What Cars Have The Most Expensive Catalytic Converters (& Scrap Value)?

Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

Usually, the most expensive catalytic converters are used in high-end luxury vehicles or sports cars. The most expensive catalytic converters are used by brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, etc. You will find expensive catalytic converters in cars like Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Aventador, Ram 2500, Ford F-250, Ford Mustang, etc.

Key Takeaways

• A catalytic converter converts harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, into less harmful substances
• The scrap value of a catalytic converter depends on various factors like demand, build material, size, etc.
• Catalytic converters are made from metals like platinum, palladium, rhodium, etc. and it is one of the main reasons catalytic converters are expensive
• If you are running low on budget then you should opt for aftermarket catalytic converters are made by third-party manufacturers

Most Expensive Catalytic Converters By Cars (With Price)

Cars And Pickups	Cost Of The Catalytic Converter
Ferrari F430	$7,540 – $3,770 for each one
Lamborghini Aventador	$6,240 – $3,120 for each one
Dodge Ram 2500	$3,460
Ford F250	$2,804
Ford Mustang (Most Cheaper)	$1,500

Catalytic Converter Scrap Price For 2023

Scrap catalytic converters are small and large pieces of metal that have been removed from a catalytic converter during the manufacturing process. They have a scrap value that is determined by the process used when they are destroyed.

Catalytic converters are typically made from steel, aluminum, copper, and other alloys. They help in reducing emissions from diesel engines. Catalytic converters require a significant amount of energy to create so these scrap prices can be quite high in comparison to the value of other metals.

With the increasing demand for catalytic converter scrap, many companies are now pushing for scrap catalytic converter value.

To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of catalytic converter scrap prices which you could use as reference material. We hope that you can find your desired scrap prices here: 

Numbers	Scrap Catalytic Converter Materials	Price/Value in $
1.	Euro 4 High Performance	$60
2.	Large Chrysler	$100
3.	XBODY	$400
4.	GM	$320
5.	AIRTUBE	$100
6.	AC/Thin Pipe BL	$190
7.	BL Thick Pipe	$350
8.	GM Medium	$250
9.	SE HIGH GRADE	$870
10.	Malibu Legal Lacrosse	$80
11.	SE 6 LINE	$440
12.	SE MEDIUM	$390
13.	SE 5 LINE	$340
14.	SE LOW	$190
15.	JEEP	$300
16.	HIGH GRADE DOMESTIC	$280
17.	STANDARD DOMESTIC	$230
18.	Direct-Fit Mitsubishi Outlander 3	$100
19.	REGULAR PRE	$100
20.	SMALL FLOW	$150
21.	AFTERMARKET	$26
22.	FOREIGN SMALL	$300
23.	FOREIGN PRE	$160
24.	FOREIGN MEDIUM	$390
25.	FOREIGN LARGE	$490
26.	XL FOREIGN	$590
27.	LOW GRADE FOREIGN	$230
28.	LOW PRE	$70
29.	Exotic	$840
30.	SMALL EXOTIC	$710
31.	SUPER EXOTIC	$980
32.	TORPEDO HI	$1,250
33.	TORPEDO 3B	$680
34.	Universal Catalytic For Petrol Engine	$358
35.	TORPEDO REGULAR	$340
36.	JUMBO BEAD	$150
37.	REGULAR BEAD	$45
38.	OLD DIESEL	$13
39.	CAMRY	$170
40.	O2 SLANT	$630
41.	O2 STRAIGHT	$910
42.	DOMESTIC FOIL	$33 /lb
43.	FOREIGN FOIL	$40 /lb

What’s the best in the expensive but quality category in Amazon? Well, here are our top 7 recommendations –

How Much Is A BMW Catalytic Converter Worth?

In some cases, a catalytic converter for a vehicle of this brand can be worth between $250 and $300. It is necessary to consider that the value of these catalytic converters is determined only by the components they must include. In the best cases, catalytic converters can include palladium, rhodium, or platinum.

How Much Gold Is In A Catalytic Converter?

Of course, when precious metals are incorporated into a catalytic converter the specific percentage of content can vary. Beyond that, no gold is used in the manufacture of any catalytic converter.

In particular, gold cannot provide a better result than palladium or platinum. Furthermore, in one kilogram of ceramics, precious metals can be found in a content of between 0.2% and 0.5%.

How Much Is My Cadillac Converter Worth?

In principle, it is necessary to consider the number of years that a certain Cadillac has. So, mechanical experts indicate that vehicles that are smaller or newer can offer a catalytic converter for a value of $200. 

Additionally, vehicles that are older or larger have more expensive catalytic converters. That’s why, in these particular cases, the catalytic converter can be worth $600 or even more. 

What Cars Have The Most Expensive Catalytic Converters?

Depending on the information that is available today, the costs of each catalytic converter may vary. In general, many users agree that the Ferrari F430 vehicle has the most expensive catalytic converters. As mentioned, the specific design or materials of each catalytic converter are not as important here.

On the contrary, the model of the vehicle is usually very important when increasing or decreasing the cost of this component. Each of these catalytic converters costs $3,770 to install on this particular vehicle. Even installing a single catalytic converter on this Ferrari is not enough. Two catalytic converters are required since this is a very powerful vehicle.

So, for users who have a limited budget of $7,540 to replace these parts, it can be quite a challenge. Of course, for some people, this amount of money is not very important. Those who have a Ferrari F430 probably have enough money to be able to replace two or more catalytic converters at once.

The Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck vehicle represents a more common situation for more people. In this case, it is a catalytic converter with a lower cost and is somewhat similar to Ferrari’s. Users of this vehicle need $3460 to replace the catalytic converter and also pay for the labor required to do so.

Additionally, a vehicle similar to the Dodge Ram 2500 that also has a similar cost to the catalytic converter is the ford f250 pickup truck. Beyond that, compared to the Dodge vehicle here only $2,804 is needed to pay for the labor and replacement part to be installed. 

Here, we also need to mention the Lamborghini Aventador which has a lot of horsepowers thanks to a powerful engine. When we analyze the cost of the catalytic converter for this vehicle we can see that it is only $3,120. The small detail here is that this vehicle requires 2 catalytic converters.

That’s why it takes $6,240 to check all the work on this vehicle. So, compared to a pickup truck, this is twice the budget. Once again, Lamborghini Aventador owners shouldn’t be too concerned about the number of dollars needed to replace these components. Because this is a vehicle of hundreds of thousands of dollars, $6,240 is not a very high budget.

So, if we only consider vehicles that need a single catalytic converter the pickup trucks we’ve mentioned are among the most expensive. Here it simply requires a specialized labor force since the installation process is not very simple.  

Additionally, it is necessary to consider that not all-powerful or expensive cars need a large budget for the replacement of this part. One of the most emblematic muscle cars needs only $1,500 for the replacement of the catalyst. In particular, this is the Ford Mustang, which is one of the most powerful vehicles of our time.

At the same time, the catalytic converter needs regular maintenance and a check-up every few months. In this way, it will be much easier to detect the problems that arise in this component.

Also, this part is mainly responsible for reducing the toxic components that occur in the internal combustion of an engine. Also, a catalytic converter in good condition avoids problems with local laws and regulations in many places. 

Here, we can also mention other vehicles that have expensive catalytic converters. Among the most expensive precious metals are platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

These components are necessary for the proper functioning of the catalytic converter. In turn, they are materials that are very difficult to obtain and therefore have a high cost. Some vehicles with the most expensive catalytic converters are

1. Magna Flow 27402 Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter

2. AutoSaver Universal Catalytic Converter

3. Walker 15634 Catalytic Converter

4. Flowmaster 2230130 Series 223

5. Evan Fischer REPG 9603101 Silver powder-coated catalytic converter

6. Universal Catalytic Converter Magna Flow 51356

7. Nissan Altima 2.5 L Direct Fit 

What Is The Value Of The Platinum Included In A Catalytic Converter?

This question is necessary because it is one of the main factors that increase the cost of a catalytic converter. Typically, between 3 and 7 grams of platinum is used to make an average-level catalytic converter. Beyond that, the exact amount of platinum used can vary depending on the model and of course depending on the manufacturer.

Many people also wonder if gold is included in the manufacture of a catalytic converter. Beyond the precious metals that are included in a catalyst, gold is not a material that is used in manufacturing.

Beyond that, the weight of the ceramic may differ depending on the vehicle model and also the manufacturer. In less than a kilogram of ceramic, the weight of precious metals is between 0.2% to 0.5%. 

A Catalytic Converter Worth Checking Out (Walker Exhaust CalCat Carb 80906 Universal)

• Walker Exhaust CalCat Carb 80906 Universal Catalytic Converter is a high-quality replacement part. It meets or exceeds the OEM specifications and ensures a smooth ride.
•  It is a California emission-approved part, and it is used to replace an original equipment catalytic converter.
• This Walker CalCat Universal Catalytic Converter is legal for use in all 50 states and is the same converter used by GM factory-installed systems. It is made to OEM specifications, including the internal and external coatings.

Which Catalytic Converters Have The Most Platinum?

Today, a very small number of owners sell catalytic converters as spare parts for other cars. Instead, many people prefer to sell the precious metals included in this component. When palladium is added to a catalytic converter, the weight of this material is usually between 1.5 and 2 grams. 

Some dual catalytic converters are necessary for certain high-end cars. So, in these specific cases, owners can get a good deal of money from the sale of these precious metals. A famous German manufacturer makes a catalyst weighing 1,200 grams. In this case, rhodium represents 0.008% by weight, palladium 0.08% by weight, and platinum 0.12% by weight.

Of course, it is not that easy to sell these precious metals from a catalytic converter. Here a precise and specialized procedure is required to separate the palladium from all the rest.

There are even techniques that are too complicated and expensive to be applied by anyone. This is why the process required to obtain these precious metals prevents people from deciding to sell palladium or platinum.

Of course, in the automotive industry, the major manufacturers try to source a lot of palladium for future catalyst parts. However, this large procurement of this material cannot be increased indefinitely. There is not enough palladium in the world to supply vehicles forever.

There may even be other much more cost-effective and efficient ways to build a good catalytic converter. In particular, platinum is often available for half the price of palladium. Besides, its performance is often quite effective for many modern vehicles of these times.

Either way, billions of euros or dollars are needed for large-scale production restructuring. It also takes many years for this whole process to take place. All of this is necessary if you want to get catalysts that use Latin instead of palladium.

As a result, many major automakers today are looking for better replacements than just platinum or palladium. Beyond that, looking for a much simpler option will lower the costs of the vehicles as well as the internal components.

Therefore, by implementing this material in manufacturing the service life can be extended to a minimum of three to five years of use. Also, chromium or nichrome steel is often used to provide excellent protection.

This material specifically can resist the heat, acids, and corrosion of the entire process. In other words, it is another material that manages to increase total costs.

References:

https://www.autolist.com/guides/most-stolen-catalytic-converter

https://moneyinc.com/most-expensive-catalytic-converters/