Catalytic Converter Scrap Value by Serial Number

Do you know you can get good money from your old car’s catalytic converter? This is why many thieves are after cat converters. I’ll discuss catalytic converter scrap value by serial number in this article.

You will find the catalytic converter’s serial number by inspecting its body. Typically, the serial number is a 5 to 12-digit/character serial number stamped or engraved on the body of the cat converter.

Cat converters are highly-priced. That’s why they are the usual targets of thieves for easy money. Most experts agree that the usual vehicles that thieves target are the cat converters of Toyota Prius and Honda Accord vehicles.

Read on to learn more about finding the scrap value of a catalytic converter by looking up its serial number.

To find the scrap value of a particular catalytic converter, you must examine the cat converter itself and look for its serial number. Somewhere in its body, you will find the serial number, typically composed of 5 to 12-digit/characters.

Thieves are good at spotting scrap cat converters that they can quickly turn into money. Many experts believe that the cat converters that thieves most target are popular vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord.

In that regard, some of the highest cat converters to scrap, according to research, are the following:

Ford Mustang, usually valued at $1,800 per piece
Ford F250, usually valued at S3,300
Dodge Ram 2500, usually valued at $4,100
Lamborghini Aventador, usually valued at $3,700
Ferrari F430, usually valued at $4,500

In addition, the most expensive cat converter, according to 2020 statistics, is the cat converter of the Ferrari F430. This particular cat converter can go from $3,700 to $4,500 apiece.

But that’s not all. A Ferrari F430 usually has two of them. So, you are looking at around $7,540 to get hold of these cat converters.

Why Catalytic Converters Are Stolen from Cars

Catalytic Converter Price Lookup by Serial Number

How to find the scrap value of a particular cat converter by looking up its serial number? One of the best ways to do this is by using an online web application or a phone app.

In this respect, there are two apps that experts have recommended. The Eco Cat and the ConverterDatabase are the two most popular apps for finding cat converter scrap values.

That said, here is the typical method of finding a cat converter’s scrap value by its serial number:

1. Examine the Cat Converter

You need to find the serial number of the cat converter because it is the only way you can assess its scrap value. Cat converters usually have their serial number etched or stamped on their bodies.

Unfortunately, not all cat converters have their serial numbers written or stamped on their bodies. The EPA requires all modern cars to have catalytic converters. However, they are not required to place serial numbers on them.

So, it will be very difficult if there’s no serial number on a particular cat converter. But if the cat converter has a serial number, you will usually find it etched on the body of the converter. The etching will be composed of a combination of numbers and letters of different lengths.

2. Find the Scrap Value Using the Eco Cat App

You can use the Eco Cat app if you have difficulty getting the serial number. This app will enable you to take a photo of the cat converter. And from there, you can follow the instructions to find the converter’s serial number.

You can download the Eco Cat app from Google Play or Apple App Store. Once you have uploaded the picture of the cat converter, they will give you a quick quote on its worth.

3. Use an Online App

If you can find the serial number on the cat converter, you can use an online platform to get its scrap value. Open your browser, visit the online app, and enter the serial number on the appropriate page or field of the online platform.

You can try it on ConverterDatabase. This online platform is an online database that can give you the current value of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are the stuff cat converters are usually made of.

Be prepared to pay a fee if you use an online platform to assess the current values of scrap converters not just once but several times.

Which Catalytic Converters Have the Highest Scrap Value?

Focusing on scrap converters that offer the highest market prices will be worthwhile. Not all cat converters are the same. The prices of some are steeper than others. So, what are the scrap cat converters where you could make more money?

Some of the car brands and models that have cat converters that are highly priced are the following:

Ford Mustang: $1,500 per piece
Ford F-250: $2,750 per piece
RAM 2500: $3,500 per piece
Lamborghini Aventador: $3,200 per piece
Ferrari F430: $3,500 per piece

Because of their high price tags, these cat converters are targeted by many thieves more than others. So, if you have one of these old ones, you need to protect them since they are in danger of being stolen.

Is the Muffler Different from the Catalytic Converter?

Which Cat Converters Have an Average Price?

catalytic converter scrap value by serial number free — GM Catalytic Converter

The average car owner can’t afford Ferraris and Lamborghinis. They can only afford daily drivers such as standard GMs, Ford, Toyotas, Hondas, etc.

Scrap Values for Cat Converters with Average Price

The most common scrap values for the cat converters of these types of vehicles are the following:

Small Domestic: $58 to$195 a piece
Small GM: $89 to $123 per piece
Regular Domestic: $59 to $245
Small Foreign: $87 to $198
Medium Foreign: $139 to $345
Large Foreign: $208 to $492
Large GM: $174 to $345
Exotic: $543 to $1095
Diesel: $18 to $595
Aftermarket: $20

Use Apps to Get a More Accurate Scrap Value

You can use multiple tools, apps, or online platforms to get a more accurate value of a scrap cat converter. By doing this, you will see what each app offers. So you can decide which app will give you the best value for your scrap cat converter.

Scrap Value Depends on the Model

The value of a scrap cat converter depends on the car model and the actual condition of the cat converter. On average, scrap catalytic converters’ price list can be between $300 and $500 when sold at a local wrecking service.

Today, scrap cat converters are not usually sold as part of a vehicle. They are rather sold as separate precious metals. In this form, scrap cat converters became a desirable marketable commodity.

European-made Cat Converters Usually Have the Highest Prices

The highest scrap cat converter nowadays, in terms of value, is the cat converter of the Ferrari F430. This particular cat converter can command a steep price ranging from $3,000 to $4,500, depending on its condition and quality.

Generally, European-made cat converters can fetch the highest prices. Next are the cat converters of JDMs of the cars made for the Japanese domestic market. After these, JDMs are the cat converters made in the United States.

Again, how to find the catalytic converter scrap value by serial number? Find the catalytic converter’s serial number (5 to 12 characters). This serial number is on the cat converter’s body. Enter the serial number on the Eco Cat or ConverterDatabase app to find its scrap value.

How to Find the Serial Number of Cat Converters of Specific Car Brands

Now, we get to the crux of our topic: finding the serial numbers of cat converters of specific car brands. It is best to know where to look because car manufacturers use different ways, locations, and patterns to place serial numbers on their cat converters.

Typically, the serial number is engraved, etched, or stamped directly on the metal body of the cat converter. But some car manufacturers use metal plates and have them welded on the cat converter body:

1. Ford

A typical Ford vehicle cat converter will have a longer serial number. Usually, it will be a 10 to 12-digit code stamped or etched on the cat converter. The characters can be a mix of letters and numbers separated by a hyphen. Here is an example: 4S62-3V244-DC.

2. Volkswagen

Volkswagen uses a distinctive way of labeling its catalytic converters. But like Ford, Volkswagen also mixes letters and numbers in its cat converter serial numbers. They use nine numbers, together with one to three letters, with spaces between them.

Here is an example of a Volkswagen cat converter serial number: 913 424 892 G. Or it can be a mixture such as 6K2 353 897 F.

3. GM

As for the GM catalytic converter scrap value by serial number, the cat converters of GM are primarily labeled in the same manner across the entire lineup of GM vehicles, whether they are a Cadillac, a GMC, or a Chevy.

GM uses a plate to label its cat converters. The plates have eight numbers representing the serial code.

But they can also use a few numbers that start with a “GM.” One sample will look like this: GM 226.

4. Hyundai

Hyundai is practically the same as Kia, but they carry different brand names. So, the serial numbers of their catalytic converters will have the same manner of labeling. Most of the Hyundai and Kia cat converter serial numbers will have three to ten characters.

They can be a combination of letters and numbers. An example would be OSFF 23 or DEF.

5. Subaru

There are two units of cat converters in a typical Subaru. They are usually located at the downpipe. The serial numbers of the cat converters will be etched or stamped on the body of the converter.

Usually, a serial number will be composed of five characters. For example, a Subaru cat converter serial number may look like PGBE 3.

6. Chrysler

Regarding Dodge catalytic converter scrap value by serial number, Chrysler and Dodge do not follow a uniform cat converter serial number labeling system. But still, you will find the serial number at the edging of the converter. The serial number may be longer or shorter.

An example would be BMMB43BFC which is an extended version. Or it can be as short and simple as 9G.

7. Aftermarket Cat Converters

If your car’s exhaust system is modified, it may have an aftermarket cat converter. In this case, the serial number of the cat converter will be labeled differently than those that come with the original OEM equipment.

Factors Affecting Scrap Cat Converter Prices

gm catalytic converter scrap value by serial number

Aside from the brand and make of the original car, other factors come into play in determining the actual price of a scrap cat converter. Some of these factors include the following:

1. Cat Converter’s Condition

A cat converter in good condition will command a higher price than one already dilapidated. Once a cat converter is chipped or damaged, its value goes down.

2. Country of Origin

Where the cat converter was made also plays an integral part in assessing its value. The main reason is that European car maker, and to some extent, the Japanese automakers, are known for their stricter environmental standards than those followed in the US.

As such, their cat converters are generally better and of higher quality.

3. Engine Volume

The size of the engine determines the size of the cat converter. So, the bigger the engine, the bigger its cat converter. A bigger cat converter has more precious metals in it. So, its price will be higher than a cat converter of a smaller size.

How Can I Protect My Catalytic Converter from Being Stolen?

A cat converter plays a critical role in the operation of an automotive vehicle. It helps protect the environment by cleaning the air that comes out of the engine. This device also protects your engine from wear and tear and ensures its efficient operation for many years.

They are valuable pieces of technology that many thieves have targeted for easy money. Cat converters are usually made of precious metals that enable them to operate as designed.

If you own a car that is known to be equipped with a cat converter that costs thousands of dollars, it is at risk of being stolen by thieves who know its value in the market. So, it pays to be well-informed.

You must protect your cat converter, especially if you are driving a European-made car brand. Don’t just park your vehicle anywhere where just anybody can access it. If you can install a car alarm in your vehicle, that will discourage thieves from fooling around with your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions about the value of scrap cat converters and how you can find their serial numbers, perhaps the answers below will help you:

Why Is It Important to Know the Serial Number of a Cat Converter?

Knowing the serial number of a cat converter is essential because it is the only way to find how much it is worth. If you want to sell your old cat converter for scrap, you will get a better idea of how much it is worth by looking up its serial number.

How Can You Find the Serial Number of a Particular Cat Converter?

Generally, you will find the serial number of a cat converter in the device’s body. The serial may be stamped or etched, or engraved in the metal.

It will consist of letters and numbers ranging from 5 to 12 digits or characters. In most cat converter serial numbers, a combination of letters and numbers is used.

Different car manufacturers use different ways of labeling the serial numbers of their cat converters. So, if you need to know the serial number of the particular cat converter of your car, you need to do some research on the matter.

Which Scrap Cat Converter Has the Highest Value?

In general, the cat converter that commands the highest price is the cat converter of a Ferrari F430. This cat converter can fetch a high price ranging from $3,750 to $4,500.

But the average cost of scrap cat converters of the ordinary vehicle will only run between $300 and $500, depending on the car brand and the condition of the cat converter.

In Closing: Finding the Catalytic Converter Scrap Value by Serial Number

The serial number of a catalytic converter can be found on its body. Usually, it will be composed of a 5 to 12-digit/character serial number stamped or etched somewhere in the body of the cat converter.

The prices of cat converters, even in scrap condition, are pretty high. That’s why thieves usually target them for easy money. Many experts believe that the usual targets for thieves are the cat converters of Honda Accords and Toyota Priuses.