Magnaflow vs BRE - C.A.R.B. Catalytic Converter

Hey y'all,

So it happened. The dreaded P0420 code popped up on my ride. It happened when I was re-wiring the ignition control module so I thought it was just a fluke. Cleared. Happened again a week later so I cleaned the MAF and looked over the cat/exhaust system.. no holes. Happened again... I've got Denso O2 sensors on the way, plan to clean the ones I have first. I live in CA, so I need two cats and I may have to smog this registration, which is coming up next month.

But... part of me would like a new system w/ a new exhaust. My entire system is rusted to all hell (no holes), I'm surprised the bolts are still with us. Although, I have the stock exhaust... and I do wildlife work, and I LOVE how quiet my truck is for creeping. I was looking at the Walker 47794 Quiet-Flow SS Muffler.

When looking over parts... I came to notice something. MagnaFlow bought (Bosal)BRE??

BRE 0612112 C.A.R.B. Compliant & BRE 0614028 C.A.R.B. Compliant Catalytic converts look exactly like the MagnaFlow 447185 and MagnaFlow 447219, and they are roughly 400 dollars less. Now I know pictures can be misleading...

But does anyone know the difference in quality between these two catalytic converters? I do like that MagnaFlow has a payment plan, but if I, unfortunately, have to swap out my cats... and these are nearly the same.. I might test em out.

Does anyone have new BRE (MagnaFlow) Cats? and Does anyone have the Walker Quiet-Flow Muffler that can give me some info?

Thanks all, happy Overlanding

If I were to get new cats... I'd have to switch to a full comprehensive insurance.

 

I'm in the same boat, did you get this fixed yet?

 

Hey TRD493.

I decided, with the rise of catalytic converter jacking recently (cause portable angle grinders are so easy to get) to replace my O2 sensors first and see how things went from there. Also, having a new shiney muffler would draw attention to thieves, and I go to areas that are very methy and off the beaten path in CA.

It was a bitch getting those rusted nuts off for the sensors, and I bought a new cover plate for the downstream sensor and used an angle grinder to get the old one off so I could get to the nuts easier. With some penetrating oil and an extractor set, smaller sockets and some patience I was able to do it pretty quickly with some ease.

Since I've replaced the O2 sensors I was able to pass smog and the code stopped throwing. Maybe give that a go first? I got Denso sensors off rock auto, and the bolts and nuts from the dealership.

My fuel economy went from average 17mpg to 20-21 highway so I'm pretty happy about that.

I hope someone can give you some answers on BRE vs Magnaflow, I'd love to know.

 

Thanks. I'm torn between replacing the sensors first (it didn't throw a code for those though) or just replacing both cats and both sensors. Pricey for sure but they're all the same age and have right at 200k miles. I really only want to take it all apart once.

 

Which code did it throw? My truck just hit 250k last month and is an 01'. The sensors had been done once before at least cause who ever did it last used non OEM hardware. The nuts were so rusted they got down to 7-8mm size and i thinkt they're supposed to be 10 or 12mm. My catalytic converters are the OG factory ones, along with the muffler and they passed smog.

Yeah the catalytic converter system is a pretty penny. $2000+. I decided since there were other upgrades I had scheduled, I'd rather spend the $200 bucks on new sensors and hardware and see if that would fix the issue first.

Also, I didn't like the idea of making my car a thief magnet with a new exhaust/catalytic system. If you live in a relatively nice area with a low drug problem you'll probably be okay, and you can always go for a weld on system but they'll still be able to hack it off easy.

The sensors are super super easy to change out and get to, you just need the tools and patience to work on rusted nuts. Be sure to get some high temp anti-sieze on any bolts you change out.

 

P0420

 

Could be the quality and the grade of the stainless that differs Bosal from Magnaflow.

 

I'd give BRE and then Magnaflow a call but be weary of any smoke blowing.

If you've got a P0420 and want to save some cash I'd swap the sensors first. They're a bitch to get on but easy to get off when replaced if you do have to get new cats in the end.

 

I got 50 state CARB Magnaflow cats installed on my 04 about 5 years ago after the P0420 code came up intermittently and wouldn't go away for good.

They've been great, passed smog twice with them so far and no issues. They were $600 installed out the door for me, but that was several years ago. I'm sure they are up there in price now.

 

I would say so!!

 

sweet jesus, yeah I got both front and rear installed for $600. But, its no secret the price of the materials inside converters has skyrocketed in the last year or so. Also why so many are getting stolen

 

The BRE's (Bosal) are 600ish a pop. That's the mystery here.

Is it just name (Magnaflow) or is it actually much better quality. Worthy of 800 big ones.

 

Nothing beats OEM as far as quality and longevity, but then of course they are crazy expensive...I was told Magnaflow was the next best option by a few sources. I think the difference is the quality and amount of the material inside...to be 50 state/CARB legal it has to meet a min requirement, some meet the minimum others probably go bigger. That'd be my guess

 

Yeah that's what I've heard. The original question stems from Magnaflow owning Bosal now and rebranding them as BRE. Both cats are made by the same manufacturer now so quality difference unknown. Are the BREs lower in price due to the name change and no brand recognition, or are they really just lower quality. Same manufacturer...

@TRD493 I'm assuming this isn't for your 2017 TRD Tacoma? Cause if it's a 2017 i can't imagine the cats being burned unless they got damaged physically.

 

Leaning towards the Magnaflow based on what I've read so far. Might just replace the sensors first to see if that takes care of it. If not I'll just replace them both. I'd like to poke around and make sure the exhaust manifolds aren't cracked either.

 

No, I have an 01 also.

 

Is it just the California models that have two cats, or do they all have both? Could you delete the first one and make it work or would the computer throw codes?

 

All 1st gens became CA Emissions compliant after a certain year, I forget which...2000 maybe? Before that some had 2 cats and some had 1.

I'm not sure if you could get away with just one, if you have to get smogged and they do visual checks then it would fail. The rear 02 might pick up on there just being 1 cat instead of two if the one isn't able to filter as much as needed to make the sensor happy. I'm not sure though

 

Probably easier to just keep it than to deal with any issues that come up from deleting it.

 

Some states requires two cats, CA is one. If your truck was bought in TX and has two cats I would think that in 2001 that was the requirement.

I'm not sure what the CARB requirement of TX are today. If the laws have changed in TX, it is possible that only one is required, I would ask your equivalent of a smog shop but the truck being so old they'll probably not be able to wiggle around it. Standards are baked in typical at the year and VIN.

Let me save you some time (from invoice):
Downstream Sensor Cover: 89437-60030
4 x O2 Sensor nut: 90179-08059
4 x O2 Sensor stud: 90126-08001 (only one of mine was bad. All of yours may be fine.)
Upstream Sensor: DENSO 2349003 (manual transmission only)
Downstream Sensor: DENSO 2344189 (manual and auto transmission I believe.)

The Denso sensors come with gaskets. You might want to get some anti-sieze since you may have to change out the cats if thsn't work, it could be helpful.