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How to select the right Catalytic Converter?

There are several factors that you need to consider when selecting a Catalytic Converter for your vehicle. In addition to the state level emissions regulations, it is also important to select the right catalytic converter configuration for your particular vehicle application - direct-fit and universal.

Direct Fit catalytic converters are designed to bolt onto the vehicle directly without modification—no fabrication required. They are manufactured using the features and constraints specific to the vehicle in which they are installed. On the other hand, universal catalytic converters are compatible with wide range of vehicles based upon its physical universal design and specific emissions standard loading. As a result of this, universal catalytic converters generally require additional fabrication, for which professional installation is highly recommended.

In case of emission regulations, there are two regulations that you need to be aware of - Federal/EPA and California/CARB compliant. It may be different from the state in which the vehicle is registered. Most states adhere to emissions regulations set at the federal level by the EPA. There are three grades of catalytic converters to meet the needs of customers in Federal emissions regulated states: OEM grade, HM grade and Standard grade. For the state of California, the emission standards are stricter. The state of Colorado also adopted the same standards as those set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). For both states, vehicles (model year 1996 or later) registered in their jurisdiction requires to be fitted with CARB compliant catalytic converters.

In Maine, CARB compliant catalytic converters are required for model year 2001 or newer vehicles with California emissions systems. California emissions vehicles model year 2000 and older may use a federal part.

What does a Catalytic Converter do?

A Catalytic Converter is one of the most important part in vehicle's emission control system. Your vehicle generates a great deal of harmful gases and fumes when the engine is running. These emissions contributes to a significant portion of the air pollution. This is the reason why the Clean Air Act of 1963 was passed in United States. Catalytic converters change these harmful substances in a car's exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons, into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapour by means of chemical reactions.