2008 KIA SPORTAGE AFTERMARKET VS OEM CATALYTIC CONVERTER

10

Asked by Guru91YSH1 Dec 09, 2021 at 04:23 PM about the 2008 Kia Sportage

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I had my catalytic converter stolen and cut out. The mechanic is going to
have to replace not only the catalytic converter, but also the manifold and the
exhaust pipes. Mechanic says that I need to go with the OEM catalytic
converter because if I don't I will have the O2 sensors starting to act up
causing check engine light problems and the aftermarket is only warranted
for 1 year and the aftermarket will go out in a year. Insurance wants to
replace with only aftermarket. Can you tell me if the mechanic is giving me a
story and I will be ok with the aftermarket or if the mechanic is right and the
insurance is wrong? Thank you.

5 Answers

20

Take your car to a good local muffler shop. Ask if they can weld in a new aftermarket converter for you.

2 people found this helpful.
310,255

I’ve used aftermarket converters for years and only once did I have one fail but it was cause a sensor went bad and the customer just kept driving it so it wasn’t covered under any warranty. You should be fine with aftermarket converter.I would be questioning why he’s replacing the entire system if only the converter is gone.

1 people found this helpful.
157,615

An aftermarket catalytic converter will be just fine BUT you must get the correct one for the emission control system on your vehicle!! The emission control sticker under the hood will tell you what system you have. It could be Federal Emissions, California Emissions, Northeastern States Emissions, etc. I've had an Eastern Catalytic Converter on my 2000 Grand Prix with California Emissions since 2013 and it's been fine! Eastern also offers a 5 year/50,000 mile warranty on most of their converters. Hope that helps! Jim

157,615

Oh and one other thing. A brand new catalytic converter MUST be properly warmed up after it's installed and before the vehicle is driven. This is done by running the engine at 1,500 RPMs for five minutes with the vehicle sitting still. After that, the vehicle can be driven normally. Jim

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