While expensive to replace, the catalytic converter plays a vital role in reducing your vehicle’s toxic emissions. Replacing it when it’s broken is absolutely necessary.
The best catalytic converters on the market today include the Evan Fischer 960301, Magnaflow 51356, and Walker 15634. We recommend the Evan Fischer catalytic converter, which is affordable and built using world-class manufacturing technologies and processes.
Choosing the right catalytic converter involves picking one with a good emission rating that complies with the emission standards in your state. In addition, determine the correct converter grade for your vehicle.
A lot of people doubt the importance of replacing a bad catalytic converter. Many car owners are also not that eager to replace their faulty catalytic converters because replacement could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the brand. But no matter how much it costs, the catalytic converter plays a vital role in reducing your vehicle’s toxic emissions, so replacing it when it’s broken is absolutely necessary.
Catalytic converter helps your vehicle to be efficient and environmental friendly.
Aftermarket replacement catalytic converters are as durable as their OE counterparts but they are more affordable, which means you can get the same quality while saving money at the same time. Check out high-quality replacement catalytic converters at CarParts.com today.
7 Best Catalytic Converters on the Market Today
Without a properly functioning catalytic converter, your car won’t pass an emissions test, which means you may not be able to drive your vehicle at all. When it comes to buying a catalytic converter replacement, remember to take note of the emission rating. Some cats are legal in 47 states and can’t be used in specific states with stricter emission standards, like California.
To further help you choose the perfect catalytic converter for your ride, we listed seven of the best replacement catalytic converters on the market to date:
The Evan Fischer 960301 is a catalytic converter that’s easy to install, thanks to its direct-fit configuration. This model doesn’t require any modification or additional part to install. The material is aluminized steel with silver powder coating and features an OEM-grade Y-shaped pipe design.
The Evan Fischer 960301 is 47-State Legal.
Features & Specifications
Tube Material: Aluminized Steel Tube
Inlet and Outlet Type: Dual Inlet (3-bolt spinner and 3-bolt welded flange); Single Outlet (2-bolt welded flange)
Length: 50.5”
Oxygen Sensor Port Location: Upstream and Downstream (4 sensor ports)
Product Fit: Direct
Emission Standard: 47-State Legal
Compatible with: 1999-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500; 1999-2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500; 2000-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe; 2001-2006 Chevrolet Suburban; 2002-2005 Chevrolet Escalade, Avalanche 1500
One thing that makes the Magnaflow’s 51356 Catalytic Converter a popular choice among car owners is its flexibility to fit in both gasoline and diesel applications. It features a clamshell-type body constructed from high-grade stainless steel using CNC robotic manufacturing for top-notch durability.
The main advantage of going with the Magnaflow 51356 cat is it can help increase power and improve fuel consumption. It comes with a 2.5-inch inlet and outlet and a ceramic substrate for even exhaust flow.
Features & Specifications
Tube Material: Stainless Steel
Inlet/Outlet Size: 2.5”
High quality, power, and sound
Features ceramic honeycomb catalyst
Product Fit: Semi-Universal
Emission Standard: 47-State Legal
Compatible with: 1996-2014 models from both American and imported brands like Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda, and Volvo. It also fits notable models from Mercury, Lincoln, and Plymouth. For a complete list of compatible vehicles, visit the Magnaflow 51356 Semi-Universal Fit product page.
This catalytic converter from Walker features a stainless-steel oval body with aluminized piping. It comes with a built-in heat shield and thick OEM-rated welded flanges, brackets, and hangers. Despite having no O2 sensor and air tubes, the Walker 15634 is Federal EPA-certified. If you have enough DIY auto repair knowledge, you should be able to install it without the assistance of a mechanic.
Features & Specifications
Tube Material: Aluminized Steel
Housing Material: Premium Stainless Steel
Comes with thick hangers, flanges, and brackets
Length: 21.75”
Product Fit: Direct
Features a ceramic substrate for better exhaust flow
Emission Standard: 47-State Legal
Compatible with: The Walker 15634 applies mostly on Jeep models like the 1986-1992 Cherokee and Comanche; 1986-1990 Wagoneer; and 1987-1992 Wrangler. Aside from Jeep, it also fits 1988-1992 Eagle Premiere and 1990-1992 Dodge Monaco models.
Magnaflow catalytic converters are known for their top-notch quality. The Magnaflow 27402 is an OBD-II-compliant catalytic converter for newer-vehicle applications. It is constructed using high-grade stainless steel with a metallic finish for a clean outer shell. It is Federal EPA-certified but not compliant with CARB standards. This cat can keep the Check Engine Light off by effectively eliminating emissions codes.
Features & Specifications
Tube Material: Stainless Steel with Metallic Finish
Features simple bolt-on installation without cutting, welding, or bending
Has ceramic honeycomb catalyst for superb flow and improved surface area
The 16370 catalytic converter from Walker belongs in the mid-priced category. It is an OBD-II-compliant converter, which means it can fit 1996 and newer vehicles. Engineered to cater to special vehicle emissions, the design allows you to easily bolt the assembly onto the existing exhaust system.
Features & Specifications
Tube Material: Stainless Steel Tube
Has thicker hangers, flanges, and brackets for enhanced strength
Simple and easy bolt-on installation feature
Compatible with OBD-II 1998 or newer vehicles
Product Dimensions: 21” x 10” x 5” (L, W, H)
Weight: 7 lbs.
Product Fit: Direct
Emission Standard: 47-State Legal
Compatible with: 1998-2002 Honda Accord (LX, DX, and EX); 2000-2002 Honda Accord SE; 2001-2002 Honda Accord Value Package
Walker’s 16468 direct-fit catalytic converter is a seven-pound OBD-II-compatible OE replacement with a flange-to-flange fitment. Its weight makes it a perfect choice for improving overall performance without compromising the power-to-weight ratio. It features an easy bolt-on installation that allows it to fit snugly into the existing exhaust system. The Walker 16468 also comes with a heat shield and a compact design for a more organized undercarriage.
The Walker 16468 has a compact design and comes with a heat shield.
Features & Specifications
Tube Material: Stainless Steel
Comes with Aluminized Heat Shield
Features broad hangers, brackets, and flangers
Bolts on easily without having the need to cut, bend, or weld
The Magnaflow 99006HM is one of the best high-flow catalytic converters on the market. It is made using high-quality stainless steel and comes with a pre-built heat shield for superb heat insulation. Inside the assembly are ceramic honeycomb catalysts that maximize airflow without compromising the chemical reaction that breaks down the harmful elements. This cat passes all EPA requirements and may be used on both gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Features & Specifications
Tube Material: High-Quality Stainless Steel with Heat Shield
Comes with ceramic honeycomb catalysts to boost the flow
Comes with 5” converter inlet diameter (2.5” inlet diameter; 2.5” main pipe diameter)
Meets all EPA requirements
Caters to both gasoline and diesel applications
Product Fit: Semi-Universal (may require welding)
Emission Standard: 47-State Legal
Compatible with: It fits a wide range of Chevrolet models from 1996 to 2013, as well as notable models from brands GMC, Mazda, Lexus, Toyota, Dodge, and Nissan. To get the complete list of vehicle fitments, visit the Magnaflow 99006HM product page.
Our Score: 9/10
Our Recommendation
If cost is a big consideration for you, we recommend getting an Evan Fischer catalytic converter. Evan Fischer’s catalytic converters are built using world-class manufacturing technologies and processes, and they are available at a lower cost compared with other brands of the same quality. Many of these high-quality catalytic converters have a direct-fit configuration, so modification is not required during installation.
How to Choose the Right Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter, or simply the “cat”, was mandated by the mid-1970s with the goal of reducing air pollution from vehicles. The catalytic converter converts harmful toxins by means of chemical reactions known as reduction and oxidation, or “redox.” It does this using catalyzing materials made of platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
Although all catalytic converters use the same precious metals as their catalysts, not all have the same emission rating. This is important to note as there are different emission standards per state. This means that the first thing you need to do when replacing your catalytic converter is to make sure the one you’re planning to buy complies with your state regulations.
You should also check your car’s emission level, which you can find on the Vehicle Emission Control Information sticker. You can find the sticker in one of these locations:
On the strut tower brace
Underneath the hood panel
On top of the fan shroud
On the radiator support
The firewall
The catalytic converter converts harmful toxins by means of chemical reactions known as reduction and oxidation, or “redox.”
The sticker should tell you whether your car complies with the Federal EPA, California (CARB), or both, which applies to all 50 states.
Aside from that, you also need to determine the correct converter grade for your car, especially if it comes with an onboard diagnostics II (OBD-II). These grades are made up of standard, heavy metal, and OEM, and would depend on the certification found on the emission sticker. Lastly, don’t forget about checking the oxygen sensor because this is important when determining the ideal fuel and air mixture for your vehicle.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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