Replacing your Ford Falcon's factory catalytic converter can be something you want to do, or something you have to do. If you have to do it, it's probably because your vehicle is failing its emission tests, and if you want to do it, it's probably because you want a better-performing catalytic converter than what you currently have. Either way, upgrading to an aftermarket Ford falcon catalytic converter can be one of the best things you do for your vehicle, and for the environment.
If you're new to the world of catalytic converters, and wonder what the fuss around them is, they're basically devices that every modern vehicle has whose purpose is to convert the harmful compounds found in car exhaust into less harmful compounds. The harmful compounds are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. Nitrogen oxides are the cause of smog and acid rain, carbon monoxide is dangerous for anyone who needs to breathe air, and hydrocarbons are responsible for producing smog.
So how does a Ford Falcon catalytic converter work? Well, catalytic converters contain a catalyst, which is a substance which accelerates or causes a chemical reaction without being affected itself. Catalytic converters have a reduction and oxidation catalyst, both of which feature a ceramic structure coated with a metal catalyst, most commonly rhodium, platinum and palladium. Some modern catalytic converters also have gold, as it's cheaper than the aforementioned precious metals and it increases oxidation (the chemical reaction responsible for reducing pollutants by as much as 40%).
Most cars nowadays use 3-way catalytic converters that feature honeycomb structures. There are also 2-way catalytic converters and converters that feature ceramic beads, but those aren't as efficient as the honeycomb 3-way models. The reduction catalyst uses rhodium and platinum to reduce NOx emissions, whereas the oxidation catalyst reduces the unburned carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons by burning them over a palladium and platinum catalyst.
The last stage that 3-way catalytic converters do that 2-way catalytic converters don't, is the control system monitoring the exhaust stream and using that data to control how much fuel goes into the engine. This is done with the help of an oxygen sensor which is mounted on the catalytic converter. The sensor tells the engine how much oxygen is in the exhaust, and the engine's computer can adjust the air-to-fuel burning ratio. This is important in order to ensure the oxidisation catalyst burns the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
