Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim
Well, the price of the catalytic converters varies depending on the size, quality, and features. So, which catalytic converter will be worth your money totally depends on your needs. Some of the best catalytic converters in the current market are Evan Fischer 960301, Magnaflow 51356, Walker 15634, Magnaflow 27402, Walker 16468, Magnaflow 99006HM, etc.
Key Takeaways
- While buying catalytic converters, you should consider quite a few things like the type of vehicle, emissions standards in your area, your budget, etc.
- The value of a catalytic converter mostly depends on the metal that the converter is made of like palladium, rhodium, and platinum
- Catalytic converters that are made from platinum are the most expensive
- The condition of the converter also has great impact on the selling price
Catalytic Converter With Higher Value
| Catalytic Converter | Features |
| Platinum | In this case, it is the metal with the highest performance and the highest value. This metal can offer a lot of functions and is very scarce which is why catalytic converters with this metal are very expensive. |
| Palladium | In particular, palladium can offer similar characteristics to platinum. However, palladium is more difficult to obtain due to its scarcity. This is why the more expensive catalytic converters contain a good amount of palladium. |
| Rhodium | Sometimes palladium can be combined with roller for more effective removal of toxins and vapors. Therefore, catalytic converters that have rhodium and palladium are the most expensive in general. |
How Does A Catalytic Converter Work?
One of the important parts of the mechanics of a vehicle is undoubtedly the catalytic converter. In this case, the basic knowledge about this part allows for making the best decision in maintenance service. For that, you need to know in a simple way how these components work inside the cars.
First of all, any internal combustion engine needs to create thermal energy. Of course, this requires some components to be mixed inside the engine. In this sense, this thermal energy is achieved by igniting a mixture of atmospheric oxygen with gasoline. Here a high-voltage spark will be more than enough to get the power the vehicle needs.
Of course, the operation of an engine is efficient, although some waste is also generated. In particular, some components that are toxic and residual are generated after combustion. These residual components are nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. The catalytic converter deals exactly with these toxic components.
Here it is necessary to include precious metals inside the catalytic converter to obtain a suitable result. This component inside the vehicle is responsible for transforming these harmful pollutants into harmless gases such as water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. Therefore, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons are not as dangerous after this process.
In general, a catalytic converter should have a life span that accompanies the rest of the vehicle mechanics. Throughout the process, the catalytic converter is not consumed, nor should it be. Beyond that, sometimes catalytic converters can malfunction and be damaged in the process.
It could happen that some contaminants in the coolant included in the vehicle act in a bad way. In particular, a catalytic converter is not designed to deal with pollutants in a coolant but rather with the internal combustion of the engine. Other factors that can also be harmful are engine oil additives when compatibility is not the most appropriate.
To avoid this, it is necessary to properly consult a professional mechanic about the best engine oil for a certain vehicle. Of course, last but not least is the stress to which the catalytic converter is subjected due to high temperature. As with any other component, excessive heat can also deteriorate this component.
What Are The Types Of Catalytic Converters?
In general, there are at least three main types of catalytic converters. Each has a direct fit design and is similar in design to each others. These are simply the 2-way, 3-way, and more than 3-way oxidation converters. Even 2-way oxidation converters were used until the 1980’s vehicles.
This component is specially designed to remove only some toxic components from the internal combustion of an engine. The main finished components are carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Therefore, the functionality of this design is somewhat limited compared to other options available today. So, after 1980, three-way converters began to be implemented.
Unlike the previous one, this catalytic converter not only eliminates carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. It is also important to consider that the three-way converter manages to eliminate nitrogen oxides that are produced by the operation of the car. That is why the implementation of this component brought a decrease in polluting gases.
Besides, over time the three-way catalytic converter plus began to be implemented. This component is also known as the double-bed converter. In this case, it is a component that manages to inject atmospheric air between an additional oxidation bed and the three-way catalytic converter. In this way, a cleaner engine exhaust can be obtained compared to the previous options.
This not only reduces toxic and environmentally harmful gases but also protects the life of the vehicle’s mechanics. In particular, this began to enable car exhaust systems to offer greater durability and service life. This system had to deal with fewer toxic components that decrease the lifespan.
Here, a molecular distribution of the precious metals is required to provide a high level of efficiency within the catalysts. In turn, this molecular distribution is applied exactly using a ceramic washbasin layer with a rough surface. This additional built-in layer manages to cover the alveolar metal substrate.
In particular, the efficiency of this new 3-way plus a catalytic converter is found in precious metals. The precious metals incorporated into the alveolar substrate are done in large part to remove toxic components and care for the exhaust system. Therefore, the value of each catalytic converter is exactly related to the number of precious metals included.
How Does The Catalyst Monitor Work?
The catalyst monitor is a component that starts working once the engine is started and the vehicle begins to drive. In this case, the engine control module needs a mathematical algorithm for its operation. This component is an essential part because the algorithm stops the electrical activity of both sensors.
The comparison is made between the upstream oxygen sensor and the downstream oxygen sensor. A diagnostic trouble code can be stored here when the results are not as expected. Here the unusual electrical activity between these sensors may be different from the parameters programmed into the catalyst monitor.
However, this will allow the orange warning light that many vehicles have known as a “check engine” to come on. In turn, the catalytic converter will be diagnosed by the catalytic converter monitor if it has a mathematical basis. Here, the inlet and outlet temperatures are simply compared to obtain the appropriate results.
A second technique can be used which is based on an exhaust gas analyzer. When this analyzer does not get valid test results then there is a problem in the component. These problems can be easily known by professional mechanics when detecting different diagnostic fault codes.
So, after checking what the precise causes of failure are, the catalytic converter is replaced. In some cases, vehicle mechanics may need to be reprogrammed by professionals. In short, the catalytic converter monitor is responsible for checking that the catalytic converter is working as it should.
Why Does A Catalyst Fail?
Generally, some drawbacks are quite common in most vehicles. One of the most common causes of catastrophic converter failure is ignition system failure. In this case, the catalytic converter is subjected to too high a temperature. This usually happens if combustion occurs in the converter.
This combustion occurs in the wrong place due to misfiring. Of course, the temperature is too high, because this is combustion that should take place inside the engine. The substrate begins to melt when the catalytic converter is exposed to more than 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, this is too high a temperature for the components built into the catalytic converter.
In turn, there is also an exhaust restriction that makes the whole situation even more difficult. Coolant contamination of leaking cylinder head gaskets may also be another reason. Finally, an external impact is another likely cause for a catalyst to start failing. So, if your vehicle suffers any impact you should consider this.
It is quite common for an automobile manufacturer to offer an 80,000 and 8-year warranty that is required by the EPA. So, this is more than enough time to avoid any kind of factory failure due to poor construction. A new replacement catalytic converter can also be installed in some situations.
Of course, most commonly this component replacement is done if there is physical damage or leakage to this component. Another reason is that the catalytic converter is clogged due to excessive build-up of components.
On occasion, the state or local emissions inspection program may fail. Therefore, authorities in each region will request a catalytic converter replacement.
When the “check engine” warning light comes on, it is necessary to consider replacing the catalytic converter. Also if the engine has not been able to pass the exhaust emission evaluation the driver should replace this component. Of course, the authorities in each region impose severe fines on drivers who fail to make these replacements.
Each catalytic converter must meet the exact capabilities and configuration set by each manufacturer. Those vehicles operating in California must meet much more stringent emissions standards than the manufacturer.
This is why California has reduced the number of pollutant emissions into the environment. Also, choosing the best option allows your vehicle to be more careful and clean.
References:
https://www.autolist.com/guides/most-stolen-catalytic-converter
https://www.motorverso.com/what-vehicles-have-the-most-valuable-catalytic-converters/
FAQs
Which Catalytic Converters Are Worth The Most? - Cars & Amazing Automotive Stuff.? ›
The Prius is not only one of the most popular hybrids on the road, but hybrid vehicles tend to have more valuable catalytic converters than conventional gasoline vehicles.
Which vehicle catalytic converters are worth the most? ›The Prius is not only one of the most popular hybrids on the road, but hybrid vehicles tend to have more valuable catalytic converters than conventional gasoline vehicles.
Which catalytic converter is worth the most for scrap? ›- Ferrari F430 -$4,500.
- Lamborghini Aventador -$3,700.
- Dodge Ram 2500 -$4,100.
- Ford F250 -$3,300.
- Ford Mustang -$1,800.
Gasoline-powered vehicle catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium and palladium, while diesel-powered vehicle catalytic converters only contain rhodium and platinum.
What vehicles have torpedo hi catalytic converter? ›Torpedo catalytic converters come from the Ford Company vehicles and are generally used on their Model F and E series Trucks & Vans. They are usually very large in size due to having multiple “biscuits” or honeycombs inside.
How much is a GM catalytic converter worth scrap? ›| Metal/Material | Current Price |
|---|---|
| High Grade Domestic Cat Off domestic cars. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $43-$608/each |
| Small GM Cat Small sized cat from GM make vehicle. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $25-$79/each |
| Small Breadloaf Cat Small size breadloaf catalytic. GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $91-$304/each |
The recent scrap price for the GD3+EA6 catalytic converter used in the 2004-09 second-generation Prius 1.5 was $1,022, according to marketplace website AutoCatalystMarket.com, while the scrap price for the GP1+TB1 converter used in the 2010-15 third-generation Prius was $548.
How much is a Toyota Camry catalytic converter worth for scrap? ›The actual value you get for your Toyota catalytic converter depends on your car model and the size and weight of the catalytic converter, and the price can range from $75 to $700 when sold as scrap.
How much is a Ford F150 catalytic converter worth scrap price? ›What is this? In general, many organizations will pay between $200 and $750. Much of this price comes from the platinum in the converter, so an in-tact or newer F150 catalytic converter will scrap for more.
How much is a scrap RV catalytic converter worth? ›The going rate for scrap catalytic converters is about $45 per pound. A typical converter weighs about 10 pounds and is worth around $450, though some can be worth even more.
How much is 1 gram of rhodium worth? ›
Low emission vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Ford F250 contain more rhodium in their OEM catalytic converters than other cars. The same goes for luxury cars like the Ferrari F430 and BMW 760 Li, which have about $1300 worth of rhodium in their OEM catalytic converters.
Which vehicles have the most platinum in catalytic converter? ›Aside from the Toyota Prius, other cars also have a significant amount of platinum, resulting in an expensive catalytic converter. Namely, the Ford F250, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Aventador, and Ford Mustang.
What vehicle is the hardest to steal a catalytic converter? ›- Vehicles Built Before 1974. ...
- Vehicles With Low Ground Clearance. ...
- Non-Hybrid American and Asian Models. ...
- Models With Diesel Catalytic Converters. ...
- Newer Models With The Converter In The Engine. ...
- Electric Vehicles.
Older rides produced after 1974 also have more metals inside their catalytic converters, and luxury models like Lamborghinis and Ferraris. They are rarely seen outside private parking areas and have shallow clearance, making them hard to get.
What is a universal catalytic converter? ›As the name implies, universal catalytic converters can be installed in almost any vehicle, as long as the diameters of the inlet and outlet tubes are the same on the converter and the exhaust system, and it is the correct converter for the particular vehicle and the state it will be registered in.
How much is a Chevy Tahoe catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Chevrolet Tahoe Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $2,204 and $2,240. Labor costs are estimated between $135 and $170 while parts are priced between $2,069 and $2,071.
How much is a Ford Expedition catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Ford Expedition Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,482 and $1,516. Labor costs are estimated between $129 and $162 while parts are priced between $1,354 and $1,354.
How much is a Dodge catalytic converter worth? ›Some Dodge Catalytic Converters Are Called DPFs
Some DPFs could be worth $0, while others could be up to $1,000.
The catalytic converter is one of the most stolen parts of any car, and not just when it comes to Priuses. In the case of Toyota's most popular hybrid vehicle, a catalytic converter can cost anywhere from $2,145 to $3,000.
How much is a 2004 Toyota Corolla catalytic converter worth? ›
We currently carry 18 Catalytic Converter products to choose from for your 2004 Toyota Corolla, and our inventory prices range from as little as $209.99 up to $1,693.99. On top of low prices, Advance Auto Parts offers 2 different trusted brands of Catalytic Converter products for the 2004 Toyota Corolla.
How much is a Honda Odyssey catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Honda Odyssey Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,737 and $1,768. Labor costs are estimated between $114 and $143 while parts are priced between $1,623 and $1,625.
How much is a 2003 Toyota Corolla catalytic converter worth? ›We currently carry 16 Catalytic Converter products to choose from for your 2003 Toyota Corolla, and our inventory prices range from as little as $209.99 up to $1,693.99. On top of low prices, Advance Auto Parts offers 2 different trusted brands of Catalytic Converter products for the 2003 Toyota Corolla.
How much is a Honda Accord catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Honda Accord Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $2,261 and $2,444. Labor costs are estimated between $99 and $124 while parts are priced between $2,163 and $2,319.
How much is a 2004 Prius catalytic converter worth in scrap? ›For example, the recent scrap price for a catalytic converter used in the 2004-09 second-generation Prius 1.5 was $1,022, according to AutoCatalystMarket.com.
How much is a Ford f250 Super Duty catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Ford F-250 Super Duty Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $2,849 and $2,880. Labor costs are estimated between $117 and $148 while parts are priced between $2,732 and $2,732.
How much is a catalytic converter off of a f250 worth? ›The average cost for a Ford F-250 Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $2,878 and $2,912. Labor costs are estimated between $128 and $161 while parts are priced between $2,751 and $2,751.
How much is a Ford Mustang catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Ford Mustang Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,599 and $1,629. Labor costs are estimated between $116 and $146 while parts are priced between $1,483 and $1,483.
How much are crv catalytic converters worth? ›The average cost for a Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,949 and $2,228. Labor costs are estimated between $111 and $140 while parts are priced between $1,838 and $2,088.
How much is a Jeep Cherokee catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Jeep Cherokee Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,649 and $1,678. Labor costs are estimated between $111 and $140 while parts are priced between $1,539 and $1,539.
Are diesel truck catalytic converters worth anything? ›
Catalytic converters for diesel engines are less valuable than those for gasoline engines. This is due to the low cost of the materials used to manufacture catalytic converters, as well as the fact that the precious metals contained within are far less dense. This is because diesel fuel is cleaner than gasoline.
How much is 1 gram of palladium worth? ›| Palladium Spot Prices | Today | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Palladium Prices Per Ounce | $1,552.00 | -50.00 |
| Palladium Prices Per Gram | $49.90 | -1.61 |
| Palladium Prices Per Kilo | $49,896.80 | -1,607.50 |
Historically, Rhodium reached an all time high of 29800.00 in March of 2021. Rhodium - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May of 2023.
How much is 5 oz of rhodium worth? ›Sell to Us
You can now sell your Rhodium Bar - 5 Ounce to us, at a price of $19,250.00 each!
Rhodium is one of the rarest elements. It is estimated to make up only 0.0002 parts per million of the earth's crust. The largest known concentrations of it are in the Ural Mountains in Russia, in South Africa, and in Ontario, Canada.
How much is a Mitsubishi catalytic converter worth in scrap? ›For scrap value, Mitsubishi catalytic converters are priced around $100-$380 each. These prices are generally conditional based on the year and model of your vehicle, but our team can give you an exact quote when we see pictures and the serial numbers from them.
Which car has the most palladium? ›The car with the highest catalytic converter scrap value is the Toyota Prius. It features a hybrid technology, which combines a gas engine with an electric motor to help reduce emissions. As a result, the Toyota Prius produces a large amount of precious metals in its Catalytic Converters.
How much platinum is in a truck catalytic converter? ›Although the quantities vary by model, on average, only one standard catalytic converter contains about 3-7 grams of platinum, 2-7 grams of palladium, 1-2 grams rhodium.
What car part has palladium? ›Which car parts is Palladium used in? Around 85% of palladium is used in vehicle's exhaust systems, as part of the catalytic converter, turning toxic pollutants into less-harmful gases before they are released into the atmosphere. It is also used in electronics, dentistry and to make jewellery.
What's the best way to steal a catalytic converter? ›How Do Thieves Take Them? Unfortunately, stealing a catalytic converter is very easy to do. Thieves usually slide underneath a car with a battery-powered reciprocating saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes and makes as much noise as any other power tool.
What are the top 10 cars that catalytic converters are stolen from? ›
- Ford F-150.
- 2017 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback.
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
- Chevrolet Silverado.
- Chevrolet Equinox.
- Ford E-Series.
- Ford Explorer.
- Honda CR-V.
The average cost for a Honda Civic Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $3,439 and $3,476. Labor costs are estimated between $134 and $169 while parts are priced between $3,305 and $3,307.
Are Jeep Wrangler catalytic converters stolen? ›Catalytic converters are stolen from Jeep Wranglers for the same reason they are stolen from any other vehicle: for the precious metals they contain. Cat cons are made up of a honeycomb mesh coated in precious metals including rhodium, platinum, and palladium.
Why are Honda catalytic converters stolen? ›Why do thieves target Honda cars? Honda cars are a target because they have hybrid systems. The catalytic converters of Honda cars will fetch more price when resold. Thieves who remove them with jacks and angle grinders find them relatively easy to steal.
How much is a universal catalytic converter worth? ›Prices vary when it comes to replacement converters because of the fit of the part. Universal replacements can cost about $200-$300 according to AutoZone, but newer vehicles may require direct-fit converters because the original catalytic converters are incorporated into the exhaust manifold.
What's in a catalytic converter that makes them worth so much money? ›Catalytic converters contain 3 types of precious metals rhodium, palladium and platinum that can cost up to $20,000 per ounce if sold.
What makes a catalytic converter worth more? ›Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. This is the main reason why they are sold as the most expensive scrap. Because it contains rhodium, palladium and platinum, which are among the most precious metals.
Are older or newer catalytic converters worth more? ›The weight of the precious metals that can be reclaimed from your catalytic converter determines the associated amount of money you receive. Newer converters contain less weight than older ones due to their size but have higher values of precious metals as a result of more stringent environmental regulations.
What are the least popular cars to steal catalytic converter? ›The Most And The Least Targeted Cars For Converter Theft
American cars such as Jeep, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet are least likely to be targeted as they have less valuable converters. Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Hyundai also limit the amount of precious metals used in the converter designs.
Newer models with the converter in the engine, such as Honda's Accord, are less targeted for catalytic converter theft because the converter is more difficult to access and take out without damaging the engine.
What are Dodge catalytic converters worth? ›
Some Dodge Catalytic Converters Are Called DPFs
Some DPFs could be worth $0, while others could be up to $1,000.
The scrap value of a Chevrolet Cobalt catalytic converter can vary, but it is generally higher than the scrap value of similar catalytic converters from other cars. The national average scrap price for Cobalt's catalytic converters is $250, but the cats on newer models can be worth as much as $436.
What is a Dodge 3500 catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Dodge Ram 3500 Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $3,796 and $3,831. Labor costs are estimated between $119 and $150 while parts are priced between $3,678 and $3,682.
How much is a 96 Dodge Ram catalytic converter worth? ›We currently carry 8 Catalytic Converter products to choose from for your 1996 Dodge Ram 1500, and our inventory prices range from as little as $303.99 up to $1,869.99.
How much is a Ford Excursion catalytic converter worth? ›The average cost for a Ford Excursion Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $2,926 and $2,947. Labor costs are estimated between $70 and $89 while parts are priced between $2,855 and $2,858.