Move over, California–you’ve got company when it comes to strict emissions standards.

New York, which had already adopted California’s low emission vehicle (LEV) standards in 1990, has now implemented Cali’s stricter requirements for aftermarket catalytic converters. You can read all about the requirements and rules in the New York Department of Environmental Conservation’s fact sheet.

MagnaFlow has taken this opportunity to educate you on how to choose the right catalytic converter for your on-road car or truck. The exhaust experts at MagnaFlow have even put together an easy, four-step plan to get you set up with the right converter for your OBDII (1996-newer) vehicle.

1. Select Your Application

The best way to begin your search for the right catalytic converter is by first narrowing your focus to the converters that fit your vehicle’s year, make, and model. You can use the year/make/model search on the MagnaFlow site or shop for your converter on sites, such as SummitRacing.com, that offer year/make/model search options.

2. Identify The Emissions Level

Most emissions-compliant, late-model vehicles will include a Vehicle Emissions Control Information Tag, which states your vehicle’s factory OBDII emissions certification. According to MagnaFlow, this tag is typically located in one of two spots in the engine compartment as depicted in the image below.

3. Select The Right Converter Grade

MagnaFlow recommends the use of the following catalytic converter grades, depending on your vehicle’s factory emissions certification:

• Heavy Metal Grade OBDII: For vehicles conforming to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Tier O and Tier 1 emissions use.
• OEM Grade OBDII: For vehicles conforming to California (CARB) TLEV, LEV, ULEV, SULEV or Federal (EPA) NLEV emissions. THIS NOW ALSO INCLUDES VEHICLES CONFORMING TO THE NEW STANDARDS FOR AFTERMARKET CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Keep in mind, these are only guidelines from MagnaFlow, and they don’t absolve the technician of the responsibility to perform a thorough diagnosis and to install the correct catalytic converter for the application.

You can choose from three different MagnaFlow catalytic converters to meet your area’s emissions standards:

Standard Load Pre-OBDII converter

Standard Load Pre-OBDII: Designed to meet EPA emissions standards, this OBDI-compliant converter is offered in a universal-fit configuration and is available for both gasoline and diesel applications. MagnaFlow makes this catalytic converter with a traditional clam shell design as well as a more compact, spun-body design.

50-state, California legal catalytic converter

Heavy Metal OBDII: These OBDII-compliant catalytic converters have been upgraded to exceed EPA emissions standards and satisfy the 49-state fitment and performance requirements of early-OBDII applications. These converters provide the necessary precious metal loading to satisfy early-OBDII catalyst efficiency monitoring as well as tailpipe emissions.

OEM Grade OBDII: Engineered to meet California (CARB) emissions levels—and by extension, the latest New York requirements for catalytic converters—these premium converters feature more substrate and higher amounts of precious metals and EFN-specific wash coats to prevent false emissions codes.

4. Select the Configuration of Your Converter

Once you’ve pinpointed your converter grade, you can opt for a direct-fit or universal-fit design. A direct-fit catalytic converter will give you hassle-free, OE-like fitment tailored to your specific application. On the other hand, a universal-fit catalytic converter may require cutting, welding, or fabrication.

In addition to direct-fit and universal options, you’ll also likely come across options for traditional clam shell construction or spun-body designs. The spun-body design is basically a one-piece design in which the converter body is made from one piece of tubing and then spun into the final converter shape. This design is often more compact than the older-style clam shell construction.

Love it or hate it, emissions standards are not going away. Make sure you’re emissions-legal when it comes time to replace your catalytic converter.