universal catalytic converter last?
The common logic is that catalytic converters don’t have moving parts, so they ought to last forever. It is for this reason that they are usually designed to last for at least 10 to 15 years, which is the lifespan of a car.
How can I stop someone from stealing my catalytic converter?
Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals.Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. Park in well-lit areas. Install an anti-theft device.
How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?
They’re designed to reduce harmful emissions of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in fossil-fuel-burning vehicles. And they can fetch big bucks on the scrap-metal market. The resale price varies by vehicle model, but a single catalytic converter can fetch between $100 and $500.
Why do thieves target catalytic converters?
Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, like platinum, palladium or rhodium, that are valuable to metal dealers. They can sell them to scrap yards for up $200, says Edmunds.
Which cars have the most valuable catalytic converters?
Which Catalytic Converters Are The Most Expensive? 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.
How much is an old catalytic converter worth?
Metal/Material Current Price Medium Foreign Cat Medium cat from foreign cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $139-$184/each Pre-Domestic Cat Pre-Domestic Cat. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $32-$154/each Foreign Pre-Cat Smaller cat from foreign cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS $50-$81/each.
What if catalytic converter has no numbers?
Having the number(s) scraped off technically renders the catalytic converter as “tampered”; automatically causing the inspection to fail. 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.
