OEM vs. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Kurtwool · 02-07-2020, 08:02 PM

Read several threads about Cats and mods but what I would like to know is if an aftermarket Cat like the Walker Direct-Fit Converter 73013 & 73014 would be a good fit for my 2010 V6 LT RS Camaro? Had a reman engine put in through dealer (I know should have went with the V8) because the engine that was in it was tore up (Not from me). Threw code P0403 and they said it was a bad Cat. The OEM is 1050.00 alone not counting labor, (I can get both right and left cats in the Walker listed above and sensors with install for 1400.00 at a non-dealer shop). I called a few shops both suggested the Walker but the dealer said that aftermarkets dont live long...I was like new engine new converter should be no problems right? I asked if they tested the downstream O2 sensor and they offered no solid response other than you need the Cat.

All i would like to know is what experiences have any of you had with aftermarket Cats and any recommendations you may have. I know it sounds crazy but I want to keep it as close to stock as I dont have a shop to lift it and do the work myself. Will an aftermarket Walker and new O2 sensors work fine? Any help is appreciated.

rberns · 02-07-2020, 08:27 PM

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...converter,5808

The walkers are $250 a piece. If you have basic tools and jack stands you can replace it your self and save some money.

'10CamaroDude · 02-08-2020, 01:07 AM

I got aftermarket, and a P0430 code... I had P0420 and P0430, but after the
down-pipes with cats were replaced, the P0430 remained. They told me they are
high-flow cats, which the car does not like. I am working on the issue, and the
spark plug anti-fouler did not help.

When in doubt, buy the CARB appoved ones, they're dipped a few more times...

Wizard1183 · 02-08-2020, 06:12 AM

My Sierra threw P0430 a cpl times. Now it’s fine. So idk what threw it? Maybe shitty gas?

camguynj · 02-08-2020, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '10CamaroDude

I got aftermarket, and a P0430 code... I had P0420 and P0430, but after the
down-pipes with cats were replaced, the P0430 remained. They told me they are
high-flow cats, which the car does not like. I am working on the issue, and the
spark plug anti-fouler did not help.

When in doubt, buy the CARB appoved ones, they're dipped a few more times...

Those codes are coming from the rear O2 sensors because High Flow cats don’t provide the same efficiency readings as eom cats. Get a pair of Big Daddy angled cat extensions. Check the forum you’ll see as Tony the Tiger says “they work GRRRRT” I put them on 7 yrs ago after getting the same codes when I installed high flow cats and never got another code !

http://www.bigdaddiesgarage.com/angled-cel-fix.html

02-07-2020, 08:02 PM	#1
Kurtwool Drives: 2010 Chevy Camaro LT/RS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Burlington, Iowa Posts: 3	OEM vs. Aftermarket Catalytic Converters Read several threads about Cats and mods but what I would like to know is if an aftermarket Cat like the Walker Direct-Fit Converter 73013 & 73014 would be a good fit for my 2010 V6 LT RS Camaro? Had a reman engine put in through dealer (I know should have went with the V8) because the engine that was in it was tore up (Not from me). Threw code P0403 and they said it was a bad Cat. The OEM is 1050.00 alone not counting labor, (I can get both right and left cats in the Walker listed above and sensors with install for 1400.00 at a non-dealer shop). I called a few shops both suggested the Walker but the dealer said that aftermarkets dont live long...I was like new engine new converter should be no problems right? I asked if they tested the downstream O2 sensor and they offered no solid response other than you need the Cat. All i would like to know is what experiences have any of you had with aftermarket Cats and any recommendations you may have. I know it sounds crazy but I want to keep it as close to stock as I dont have a shop to lift it and do the work myself. Will an aftermarket Walker and new O2 sensors work fine? Any help is appreciated.

02-07-2020, 08:27 PM	#2
rberns Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: US Posts: 3,291 View My Garage	https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...converter,5808 The walkers are $250 a piece. If you have basic tools and jack stands you can replace it your self and save some money. __________________ 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS, Circle D 3200, ADM Transmission Cooler, BTR Valvetrain, Cam Motion .621 .595 228/244 113+4, ARH 1 7/8 full exhaust, Cold Air Inductions, Katech C5R TC, Melling HV, BTR SLR lifters, Trunion Upgrade, LS2 Dampner, LS9 head gaskets, Bo White PTB, MM can, GFX, Subs, B&M Deep transmission pan, Holley fuel rail, Proform valve covers, relocated coil packs

02-08-2020, 06:12 AM	#4
Wizard1183 Drives: ABM SS2/RS M6 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lafayette,LA Posts: 2,232	My Sierra threw P0430 a cpl times. Now it’s fine. So idk what threw it? Maybe shitty gas? __________________ Life is short, drive it like you stole it!

02-08-2020, 01:07 AM	#3
'10CamaroDude Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro LS Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Pgh Posts: 739 View My Garage	I got aftermarket, and a P0430 code... I had P0420 and P0430, but after the down-pipes with cats were replaced, the P0430 remained. They told me they are high-flow cats, which the car does not like. I am working on the issue, and the spark plug anti-fouler did not help. When in doubt, buy the CARB appoved ones, they're dipped a few more times...