Catalytic Converters Tested - $100 EBAY vs $800 CARB Certified

I compare the emissions test results between a $100 EBAY catalytic converter and a $800 CARB Certified catalytic converter on a 2006 Honda CRV in Colorado.

[@superruff9000]

Literally the exact model of car I need to fix. Thanks so much for the info and price comparing.

[@stevenmatos8135]

I can’t thank you enough for this video. I’m planning on changing mine soon and the deciding factors are now a lot easier to put into perspective. 🙏🏻

[@KennyGillis]

That's awesome! I'm glad the video helped. I was surprised there isn't more info like this out there.

[@danc2014]

Another test would be to run the car without any CAT to see how bad the numbers are and how much better a cheap CAT may clean the air.

[@KennyGillis]

I agree, that would be interesting!

[@wontonrunner]

@@KennyGillis this would be the correct way to really understand the effectiveness. The cheap ebay cat you are comparing is not CARB certified and from my understanding there is a big difference between the 2. Kind of like comparing a honda civic to a lexus. The non CARB are ok for pre-odb2 vehicles so may actually be comparable to the pre OBD2 cats that came from the factory at that time. I am looking to install a cat on my crawler that i removed the cat from 20 years ago because i don't like the stink and watery eyes anymore. I have no interest in dropping $800 to go carb certified (we don't need that in Canada) but if a off brand catalytic converter is comparable to the name brand catalytic converter and 1/3 the price and does improve the values over no cat. that is a win! The other thing is that some manufacturers sell a slightly more expensive HM (heavy metal) "cheap cat" they are about double the cost of the standard unit but has better flow and supposedly more heavy metal catalysts. It would be awesome to see the difference between those as well. I am also curious what you use for your analysis or did you send it through an inspection station? I ask, because I am going to use a gas sniffer for confined space to get some readings on my vehicle currently and compare it to several other newer vehicles to see how those values compare and then do the same after i replace the cat. But i am not sure if it will be able to check all the same things you checked. great video though! It has made me dig much deeper into the understanding of how these things work!.

[@1enaan]

Here I come in NYC with hollowed out cats and 90 degree o2 spacers 🤣🤣

[@chriswise1232]

There's not many emissions testing videos out there. Very educational 👍

[@68pishta68]

EXCELLENT HEAD TO HEAD. I have long theorized that the convertors were the same with only a longer warranty on the CARB models (mandated for CARB) but this was an eye opener. your NOx levels....my 92 SC400 'requres ' premium fuel but weve been putting regular .60 cheaper gas in it forever until it failed smog on NOx levels at 531 (487 passing) so we put 2 tanks of premium in and tested again. OMG, our NOx levels went down to 74! ans after I fixed a small vacuum leak went down further to 36! NOx levels are highly dependent on the temperature of the combustion process and higher octane levels burn slower reducing the Combustion temperatures. If you can get the combustion event to be cooler than 1700F you reduce the formations of NOx That is why there is EGR, it brings in an inert non combustible gas into the intake and that displaces some of the burnable gasses in the combustion process at a sligt hit to HP but greatly reduces the temperatures formed and thus reduces NOx formation. Running a can of "emission pass" fuel system clean through actually increased my HC levels 50% but I think my CATS are done as both are rattling indicating the matrix inside has broken down and is no longer scrubbing the exhaust of pollutants. $1800 for 1 cat? I got you beat, Lexus wants $900 each and I have 3....:-(

[@Se-Man]

Thanks for information man! It really helpful!

[@renaissancemaneric8019]

Looks like Magnaflo offers an OEM quality version in the 500 range. It also says not for sale in CA, NY, ME. Though

[@juliank911]

Wow! That's quite an eye opening difference

[@KennyGillis]

Yes, I was very surprised how much cleaner the CARB catalytic converter was! Thanks for watching.

[@philiprussell3338]

Very useful investigation, thanks for bringing it to my attention. CAT theft is also a big problem in the UK too.

[@KennyGillis]

You’re welcome, thank you for watching!

[@SAROTINEmissionCatalytic]

Thanks for your Video to let us Know about the real difference between EBay cats and Magnaflow Cats. I worked in Catalytic Converter Industry for years and I know something about the cats. About the Exhaust Reading Difference: That is because EBAY Cat has only Platinum in it. But the CARB one has Pt,Pd and Rh. RH is more expensive than the pt and pd. About the difference between 3 precious metals: Pd can only catalyst Oxidation of the CO and HC, Pt can catalyst the Oxidation reaction of CO HC and Reduction reaction of NOx, But not Good at NOx. Only RH can stronly improve the catalyst efficiency of the reduction reaction of the NOx, All catalytic converter under $100 don't have Rh in it. Bucause Rh is nearly 10 Time expensive than Pt and Pd. and the Pd content is only about 1/4 of Walker, Magnaflow or AP Emission. After 1-year use , It failed again, and waste your time and repair cost. But the Big Brand cat is 4 times expensive than them. So I founded a Brand Sarotin and sell ‘’Prime Grade‘’ as a improved version cat of the standard Cheap cat ，Two times more expensive than the standard version, but four times more expensive than precious metals, Its Precious metal content is as same as big brand and Add Enough Rh to improve the catalytic efficiency of NOx. Now only several Models【Prime Grade】Cats can be bought on Amazon and Ebay, Because I don't know will buyers want to pay another $100 on a cat to get a longer service life, I can't produce too much, But If customers like it, I will produce all models If anyone want to know about the cats,Or you don't know how to solve Emission problems, Please comment me

[@KennyGillis]

Hello SAROTINE, thanks for your comment. That is a big undertaking to make your own catalytic converters. What model cars do you produce for right now? I'm guessing the Prius as it has had a high theft rate. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@SAROTINEmissionCatalytic]

Hello Kenny, Actually I am not producing it myself, but working in a catalytic converter company. We have been doing it for 17 years and have over 700 models of products. The Prius catalytic converter was once the best-selling product due to its high theft rate and the presence of more precious metals in the Prius catalytic converter compared to other cars. But in the past six months, the sales of Prius catalytic converters is very low. Perhaps it's because theft has decreased. For Prius, it is PZEV and it needs to have strict emission levels than gasoline cars. it is also necessary to coat more robust containing precise metals in the product.Now The price of Prius catalytic converters on the Ebay market is really outrageous, even only $40/piece, which is definitively not effective. Because for Prius, a catalytic converter that can be effective needs $50 precious metal

[@ryaniam22]

Does a bad catalytic converter cause bad fuel mileage?

[@BoostedPastime]

Thank you so much for making this video

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome!

[@misterbulger]

1.5 NOx was the limit on my car before and after the law changed. Had to pull up my old papers from Colorado. I got mine down to .9 NOx with cheap ebay cats. But now a few years later it's too high but I think it's the O2 sensors. It's only one bank throwing a PO430 intermittently.

[@kurtvanluven9351]

For those who have NOT had yours stolen, washing them through with citric acid for 6 hours, then rinsed out with distilled should do the trick.

[@jamalabdulla3909]

Are u sure?

[@chriswise1232]

Or a cascade pod in your ultrasonic cleaner for an hour 👍

[@USConvertors]

Just remember it's very rare for a converter to go bad on it's on. It's usually an upstream issue that causes a bad converter and just replacing/cleaning the converter is not always the answer

[@shiBuyaking109]

@@USConvertorselaborate the upstream issues my catalytic converter is going bad I’m getting ready to replace it!

[@1988Olds]

@@shiBuyaking109 I wrote from my personally account by mistake, I am Tim from US Convertors

[@Patrick-wb8pp]

I wish the CARB compliant Magnaflow bolt on California Cat was $800---- paid $1500 for my 1988 VW Vanagon!

[@101Blanco]

any difference in fuel consumption ?.

[@noelelnolo9642]

Thank u for the information on how to saving lots of $$ while keeping nature safe

[@kyletrummel69]

Someone thought they stole the cat from my truck, but they actually grabbed the resonator. I just installed pipe to reconnect the muffler. I actually like how it sounds now.

[@slippinslidewayz]

I went for the Amazon model for $75. If it doesn't clear the CEL due to the factory wideband used in place of an O2 on my car, I'll go for the $400 OE factory used brand from rock auto. There's no way I'm paying $750 at AutoZone for a brand Honda didn't even use. Always shop around. You can find decent deals but they likely won't be at your local auto parts store.

[@aioxide505]

Did it clear ?

[@danc2014]

In CA they want paper work to show where you got the CAT if it is not OEM. The same may be for Denver area too.

[@kevinr5921]

How is the cat holding looking into getting one also located in Colorado

[@schalachi]

did the ebay give you engine light?

[@user-bp3fi5ev2u]

perfect, thanks for sharing.

[@steelpulse216]

Bought a catylic converter off of ebay for my 06 Dodge grand caravan for about $190 and the check engine light came back on after 2 weeks for p0420 code 😢

[@sjhanksaz]

Did your engine light ever come on with the $99 unit?

[@mikesbikes1575]

Thanks good info

[@mrkevinhoang]

a more interesting test would be to test Walker's same cat, but the NON carb version.

[@tomr5121]

I did this but with a different brand. EPA $300. CARB $500 (roughly, on rockauto) The EPA version I installed works just fine. Passed emissions without problems.

[@mikejohnson9118]

@@tomr5121 Thx 👍

[@7seen396]

What is the best aftermarket catalytic converter that is cost effective and can give reasonable results

[@68pishta68]

Just google CARB convertor for your model car if needed and many different ones will show up. Organize by price as they all have to meet CARB standards to be sold as CARB compliant. A universal CARB convertor can be found for about $230 on up. Factor in welding cost a universal to a direct fit and those may be cheaper in the long run.

[@firstlast-yn4qg]

need to measure straight pipe to know if the $100 is even worth spending.

[@KennyGillis]

That’d be super interesting.

[@davewoodard4580]

But could you tell any difference in the performance? Obviously the aftermarket isn't going to last a long time, but if the performance doesn't suffer, then it's a great temporary solution! Very interested in knowing... Have 2 vehicles needing ñew cats.

[@KennyGillis]

Apologies for the delay. If you mean emissions performance, the carb cat is way better as seen in the video. If you mean engine performance, I wouldn’t worry much about that unless your cars are high boost, high horsepower cars for the track?

[@Winslow273]

So, did the EBay cat produce a MIL or throw a code (P0420, etc)? [Eta] tried aftermarket on a 1GR-FE 4.0 L and it threw codes after a week...finally got factory Toyota part and that has fixed it....no cheap fix, and i should just have bought factory to start...☹☹

[@1enaan]

My friend, your cheap fix is the 25$ downstream o2 sensor spacers and hollowing out the original cats. I have a 2GR-FSE with 252,000 miles I was getting P0420 and P0430 codes and my solution worked like a charm, no codes whatsoever car is running smoother than ever as well.

[@petamosa7783]

@@1enaanhey, I have a 305K Lexus that does just that, if you can elaborate your process how did you do it?

[@forbiddendonut]

@@1enaan will a spacer help clear the "cat" portion of the drive cycle? I don't get a CEL but my drive cycle will not complete due to the cat.

[@NTFmain]

Thanks!!!

[@CuddleTrouble]

Would have been nice to see the results of the test with no converter at all to compare to.

[@TheBkoy]

Did you note a smell difference between the 2 options? I have a classic car ('77 Fiat Spider) that does not require cat anymore but it's pretty pungent with straight pipes. Looking to cut down on that without spending $800+ if possible. 🙏

[@KennyGillis]

Hello, The Ebay cat did a good job or removing most of the smell you get when you have no catalytic converter. The CARB cat removed all of it. There are universal fit cats you can get that are around $200 if you have to do welding anyways. Mine was $800 because it was specific for that Honda. I've even seen the direct fit for around $500.

[@hom2fu]

toxic gas sometime odorless if you care

[@bobhath7]

@@hom2fu carbon monoxide has no smell for sure, and it’s deadly

[@155stw]

You can get the universal CARB approved cats which will save you another few hunderds. I bought the a pair for my 2001 Sequoia V8 for $600 and welded them on. If in CA make sure the CARB number MATCHES what's allowed FOR YOU CAR or else they will fail you. There are universal units which are approved for multiple cars.

[@KennyGillis]

This is great information. If you know a welder, or can weld yourself, the universal option is a great choice and can save you a lot of money.

[@ramirorangel4482]

How did you obtain the exhaust gas composition gas readings?

[@KennyGillis]

These came from the Air Care Colorado emissions testing center near Boulder.

[@scp6094]

My 2016 Corolla LE got stolen 3-4 days ago. Can you someone give me cheap options that work like new. I’ve seen $500-$1000 options but idk what’s good I’m not a car guy. Also I’ve seen universal ones that supposedly would fit my car for $200 but it’s different looking than the official Corolla ones.

[@nathanielallen719]

Put the cheapest one you can find on it that Corolla runs clean it will pass

[@junkyardog6621]

CO local alien here!!! Some junkie crawled under my 01' Grand Cherokee and stole my CAT. Worst part was I got them on camera, and they did it at 5:15 am in 8" of snow right in front of my house. My turn to fight enissions

[@Fopenplop]

Goddamn, sounds like they worked for it

[@freddaniali]

Are you throwing a CEL? Even CA doesn't do a tailpipe test unless you are state refereed. If the OBDII monitors are loaded up, that is mostly all they care about.

[@onlywenilaugh6589]

Maybe the reason they are putting cats right on the side of the engine is to prevent stealing. Let em try getting the cat out of my 2009 odyssey:)

[@tmarx88]

little trick for you, replace the soft rubber vacuum line they pinch off with hard plastic line, they cant pinch off the hard plastic cuz they'll break it and we know they aint about fixing stuff. Works every time for me. btw they cant crimp it...they leave it alone. :D

[@forbiddendonut]

do you mind explaining more? Which vacuum line? I may need to do something like this to get any advantage I can get for when I smog my car.

[@tmarx88]

@@forbiddendonut it’s the vacuum line they clamp during the test, every vehicle is different just make them all have the hard line. Should only be a couple under the hood

[@stubbk3]

the cat from honda costs the same as the vehicle on autotrader

[@justinabata6257]

Awesome 😎

[@chrisp3360]

I put a cheap catalytic converter on my 99 s10 then the next day it now has a p0420 code.Doesnt always pay to go cheap.

[@kurtvanluven9351]

what does it show on live data (upstream and downstream?)

[@cantbuyrespect]

I bought $10 worth of citric acid and cleaned mine. 15k miles no p0420 code. Sometimes it does pay to go cheap.

[@krakenhits1587]

​@@cantbuyrespectdid you have to remove the cat and how hard was it I have a 2012 with the original cat and I'm afraid I'm going to break stuff while taking it off

[@cantbuyrespect]

@@krakenhits1587 yes you have to remove the cat. It isnt hard at all. just soak the nuts with pb blaster beforehand. Don't use heat.

[@cantbuyrespect]

@@krakenhits1587 also you have to soak it overnight in the citric acid then rinse it and dry it out.

[@user-xc1un8sy5p]

nice

[@krakenhits1587]

I'm just wondering if a new cheap eBay cat will at least pass the emissions test to get the sticker and whatever happens after that I don't care since I'm getting rid of the car after 2 years

[@SAROTINEmissionCatalytic]

Cats Approved by EPA can do it, the price is generally higher than $100. But the 60$ cat with ugly welding, It can not, and it will also waste your time and money, you tell me your car model so that I can give you some advice, I have done the jobs about cats for years

[@krakenhits1587]

​@@SAROTINEmissionCatalytic I have a 2012 Honda Civic with California/EPA emissions but I don't live in California or the other states that's requiring CARB certified. If I have a California emissions car and put a EPA converter on it will my computer be set to California emission standard and the light won't go away?

[@nathanwieczorek1178]

Thanks, now I don't have to waste my time and money.

[@tywanjames4427]

Think I paid like $130 for a cat fronm Ebay. The light stayed off for like 7 to 8 months. Got my $$$ worth so can't complain too much

[@ronald516]

Ebay Cats only last for less than a year lol. I bought one and lasted less than a year

[@racingdreamz8021]

So in other words just weld on two additional catalytic converter to the exhaust pipe to clean it more

[@MrLaloman18]

Also those ebay $100 catalyst converters will last from a few months to 3 years and fail big time! While the higher quality aftermarket converters such as those from Walker brand that are CARB compliant will last 5+ years depending how fine your car is running!

[@danram247]

Too bad you couldn't do a Honda original Catalytic converter reading comparison...

[@KennyGillis]

My neighbor has the same year CRV. I can ask him for his emissions results when he gets them. I don't think their catalytic converter has been stolen.

[@johnnysmith4553]

Hell I just wanted to know how they bolted up...if they were a true direct fit

[@jeremypilot1015]

So while the obvious bottom of the barrel CAT is not as efficient as the CARB certified one, a quality CAT from Walker that is non-CARB certified will do the same as the OE for way less money. Test apples to apples not apples to oranges.

[@nolangietzen4668]

Mine got stolen i watch my car with my ar15 with 60 rounds ready

[@nolangietzen4668]

Mine just got stolen so im only putting $100 cat on it so if it gets stolen again its whatever

[@donnjuann6444]

Im In California 😂 So Strict 😮 On Smog Test !

[@danc2014]

Those numbers do not change when the car gets older or is worn. Thus this is planned obsolescence of your car and for CO to add it now will impact the low income. Do they offer you to surrender your car for $1500? NOTE: an old car may destroy the CAT if the engine is worn.

[@andreab6271]

Did the cheap $100 throw a check engine light?

[@KennyGillis]

It did not for me.

[@HailAnts]

That's all that matters, use it.

[@AverageIntelligenceProductions]

@@HailAntsexactly

[@SmokeyTheeBar]

@@AverageIntelligenceProductionssmog check will costs you $300 to “pass” every 3 years.

[@AverageIntelligenceProductions]

@@SmokeyTheeBar No. Maybe if you live in Califorceya

[@rustymaximus9179]

No emissions testing here. They shut down testing 2 years ago. It's a tax on the poor. I drive an Element I bought that is straight piped because of stolen converter. I want to put one on just to make it quieter.

[@SkyHikerMike]

Yo Kenny, get my number from Dan! I want to bring my 993 by for you to check out!

[@KennyGillis]

Hey Mike! 993?! What model 993 is it? I'll text Dan now. I have some time in the coming weeks.

[@CraftyRoseDentalinstructor.]

If the ebay one is $99.00 and is 154 times worse than the $800.oo CARB type .....that would mean the CARB type is actually doing $15,246.oo better job than the $99.oo one . I am in California with a 2014 accent catalyst code...... if the smog place sniffs the exhaust of a $99.oo replacement that wont pass......... so i am shopping for a CARB complainant unit that matches the engine family printed on sticker under the hood. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@djdonbentley2141]

I hate the California CARB board . They strongarm every northeastern state into complying with stricter emissions levels that are even higher than the general government recommended levels . Sorry to hear they also got to your state , or area also. What don't make sense is within each state , There's also less dence populated areas where laws vary , Emissions levels vary , and some areas within those areas might not even need emissions inspection , but 1 county over they do . This country is worse than Russia , at least Russia tells the truth about not being a democracy.

[@ryaniam22]

Yes. Always choose actaul aggressiveness over beta male passive aggressiveness. The western world is a complete cuckfest of gross beta males in charge

[@cboy22222]

Damn Colorado following that bullshit state California

[@marks4471]

You can thank all the Commiefornians for moving to Colorado!

[@ryaniam22]

Does a bad catalytic converter cause poor gas milage?