Catalytic Converters

the muffler and exhaust system specialists

Catalytic converters were introduced into Australian built motor vehicles in the mid 80's .They are designed to take the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons that are given off as waste from the combustion of fuel and converts them into water and carbon dioxide gas. Water and carbon dioxide are recycled through the environment so they are safer than carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, the converters also convert nitrous oxides into nitrogen gas which makes up 78% of air.

This factory original catalytic converter is from a Holden Commodore VN/VS 6 cyl and V8 models inc the HSV gts model, which have two fitted. These units are the best available, they flow better than most 'hiflow" cats and very rarely fail if installed correctly. Normally come with flanges attached but in universal form [no flanges] they can be easily fitted to most vehicles, in some cases sensor fittings may need to fitted, no problem for a good muffler shop. Expect to pay $450 / $550 fully fitted on most cars. Smaller converters are available the prices range from $200/$250 fitted

Catalytic converter generally fails because of: bad fuel or a incorrectly tuned engine causing unburned fuel to overheat the converter. A totally blocked converter causes the engine to stop after a few minutes because of all the increased exhaust back pressure. You can keep your catalytic converter in good condition by keeping your car well tuned, to prevent any unburned fuel from entering the catalytic converter to prevent over heating. A faulty oxygen sensor or coolant sensor may also be giving the computer incorrect information.
A faulty O2 sensor will make the computer think the exhaust is running lean, so the computer will try to compensate by making the fuel mixture rich. So if your converter needs to be replaced, the engine should be diagnosed for any underlying problems before the new converter is installed.

Euro III Emissions
All models from2006 need to comply with Euro III emission regulations as dictated by the new Australian Design Rule ADR 79/01 The strict new regulations enforce a significant reduction in the production of harmful Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions from 0.6 grams per kilometre to 0.2 grams per kilometre, reducing Carbon Monoxide (CO) from 4.0g/Km to 2.3g/Km, as well as reducing Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) to 0.15g/Km. Under the previous Euro II regulations NOx levels were recorded within the Hydrocarbon output. The catalytic converters must still perform above the regulations for longer than 80,000km.
As a part of the Euro III standards, all vehicles must also be fitted with a on-board diagnostics (OBD) system that constantly monitors the emission control systems to ensure the vehicle always complies with the regulations. The OBD is linked to the engine management system with a number of sensors that monitor the condition and performance of specific components related to controlling the emission output. The OBD system measures the emission output through the addition of an extra oxygen sensor that monitors the operation of the catalytic converters and provides more accurate control of the air-fuel ratio. If either of the these sensors record an event that results in emissions exceeding those prescribed under the Euro III regulations, the OBD system logs the event within the ECU. If a similar event occurs within the same driving period, or if the system detects the issue when the engine is re-started, the driver is made aware of a potential issue via the engine warning light on the instrumental panel.