The quest for affordable auto parts often leads car owners to junkyards, treasure troves of salvaged components. Among these parts, catalytic converters, or “cats,” are sometimes sought after. But can you actually buy a used catalytic converter from a junkyard, and is it a viable solution for your vehicle’s exhaust needs? This question sparked a lively discussion in an online grassroots motorsports forum, revealing a mix of legal complexities, practical challenges, and alternative perspectives. Let’s delve into the forum’s insights to understand the realities of buying used cats.
The original poster, “shuttlepilot,” kicked off the conversation with a straightforward question:
So what are the chances of me convincing a junkyard to sell me a cat? I already know its illegal. All the aftermarket one’s i’ve seen are junk compared to the oem units. I am not sure why the govt prohibits selling used ones.
This post immediately highlights the core issues: the perceived illegality, the desire for OEM quality over aftermarket alternatives, and the confusion surrounding the regulations. The responses that followed paint a clearer picture of the situation.
Navigating the Legality: A Murky Area
The legality of buying and selling used catalytic converters is a recurring theme in the forum discussion. While “shuttlepilot” assumes it’s illegal, the reality is more nuanced and often misunderstood.
“foxtrapper,” a forum participant, offered a clarifying perspective:
Actually, it’s no longer illegal to buy a cat from a junkyard. That’s legal, in the name of recycling. It’s still illegal for you to buy a cat to install on another vehicle.
This distinction is crucial. Junkyards can legally sell catalytic converters for scrap metal recycling due to the precious metals they contain – platinum, palladium, and rhodium. However, purchasing a used catalytic converter to reinstall it in another vehicle for emissions control purposes is generally prohibited in many regions. This is largely due to concerns about emissions compliance and the potential for tampering with emissions control systems.
“internetautomart” elaborated on the reasoning behind this regulation:
it is assumed that the car in JY does not have a functional cat. After all tampering (removing) functional emissions equipment is a federal offense.
The logic is that vehicles in junkyards are often there because of malfunctions or age, and their catalytic converters might not be functioning optimally. Reinstalling a used, potentially less effective converter could compromise emissions standards.
The Precious Metal Problem: Why Junkyards are Hesitant
Even if buying a used cat were straightforward legally, another major hurdle exists: the value of the precious metals inside. “Mental” pointed this out:
With the spike in precious metals, your chances are slim to none. Even my local pick and pull stopped hacksawing them off, they now go after them with a nuematic set of super scissors, which makes getting a decent downpipe a real pain.
The high value of platinum, palladium, and rhodium has transformed catalytic converters into valuable scrap metal. Junkyards are well aware of this and often remove and sell cats directly to recyclers for maximum profit. This makes them less likely to sell a complete used catalytic converter to an individual, especially at a price that would be attractive to the buyer.
Aftermarket vs. OEM: Quality Concerns
“shuttlepilot”‘s initial post expressed dissatisfaction with aftermarket catalytic converters, deeming them “junk” compared to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) units. This sentiment reflects a common concern among car enthusiasts.
The magnaflow one is literally 1/2 scale of the oem unit. The OEM one was like a 2 liter bottle. The magnaflow one was the size of a 16oz can. The flow must be crap.
While some aftermarket brands might offer converters that are smaller or of lesser quality than OEM, “Paul_VR6” offered a counterpoint:
The flow on the Magnaflow cat is probably much better then you think. OE cat’s use a certain cell size which dictates how large it has to be, most aftermarket cats use a much larger cell which passes more air but doesn’t catalyze as well.
This suggests that size isn’t the only indicator of quality or performance. Aftermarket converters can use different cell densities and materials, potentially offering comparable or even improved flow while still meeting emissions standards. Researching reputable aftermarket brands and reading reviews can help in finding quality alternatives to expensive OEM units.
Creative (and Less Recommended) Solutions
The forum, being a space for grassroots problem-solving, also featured some unconventional and legally questionable suggestions. “ReverendDexter” jokingly proposed:
Urm, get the whole exhaust system on a day when they’re incredibly busy and don’t have time to cut it out?
This highlights the difficulty of just getting the cat and implies a slightly mischievous approach. “Jensenman” took the humor further, suggesting a more illicit method:
1) Go to Harbor Fright, buy battery powered recip saw
2) Skulk around late at night, looking for similar car with current emissions inspection
3) [tinfoil hat]You figure it out from there, the Fibbies are watching my every move.[/tinfoil hat]
These suggestions, while entertaining in a forum setting, are clearly not advisable. Tampering with vehicles and potentially stealing parts are illegal and unethical.
Viable Alternatives: Exploring Other Avenues
Recognizing the challenges of junkyard cats, forum members offered more practical alternatives. “P71” suggested considering Magnaflow aftermarket cats. “Rigmaster” proposed buying from individuals:
buy one from an individual.
Depending on the type of car, there’s probably a forum for it. Ask around to find someone parting one out. Maybe Craigslist might be a good forum to post a WTB ad, since you can focus on just local sellers.
Buying from individuals parting out cars could be a way to obtain a used OEM cat, although the legality of this is still questionable and depends on local regulations. Online marketplaces and car-specific forums can be resources for finding such sellers.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
The forum discussion reveals that buying a used catalytic converter directly from a junkyard for reinstallation is fraught with challenges. Legal restrictions, the high value of scrap metal, and concerns about the condition of used parts make it a less than ideal solution.
While the allure of a cheaper, OEM-quality used cat is understandable, exploring reputable aftermarket brands or, if legally permissible and feasible, sourcing from individuals parting out vehicles might be more practical and reliable avenues. Always prioritize legal compliance and consider the long-term performance and emissions impact when making decisions about your vehicle’s catalytic converter. And remember, for a humorous take on “used cats,” jdmae92’s suggestion to check the humane society, while off-topic for car parts, certainly adds a lighthearted note to the discussion!
