'97 C1500 4.3L V6 Catalytic Converter/Y-Pipe Recommendations

df2x4 · Jan 13, 2021

So I still haven't looked yet, but in case I can't find my factory manifolds is there any reason I shouldn't use Dorman? I can get both sides from RockAuto including hardware and gaskets for around $150.

EDIT - OEM GM 4.3L Vortec manifolds are discontinued unfortunately.

PlayingWithTBI · Jan 13, 2021

df2x4 said:
I hate to buy a duplicate of something I've had bad luck with once already

After 4 tries you can get a free replacement under the "lemon law" :lol:

crispy89 · Jan 13, 2021

df2x4 said:
So I just got home from my mechanic's shop with the red truck. ('97 C1500 4.3L) I was having him check out a strange noise for me at low RPM. Turns out my catalytic converter is failing. I'm a little disappointed because it's a Magnaflow 23457, which according to my research when I bought it in 2011 was supposed to be one of the best (if not the best) options on the market for the 4.3L. Granted that was a decade ago, but considering I only put about 3K miles on the truck per year I would've hoped for a little more life. Needless to say I'm a little hesitant to buy another Magnaflow.

I think I've got it narrowed down to these three choices...

Flowmaster 2010022:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flo-2010022

Walker 50409:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-50409

Bosal 0795110:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bos-079-5110

I think I'd prefer to avoid Flowmaster now that they're made in China. I'm currently leaning towards the Bosal. It's the only one listed as "Improved Design/Precious Metal Washcoat" on RockAuto besides a CARB compliant Walker. Although I have no idea if that really makes a difference or not. Just curious to see if anyone has any thoughts or recommendations before I place an order.

im pretty sure i put the flowmaster on my gpas truck last year. bought from jegs but im thinking it was more like $350 and it was stainless. this was the second time ive replaced it. 6 years ago right after he retired i put a walker on. it rusted away quick!!

df2x4 · Jan 13, 2021

I just went ahead and ordered another MagnaFlow. I got it straight off their website with free shipping. Apparently they have a program called "recycling for refunds" where if you send the old cat in they'll give you a prepaid Visa card for $75. The terms and conditions state that the used cat needs to be an OE or OE replacement part though. I sent them an email to see if my old MagnaFlow meets those requirements. Hopefully so, we'll see.

I decided not to mess with the headers for now. If the collectors look nasty when the cat comes off or they start leaking then I'll go back to factory manifolds, but I don't feel like spending more than I have to on factory V6 exhaust stuff when I have an LQ4 sitting in the garage that will go into this truck someday.

Old77 · Jan 14, 2021

df2x4 said:
Just realized I accidentally posted this in the main "Engine Performance and Maintenance" section instead of the "Exhaust" subforum. @Old77 If you or anyone else would like to move it there please feel free.

done

L31MaxExpress · Jan 19, 2021

My factory manifolds only lasted 60K miles and the cats were both trash at that point as well. RH manifold fell into 3 pieces when unbolted. Cats probably died from the manifold leaks causing the PCM to overfuel the engine. At the time I put shorty headers and high flow cats on it. Gained like 4 mpg which was like 1 mpg better than it got factory. Noticeable jump in torque. Plugs are easier to change with headers than with the manifolds.

df2x4 · Jan 19, 2021

The new Magnaflow showed up today. Also go an email from them about the recycling for refunds program. Unfortunately their converters don't qualify as OEM replacements so they're not eligible for the refund. Kind of figured that would be the case, still a little disappointed though.

90 Silverado · Jan 19, 2021

As someone who recycled converters for the last 3 years , all aftermarket converters are junk, can't even recycle the stuff inside , just the shell for the metal.

My old boss has boxes full of them, waiting for the magical day when the insides are worth something.

Just use them and replace when they go bad or get a used factory one from the junk yard.

Doug in P.R.

east302 · Jan 19, 2021

Anyone have any experience with the companies online that buy used converters? I’ve seen some that say that they offer something stupid for them...$100 each or more.

Seems too good to be true when you can buy a new one for less than that.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Erik the Awful · Jan 20, 2021

That's typically for the old pellet-style converters. The pellets used a lot more platinum and palladium, and the newer honeycomb style use a lot less.

'97 C1500 4.3L V6 Catalytic Converter/Y-Pipe Recommendations

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