Verifying Pre-OBDII Catalytic Converters: An Essential Guide for Compliance

Ensuring the correct application of catalytic converters is crucial, especially for pre-OBDII vehicles. This guide provides a comprehensive list to verify the compatibility of catalytic converters for these vehicles. By comparing the Executive Order (EO) number stamped on the catalytic converter against this list, you can confirm the correct application and maintain vehicle emissions compliance.

Understanding Pre-OBDII Catalytic Converter Application

Before the standardization of On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) systems in 1996, vehicles utilized various diagnostic systems, often referred to as pre-OBDII. These earlier systems had less comprehensive emissions monitoring, making physical verification of components like catalytic converters even more important. Using the correct catalytic converter is not only vital for optimal vehicle performance and longevity but also for adhering to environmental regulations.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) provides Executive Orders to certify aftermarket catalytic converters for specific vehicle applications. These EO numbers are stamped on the converters and serve as a critical identifier for verification. This list categorizes vehicles to simplify the verification process, ensuring technicians and vehicle owners can easily confirm compatibility. The vehicle categories are defined as:

• PC-1: Pre-OBDII passenger cars with a single catalytic converter per exhaust bank.
• PC-2: Pre-OBDII passenger cars with multiple catalytic converters per exhaust bank.
• T-1: Trucks with one catalytic converter per exhaust bank.
• T-2: Trucks with multiple catalytic converters per exhaust bank.

How to Use the Catalytic Converter Verification List

To use this list effectively, locate the Executive Order (EO) number on the catalytic converter you intend to install or are inspecting. This number is typically stamped directly onto the converter housing. Once you have the EO number, cross-reference it with the table below. The table is organized by Executive Order number and details the corresponding series, vehicle category, and manufacturer.

By matching the EO number and verifying that the vehicle category in the table aligns with the vehicle you are working on, you can confidently confirm the catalytic converter’s correct application. This process is essential for ensuring emissions system integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.

Key Manufacturers and Executive Orders for Pre-OBDII Catalytic Converters

Several manufacturers produce CARB-certified aftermarket catalytic converters for pre-OBDII vehicles. This list includes products from industry-leading companies such as Walker (DBA Tenneco), Car Sound (DBA Magnaflow), AirTek, Inc. (DBA Catco), Miller Catalyzer Corporation, International Muffler Company (DBA Maremont), Valina, Inc. (DBA CarTex), Eastern Manufacturing, Inc., Converter Unlimited, Inc., and Advanced Clean Air Technologies Global LLC. Each manufacturer’s catalytic converters are certified under specific Executive Orders, ensuring they meet stringent emissions standards.

Executive Orders are issued by CARB to signify that an aftermarket part has been evaluated and approved for use on specific vehicles. These orders are crucial for maintaining the legality and environmental performance of vehicles, particularly when replacing original emissions control components. Always verify that the catalytic converter you are using carries a valid EO number listed in the CARB database or a reliable resource like the table provided below.

Inspection Alert

Due to a production labeling process issue, catalytic converters produced by International Muffler Company (d.b.a. Cherry Bomb/Maremont) may have labels with an extra zero added to their Executive Order (E.O.) number. When the CARB issued E.O. number ends in a single digit, the E.O. label might be marked as D-560-0X. 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. International Muffler Company is addressing this labeling process to ensure accuracy in the future.

This labeling issue does not compromise the performance or compliance of these catalytic converters during a Smog Check inspection. When verifying these E.O.s on CARB’s database, omit the extra “0.” Use the regular E.O. number to access the correct Executive Order information in the database.

Disclaimer: Always consult the official CARB database and the latest vehicle-specific service information for the most up-to-date and accurate information.