Catalytic converters are crucial components in modern vehicles, playing a vital role in reducing harmful emissions. For vehicles manufactured before the widespread adoption of OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) systems, ensuring the correct catalytic converter is installed, especially when replacing original parts, is paramount for both environmental compliance and vehicle performance. This guide provides a comprehensive list and methodology to verify the appropriate application of aftermarket catalytic converters on pre-OBD II vehicles, focusing on the Executive Order (EO) numbers provided by manufacturers.
Understanding the Importance of Catalytic Converters in Emission Control
Catalytic converters are integral to a vehicle’s exhaust system, designed to convert pollutants like hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into less harmful substances: water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. This conversion process is essential for meeting emission standards and maintaining air quality.
For pre-OBD II vehicles, which predate the standardized OBD2 system introduced in the mid-1990s, emission control was still a concern, but diagnostic capabilities were less advanced. Consequently, verifying the correct aftermarket catalytic converter application for these vehicles relies heavily on manufacturer specifications and regulatory certifications, such as those validated through Executive Orders.
OBD2 Systems and Catalytic Converter Monitoring
With the advent of OBD2, vehicles gained sophisticated systems to monitor the performance of the catalytic converter. OBD2 systems use sensors, typically oxygen sensors placed before and after the catalytic converter, to assess its efficiency. If the system detects that the catalytic converter is not functioning correctly, it will trigger a diagnostic trouble code (DTC), illuminating the check engine light. Common codes related to catalytic converter inefficiency include P0420 and P0430.
While pre-OBD II vehicles lack this level of electronic monitoring, the fundamental need for a properly functioning catalytic converter remains. Using the correct, certified aftermarket catalytic converter is crucial for these older vehicles to minimize emissions and operate as intended.
Verifying Catalytic Converter Application Using Executive Orders
To ensure the correct application of aftermarket catalytic converters for pre-OBD II vehicles, manufacturers obtain Executive Orders (EOs) from regulatory bodies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These EOs certify that the catalytic converters meet specific performance standards and are approved for use on particular vehicle categories.
The following table lists catalytic converters and their corresponding Executive Order numbers, series, vehicle categories, and manufacturers. To verify if a catalytic converter is appropriate for a pre-OBD II vehicle, you should compare the EO number stamped on the catalytic converter with this list.
If the EO number matches the vehicle category information provided in the table, the catalytic converter application is deemed correct.
Vehicle Categories Defined:
- PC-1 – Pre-OBD II passenger cars with one catalytic converter per exhaust bank
- PC-2 – Pre-OBD II passenger cars with more than one catalytic converter per exhaust bank
- T-1 – Trucks with one catalytic converter per exhaust bank
- T-2 – Trucks with more than one catalytic converter per exhaust bank
| Executive Order | Series | Category | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-182-37/12-31-08 | 80600/80700 | T-2 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-39/11-27-08 | 80400/80200 | PC-2 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-41/12-24-08 | 80300/80500 | PC-1 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-46/04-27-09 | 80100 | T-1 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-54/08-31-12 | 80800 | PC-1 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-55/08-31-12 | 80900 | T-1 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-65/11-13-15 | 81100 | PC-1 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-76/01-18-23 | 81200 | T-1 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-182-77/01-20-23 | 81300 | PC-1 | Walker (DBA Tenneco) (734) 384-7824 See inspection alert below |
| D-193-84/11-27-08 | 37000/38000 | PC-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-85/12-04-08 | 39000 | T-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-86/11-27-08 | 36000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-87/12-17-08 | 33000/34000 | T-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-102/08-22-12 | 337000/338000 | PC-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-104/09-17-12 | 333000/334000 | T-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-105/09-21-12 | 339000 | T-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-109/01-18-13 | 336000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-117/03-07-14 | 332000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-126/12-29-15 | 352000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-127/12-17-15 | 352000/357000 | PC-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-132/ 11-09-2017 | 3391000 | T-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-134/ 01-30-2018 | 332100 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-149/ 04-05-2021 | 3392000 | T-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-150/ 04-05-2021 | 3322000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-158/ 06-10-2024 | 332000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-159/ 06-10-2024 | 3321000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-160/ 06-10-2024 | 3322000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-161/ 06-10-2024 | 333000/334000 | T-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-162/ 07-05-2024 | 337000/338000 | PC-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-163/ 07-05-2024 | 339000 | T-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-164/ 07-05-2024 | 3391000 | T-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-165/ 07-05-2024 | 3392000 | T-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-166/ 07-22-2024 | 352000 | PC-1 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-193-167/ 07-25-2024 | 352000/357000 | PC-2 | Car Sound(DBA Magnaflow) (949) 858-5900 |
| D-280-47/12-24-08 | 91000 | T-1 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-48/12-23-08 | 66000 | PC-2 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-72/12-17-08 | 65000 | PC-1 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-80/02-28-09 | 91000 | T-2 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-91/04-19-13 | 99000 | T-2 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-92/05-03-13 | 84000 | T-2 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-93/05-03-13 | 85000 | T-2 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-94/05-07-13 | 98000 | T-1 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-95/06-13-13 | 83000 | PC-1 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-96/06-13-13 | 93000 | PC-2 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-97/07-18-13 | 58000 | PC-1 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-280-98/07-18-13 | 88000 | T-1 | AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-353-47/06-11-09 | 59000 | T-1 | Miller Catalyzer Corporation (888) 744-6006 |
| D-353-62/06-22-09 | 69000 | PC-1 | Miller Catalyzer Corporation (888) 744-6006 |
| D-560-6/05-16-12 | 657800/657900 | T-2 | International Muffler Company (DBA Maremont) (865) 458-4681 See inspection alert below |
| D-562-12/01-20-09 | 23000 | T-1 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-562-39/12-16-09 | 21000 | PC-1 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-562-40/12-29-09 | 22000/2600 | PC-2 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-562-42/01-29-10 | 24000/25000 | T-2 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-562-59/08-04-11 | 201000 | PC-1 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-562-60/08-10-11 | 202000/206000 | PC-2 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-562-61/08-15-11 | 203000 | T-1 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-562-62/08-17-11 | 204000/205000 | T-2 | Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex) (323) 269-2577 |
| D-665-2/02-04-10 | 863000 | T-1 | Eastern Manufacturing, Inc. (215) 702-3600 |
| D-665-3/03-17-10 | 861000 | PC-1 | Eastern Manufacturing, Inc. (215) 702-3600 |
| D-665-13/10-29-12 | 862000/872000 | PC-2 | Eastern Manufacturing, Inc. (215) 702-3600 |
| D-665-19/01-27-14 | 703000/704000T-2 | T-2 | Eastern Manufacturing, Inc. (215) 702-3600 |
| D-724-2/04-07-15 | 18000 | PC-1 | Converter Unlimited, Inc. (714) 933-5200 |
| D-796-2/09-30-21 | 420000 | PC-1 | Advanced Clean Air Technologies Global LLC (231) 437-5000 |
| D-798-1/10-20-17 | 99000 | T-2 | AP Exhaust Holdings, LLC (DBA Catco and Eastern) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-798-2/10-20-17 | 98000 | T-1 | AP Exhaust Holdings, LLC (DBA Catco and Eastern) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-798-3/10-20-17 | 93000 | PC-2 | AP Exhaust Holdings, LLC (DBA Catco and Eastern) (800) 247-2515 |
| D-798-11/05-14-20 | 800000 | PC-1 | AP Exhaust Holdings, LLC (DBA Catco and Eastern) (800) 247-2515 |
Inspection Alert Regarding Catalytic Converter Labels
It’s important to note an inspection alert concerning catalytic converters manufactured by International Muffler Company (d.b.a. Cherry Bomb/Maremont). Due to a production labeling issue, some catalytic converters from this manufacturer may have labels with an extra zero added to their Executive Order (E.O.) number.
Specifically, when the CARB issued E.O. number ends in a single digit, the E.O. label might be incorrectly marked as D-560-0X instead of D-560-X. Affected Executive Orders include D-560-3, D-560-5, D-560-6, D-560-7, and D-560-8, which may appear on the converter as D-560-03, D-560-05, D-560-06, D-560-07, and D-560-08, respectively.
This labeling discrepancy is a known issue and does not impact the catalytic converters’ performance or legality during inspections. When verifying these E.O.s on CARB’s database, it is crucial not to include the extra “0.” Instead, enter the regular E.O. number (e.g., D-560-3) to access the correct Executive Order information in the database. International Muffler Company is reportedly addressing this labeling process to prevent future occurrences.
Conclusion: Ensuring Compliance and Performance with OBD2 Catalytic Converters
While this list is specifically for pre-OBDII vehicles, understanding the principles of catalytic converter verification and the role of Executive Orders is relevant for all vehicles, including those with OBD2 systems. Ensuring that the correct catalytic converter is installed is essential for:
- Environmental Compliance: Meeting emission standards and reducing air pollution.
- Vehicle Performance: A properly functioning catalytic converter ensures optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Avoiding Diagnostic Issues (for OBD2 vehicles): Using a non-compliant or incorrect catalytic converter in an OBD2 vehicle can lead to check engine lights and diagnostic trouble codes, requiring further repairs.
For pre-OBDII vehicles, meticulously checking the EO number against the provided list is a straightforward method to confirm the correct aftermarket catalytic converter application. For OBD2 vehicles and newer, while the system provides electronic monitoring, ensuring parts compliance and quality remains a critical aspect of vehicle maintenance and repair. Always consult with a qualified mechanic and refer to manufacturer guidelines when replacing catalytic converters to guarantee both vehicle performance and environmental responsibility.
