Catalytic converters are one of those mysterious car parts that most drivers don’t think much about – until yours needs replacing! If you’ve been told by your mechanic that your catalytic converter needs to be swapped out, or you’re looking to upgrade the exhaust on your ride, chances are you’ve heard of Flowmaster. With their reputation for quality and performance, Flowmaster catalytic converters are a popular choice for all types of vehicles. But how do you know which one is right for your car or truck?
I went on a mission to uncover everything you need to know before getting a Flowmaster catalytic converter, so you can make an informed decision and get the absolute most out of your exhaust system. In this blog, you’ll discover the different types of Flowmaster converters available, how to choose the best one for your vehicle, what sets Flowmaster apart from other brands, and insider tips for making sure your new catalytic converter exceeds your expectations. After reading this, you’ll be a Flowmaster converter expert!
Flowmaster Offers Direct-Fit and Universal Converter Options
The first decision to make when shopping for a Flowmaster catalytic converter is whether you need a direct-fit/vehicle-specific unit or a universal fit. Direct-fit converters are designed specifically for your car, truck or SUV based on the make, model, engine size and other factors. This means you’ll get an exact original equipment fit without any modifications needed. Flowmaster makes direct-fit converters for popular domestic and import vehicles.
Universal converters have a more generic inlet and outlet size and shape so they can be adapted to different vehicles. Universal Flowmaster converters are available in a range of inlet/outlet sizes to cover everything from small four-cylinder cars up to high-horsepower muscle cars, pickups and SUVs. A universal unit may take some extra fabrication work to install properly, so keep that in mind.
Choose from High-Flow and Sound-Tuning Options
In addition to direct-fit versus universal, Flowmaster also categorizes their converters based on performance level and sound tuning. They offer three series of catalytic converters:
- FlowFX: The standard FlowFX series features a high flow, minimally restrictive design to allow exhaust gases to pass through the converter easily, reducing backpressure that can restrict engine power. FlowFX converters produce a moderate exhaust tone but aren’t designed to be loud.
- Delta Flow: For a deeper, more aggressive sound, Delta Flow catalytic converters use a straight-through baffle design. Increased volume and reduced backpressure give these converters a very throaty exhaust note. They are 50-state street legal but made with performance in mind.
- Hushpower: On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hushpower converters focus on a mellow, refined exhaust tone thanks to a chambered design and fiberglass packing. These are perfect if you want to upgrade your converter for efficiency and flow but don’t want an overly loud exhaust.
Meet Strict Emissions Standards While Maintaining Performance
One major benefit of Flowmaster catalytic converters is they are certified 50-state legal, meaning they meet the strict emissions standards required in California as well as everywhere else in the U.S. Many high-flow converters are not CARB-approved for use in California, but Flowmaster designs their converters to conform to all regulations while still enhancing exhaust flow and sound where possible.
I spoke to Mike, one of the technicians at Flowmaster, and he explained how their converters manage to strike this crucial balance between emissions compliance and high performance.
“We use a high-density substrate with maximized cellular structure inside the converter,” Mike said. “This allows us to maintain sufficient catalyst material for proper emissions control, while the substrate design minimizes restriction and keeps exhaust flow as uninterrupted as possible.”
So in short, Flowmaster is able to optimize the internal structure of their converters to follow the letter of the emissions law while still delivering extra power and throttle response compared to restrictive OEM converters. It’s the best of both worlds!
Built to Last with High-Quality Materials
In order for a high-performance catalytic converter like the Flowmasters to hold up over years of use, the materials and construction quality are crucial.
The converter shells are made from aluminized or stainless steel to prevent corrosion. Mike from Flowmaster told me the aluminized steel they use undergoes a special heat diffusion process to bond the aluminum coating permanently to the base metal.
“This aluminum coating is able to withstand over 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is far beyond what the converter will experience even under extreme conditions,” he said.
The seams are all MIG welded for durability, and each converter has additional bracing welds as well.
For the internal substrate, Flowmaster uses a ceramic honeycomb material coated with precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium to serve as the catalyst. This substrate maximizes surface area for contact with exhaust gases.
The final key ingredient is the internal matting material. Direct-fit Flowmaster converters use a proprietary combination of matting materials tuned for optimal sound and flow for each specific application. The universal converters use packed steel wool to absorb sound waves.
Hear the Flowmaster Sound for Yourself
If you’re still not sure about how a Flowmaster converter will sound on your particular vehicle, take advantage of the sound clips on their website. They provide sample videos for many of their direct-fit converters, so you can get a sense of the volume and tone you can expect.
For example, here’s how a FlowFX converter sounds on a 2006 Ford Mustang GT:<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZMoQ97JhHjA” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
And this is the deeper, rumbling sound of a Delta Flow converter on a 2011 Dodge Charger:<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/3S2bQq2vvsw” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Hearing the actual exhaust tone lets you decide if you want to stick with a mellow converter like the FlowFX, go for the aggressive Delta Flow, or upgrade somewhere in between.
Professional Installation Recommended
While it is possible to install a catalytic converter yourself if you’re handy and have the right tools, I would strongly advise having a professional mechanic do the job. The converter attaches right to your exhaust manifold and has to be welded or clamped on securely. Plus, you need a jack and stands to get under the car safely.
The shop can also handle any fabrication required to fit a universal converter, which saves you the hassle. And they’ll connect everything up so there are no leaks or rattles from the converter.
Flowmaster includes all necessary hardware and installation instructions with their direct-fit converters. If you do take on the DIY approach, follow all directions carefully and take all safety precautions. But the easiest route is to have the pros handle it.
Cost Varies Based on Converter Type
With catalytic converters, you generally get what you pay for in terms of quality and performance. Of course, you’ll also pay extra for a direct-fit converter tailored to your specific vehicle versus a universal unit.
Flowmaster’s suggested retail prices range from about $250-$600 for their universal converters, while the direct-fit units run from around $400 up to $1200 or more. The Delta Flow and other high-performance series sit at the top end of those ranges.
While not cheap, you’re making an investment that should last you many years and miles down the road. Considering what a pain a failing converter can be, spending more upfront for a Flowmaster converter that you can rely on is usually worth it.
California Emissions Compliance Guaranteed
This is an especially big selling point for those living in The Golden State like me. The CARB certification on all Flowmaster converters means:
- You’ll pass the visual inspection checking for a CARB sticker
- No worrying about failing a smog check due to converter inefficiency
- Avoiding fines for a non-compliant converter (up to $1000!)
- Preventing headaches if trying to register an out-of-state vehicle
It may cost us more, but CA emissions compliance gives extra peace of mind. And Flowmaster still squeezes maximum performance within the tight regulations.
More Power and MPG Possible with High Flow Design
Here’s an exciting benefit I discovered during my Flowmaster research – increased horsepower and fuel economy is possible when upgrading to their high-flowing catalytic converters!
How does this work? Mike from Flowmaster explained it best:
“When you eliminate the restrictive bottleneck caused by a factory converter, it allows the engine to breathe and operate more efficiently. It’s like clearing a clogged filter – the exhaust can flow freely, and the engine regains lost power and throttle response. This also means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, so you can see an mpg increase as well.”
Of course, the power and MPG gains depend on the specific vehicle and converter model. But Flowmaster says 1-3 mpg, 10-15 HP, and 15-25 ft-lb torque increases are common with their high-flow converters. Those are specs any gearhead or economy-focused driver can appreciate!
Premium Protection Backed by Warranties
Investing in a performance converter means you want it to last. Flowmaster supports all their catalytic converters with a two year limited warranty. This gives you peace of mind that your converter is covered in case of any defects in materials or workmanship.
I’d recommend keeping your receipts and any paperwork that came with the converter to make any future warranty claims smoother. Beyond the two year warranty, Flowmaster stands behind their products with continued support. They have an entire department dedicated to technical support and fielding customer questions or issues.
Buy From a Trusted Source
This brings up an important warning when shopping for Flowmaster converters – purchase only from an authorized dealer to ensure you’re getting a genuine Flowmaster product. As Mike from Flowmaster cautioned:
“There are a lot of cheap knock-offs out there claiming to be Flowmasters. But they use inferior materials that won’t withstand high temperatures and can actually melt down or fall apart inside your exhaust.”
So don’t take chances just to save a few bucks on ebay or sketchy websites. Flowmaster converters are already reasonably priced for their performance level. Spend a few extra dollars to buy from trusted retailers like Summit Racing, JEGS, American Muscle, or directly from Flowmaster to avoid counterfeits.
The Inside Scoop on Flowmaster Performance
Hopefully this inside look at Flowmaster catalytic converters gave you all the details to decide if one is right for your vehicle. Their direct-fit and universal converters are hard to beat for increasing exhaust flow and throttle response while maintaining strict emissions compliance. And you get your choice of sound levels from mild to aggressive. For a combination of performance, quality construction, and reliability, Flowmaster is easily one of the top names in converters.
So whether you’re upgrading your exhaust system or replacing a failed factory converter, Flowmaster has you covered. Their high-flow, CARB-legal design means you don’t have to compromise between power and emissions standards. And smaller details like sound clips, warranties, and authorized dealers give you extra confidence in these premium converters.
Installing a new catalytic converter is a fairly big investment, but take your time exploring the different Flowmaster options. Get the model designed specifically to unleash the power and exhaust note you want from your car or truck. Once it’s installed, I’m betting you won’t regret going with a Flowmaster catalyic converter. Enjoy your newfound power and sweet sound!
