How To Buy A Catalytic Converter

November 27, 2024 | Team MagnaFlow

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:

    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.