Magnaflow Catalytic Converter Exhaust Services In The Aftermarket

By Author: Felecia Drake
Total Articles: 32
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For many years now all cars sold in the United States have had 3 way Catalytic Converters fitted as a standard. It is illegal to drive a car or in any way remove the cat from the vehicle. The 3 way converters work by passing the noxious gas over catalysts which promote a reaction but without reacting itself. It works by converting the Carbon Monoxide into Carbon Dioxide, It breaks up the Nitrous oxides into molecules of Oxygen and Nitrogen and lastly it oxidizes un-burnt hydrocarbons into Carbon Dioxide and water. The best catalysts are in fact rare and precious metals.

Exhausts do wear out, develop holes, rust or get stolen for the expensive Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. This is especially true of 4WD vehicles which are used off road a great deal. Their Exhaust systems are particularly prone to damage. Thus there is an after-market for catalytic converters as part of the replacement of the exhaust systems in vehicles.

Another reason for interest is that the fitment of an over spec system may improve the engine performance without adversely affecting the emissions. This is not guaranteed as the performance drag ...
... that affected the original types of catalytic converter have been largely ironed out and engines are by and large reported and not performing any better without the catalytic converter.

Magnaflow are a world leader in the supply of Magnaflow Performance Exhaust Products, which includes the automotive catalytic converters. There are a few models to choose from.

Obviously there are the replacement exhaust systems for the model vehicle being driven. These are legal in 49 states and do not require cutting or welding but could be bolted straight onto where the old one was removed and its hangers transferred straight across. Because this is effectively a replacement for the entire exhaust system in is going to be one of the more expensive options.

The next option is the universal catalytic converter. This is in effect just the box itself and does not include the tail pipe which should be recoverable from the system being removed. The box is a universal one so each one offered covers a range of vehicles and models.

Cutting and welding may be required so, unless one is a handyman and has access to welding gear this is not a do it yourself job. But the advantage is that only the affected part is being replaced so it is considerably cheaper. Both of the above options are approved as being legal in all states except California.

Now we come to the California legal exhaust systems. California has somewhat stricter regulations as regards catalytic converters as they had severed car pollution problems in Los Angeles and San Francisco. So the California Air Resources board has laid down a set of requirements and Magnaflow is able to supply both original equipment as well as universal catalytic converters as required.

Magnaflow also provides a Race car straight through system which is only for race cars and not street legal in the United States.

Catalytic Converters are an essential legal requirement for all vehicles on US roads. The aftermarket services the needs of replacement catalytic converters that have been damaged or stolen.