Our Top 3 Picks
3 picks, 3 different buyers. Find the one whose description sounds like you and stop reading.
#1 – Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter
Best for: owners needing a high-flow honeycomb structure for 2001-2005 models.
- Meets or exceeds OEM standards with a honeycomb structure
- $114.99 (mid-range)
- 5.0 rating from 3 ratings
- Editorial score: 8.6/10
OE Part Number: 18160-PLM-A00, 18160-PLM-A50, 674-608, 16373, 101304
#2 – Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic
Best for: those seeking a leak-resistant, exact-fit kit for 1.7L L4 engines.
- Direct replacement for factory installed exhaust manifolds
- $122.99 (premium)
- 4.3 rating from 53 ratings
- Editorial score: 8.4/10
OE Part Number: 18160-PLM-A00, 18160-PLM-A50
#3 – Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter
Best for: buyers prioritizing anti-corrosive 409 stainless steel construction.
- 409 stainless steel tubular construction
- $109.99 (entry)
- 4.6 rating from 3 ratings
- Editorial score: 8.2/10
OE Part Number: 18160-PLM-A00, 18160-
For a deeper dive into that specific brand, see our full review of the EM775001 Catalytic Converter.
How ExtremeSpec Auto picked: we started from the 59 most-reviewed exhaust manifold converter listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 46 qualified. The picks on this page were selected from those 46 candidates against this topic’s requirements. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).
What We Recommend and Why
The Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter is the top choice for an Exhaust Manifold with Converter because it matches multiple OE part numbers including 18160-PLM-A00 and 18160-PLM-A50.
Finding a manifold that matches your specific engine casting can be frustrating when incorrect port alignments lead to exhaust leaks or restricted flow. Selecting the wrong part often results in a unit that bolts to the head but fails to align with the cylinder ports, requiring a complete redesign or a return.
The Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter solves this by supporting several OE numbers, making it the reliable choice for 2001-2005 models. If you prefer a high-volume rated option, the Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic is a strong alternative, while the Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter serves as a budget-friendly 409 stainless steel option.
We evaluated the exhaust manifold converter options we track against this topic’s criteria at ExtremeSpec Auto. These three selections cover a price range from $109.99 to $122.99, while the median price of the 10 products in our comparison is $125.99.
Owners of Korean SUVs can find a detailed Manifold Catalytic Converter review for the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
What the data says
- Top pick: Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter at $114.99 (OE Part Number: 18160-PLM-A00, 18160-PLM-A50, 674-608, 16373, 101304).
- Also picked: Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic at $122.99; Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter at $109.99.
- We compared 10 Exhaust Manifold Converters, from $105.90 to $172.97, median $125.99.
- Best buyer rating in the comparison: Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic at 4.3/5 from 53 ratings.
Full Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Rating | OE Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter | $114.99 | 5.0 (3 ratings) | 18160-PLM-A00, 18160-PLM-A50, 674-608, 16373, 101304 |
| Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic | $122.99 | 4.3 (53 ratings) | 18160-PLM-A00, 18160-PLM-A50 |
| Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter | $109.99 | 4.6 (3 ratings) | 18160-PLM-A00, 18160- |
| Honda Accord Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter | $164.95 | 0.0 (0 ratings) | Not stated |
| AutoShack EMCC773610 Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter | $115.87 | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 673608, 673-608, 4230 |
| Toyota Camry 2.4L Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter | $125.99 | 3.9 (150 ratings) | 25051-0H050 |
| AutoShack EMCC774813 Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter | $105.90 | 4.8 (6 ratings) | 250510H011, 250510H040, 2505128040, 2505128101 |
| Nissan Altima 2007-2012 2.5L Exhaust Manifold Kit | $172.97 | 4.3 (148 ratings) | 16593, 40800, 641302, 18258, 674-933, 54782, 324424, 643090, 40919, 58363, 18343 |
| AutoShack EMCC774935 Nissan Altima Exhaust Manifold Converter | $132.23 | 3.9 (18 ratings) | 14002-JA01E, 14002-JA02E, 14002-JA91E, 140E2JA02E, 140E2JA03E, 140E2JA92E, 674933, 674-933 |
| APDTY 112876 Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter Assembly | $168.57 | 3.0 (4 ratings) | 14002-JA91E, 14002-JA01E, 14002-JA02E, 140E2-JA02E, 140E2JA02E |
Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.
The Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter offers the strongest price-to-spec ratio because it provides 409 stainless steel construction at the lowest price point of $109.99.
The Full Review of Each Pick
The 3 picks below run from $109.99 to $122.99, reviewed in rank order.
Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter
The Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter made this list because it provides precise OE part number matching for 2001-2005 1.7L L4 engines. It serves as a direct replacement for multiple OE numbers, including 18160-PLM-A00 and 674-608, ensuring a correct fit for these specific years.
What we like: This unit features a honeycomb structure designed to convert CO, HC, and NOx into CO2, HO, and N. It meets or exceeds OEM standards and carries a 5.0 rating from 3 buyers. The high-flow design helps maintain exhaust flow while remaining EPA certified.
Keep in mind: This manifold is not legal for use in California (CARB) or Colorado. You should confirm your local emissions regulations before ordering this specific model.
To ensure this fits your specific engine code and year, verify that your vehicle is a 2001-2005 Honda Civic or Acura EL with a 1.7L L4 engine. Because Civic engines vary significantly by year, a manifold designed for a 2001 model will not fit a newer 2015 model. The data does not specify exact horsepower gains, so you should evaluate the high-flow honeycomb design against your desired performance goals.
Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic
The Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic is a top selection due to its high volume of positive feedback and exact-fit kit design. It specifically targets the 18160-PLM-A00 and 18160-PLM-A50 OE numbers to ensure compatibility with the 2001-2005 1.7L L4 engine.
What we like: This kit is designed as a leak-resistant, direct replacement for the factory-installed manifold. It carries a 4.3 rating from 53 ratings, providing a high level of social proof for the fitment. The price point sits at the $122.99 mark for a complete replacement assembly.
Keep in mind: This product is not CARB approved and cannot be shipped to California. It also cannot be installed on a California-equipped vehicle located in New York.
You must confirm your engine code matches the 2001-2005 Honda Civic 1.7L L4 requirements to ensure this manifold fits your vehicle. Because engine geometries change rapidly between production years, verify your year and engine displacement before purchase. While the leak-resistant construction supports exhaust flow, the provided data does not list specific horsepower increases.
Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter
The Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter is included for its 409 stainless steel construction and specialized anti-corrosive properties. It provides a durable alternative for owners looking to repair vehicles with increased emissions or failed catalytic converters.
What we like: This manifold is constructed from 409 stainless steel to prevent warping, cracking, and gas leakage. It holds a 4.6 rating from 3 ratings and is priced at $109.99. The stainless steel tubular construction provides a long-lasting replacement for the factory header.
Keep in mind: The documentation requires you to enter your specific model number to confirm fitment. This means you must verify your exact vehicle details before ordering to avoid a port mismatch.
To determine if this fits your engine code, you must check your specific model number against the Goplus compatibility list. Since the data does not provide a specific list of years or engine codes, manual verification is required to ensure the manifold geometry aligns with your engine block. The 409 stainless steel material supports flow, but specific horsepower figures are not provided in the specifications.
What to Look For in an Exhaust Manifold Converter
Substrate Material
Substrate material determines the durability and gas conversion efficiency of the manifold. Look for a honeycomb structure to ensure consistent flow and longevity. The Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter uses a honeycomb structure to convert CO, HC, and NOx into CO, HO, and N. While the Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter utilizes 409 stainless steel for its tubular construction to prevent warping or cracking, the specific internal substrate material is not listed in its data. If a listing does not specify the substrate type, confirm the material meets EPA standards to ensure it handles the thermal stress of a 1.7L L4 engine without melting.
Oxygen Sensor Compatibility
Oxygen sensor compatibility depends on the manifold’s port geometry matching your factory layout. You should verify that the port locations align with your specific engine block casting to avoid a port mismatch. The Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic is designed as a direct replacement, replacing the vehicle’s factory installed exhaust manifold. Because this is an exact-fit kit, the sensor ports should align with the original positions. Always confirm your specific OE number, such as 18160-PLM-A00, matches the manifold’s port layout before purchasing.
Heat Dissipation Rating
Heat dissipation rating determines if the manifold can withstand high operating temperatures without substrate melting. High-flow converters allow for better engine breathing but may run hotter than standard units; ensure the manifold is heat-treated to prevent premature failure. The Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter uses 409 stainless steel to provide anti-corrosive functions and protect against cracking under heat. For the other options, ensure the unit is EPA certified, as this indicates the material can withstand standard operating temperatures without exceeding the thermal limits of the catalytic coating.
Bolt Pattern Alignment
Bolt pattern alignment ensures the manifold is a direct bolt-on replacement rather than a unit requiring welding. The Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic is an exact-fit kit, meaning it is designed to be unbolted and replaced without specialized welding equipment. The Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter also supports this with specific OE part number matching for 18160-PLM-A00 and 18160-PLM-A50. If a product does not explicitly state “direct replacement” or list your specific OE number, you must verify the bolt hole spacing to avoid having to modify the manifold during installation.
Proper fitment also depends on mass, so learn how to choose based on converter weight.
Understanding the different configurations is easy when you view the various types of exhaust manifold converters available.
What You Need vs What These Picks Deliver
Match the job you actually need done to what it requires, then check whether anything on this page reaches that level. Where nothing does, the row says so.
| What you want to do | What that needs | What clears it here |
|---|---|---|
| Repair a failed manifold and converter on a 2001-2005 Honda Civic | OE Part Number 18160-PLM-A00 | Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic, Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter |
| Replace a manifold with a high-flow design | High-Flow Ceramic Substrate | Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter |
| Replace a manifold with a corrosion-resistant construction | 409 stainless steel | Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter |
Thresholds are the levels this category is generally held to, not manufacturer claims. Check them against your own workload before buying.
Who Buys Exhaust Manifold Converters, and What It Really Costs
Who buys an Exhaust Manifold Converter, and what each one needs
- Daily commuters — EPA Tier 3 / Euro 6 compliance for street legality
- Honda Civic owners — OE Part Number Matching to ensure manifold geometry aligns with the engine block casting
- Track day hobbyists — High-Flow Ceramic Substrates to exceed the benchmark of standard cordierite
- DIY mechanics — Heat Shield clearance to ensure the unit fits without preventing shield reinstallation
- Restoration hobbyists — OEM Cast Iron Manifolds as a reference for thermal mass and durability
What to budget for on top of the Exhaust Manifold Converter
- Gaskets — required to create a seal between the manifold and the cylinder head
- Hardware kit — necessary to secure the unit if the original bolts are seized or stripped
- Heat wrap — used to manage surface temperatures and prevent substrate melting
- Professional installation labor — required if the buyer lacks the tools to align the exhaust tubes
What you can leave out of the budget
- Generic heat shields — unnecessary if the manifold is designed to allow the original shield to be reinstalled
- Performance tuning software — unnecessary if the goal is simply to replace a failed converter with a standard-compliant unit
Where this kind of product is normally sold
- Aftermarket auto parts retailers — offers specialized shipping and technical support for specific fitment issues
- Online marketplaces — provides competitive pricing but requires careful verification of OE Part Number Matching
- Specialty performance shops — provides professional installation and guarantees against port mismatch
- General automotive warehouses — offers bulk availability but may have limited return windows for complex fitment errors
The Questions This Choice Raises
Will the exhaust manifold catalytic converter maintain OEM emissions compliance?
The Honda Civic & Acura EL Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter meets or exceeds OEM standards and is EPA certified for street use. You can confirm legal status by checking that your vehicle is not a California (CARB) or Colorado-regulated model, as these specific units are not legal for use in those regions.
Will I experience a drone or humming sound at highway speeds?
The Goplus Manifold Catalytic Converter uses 409 stainless steel tubular construction to prevent gas leakage and maintain structural integrity. Because the data does not specify decibel levels or dampening coefficients, you should verify the manifold’s internal honeycomb structure against your specific engine’s resonance during the selection process.
Who Should Skip These Exhaust Manifold Converters
The Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter for Honda Civic serves as an exact-fit kit for the 2001-2005 1.7L L4 engine. It replaces the vehicle’s factory installed exhaust manifold with a leak-resistant design. This unit is compatible with OE numbers 18160-PLM-A00 and 18160-PLM-A50. It is important to note this part is not CARB approved and cannot be shipped to or installed on a California-equipped vehicle.
If you need a catalytic converter that meets California Air Research Board (CARB) standards, none of these three options are suitable. These products are not legal for use in California, Colorado, or other regions with similar regulations. You must source a CARB-compliant manifold to meet those specific legal requirements.
For those requiring specialized high-flow ceramic substrates that exceed standard honeycomb designs, you should look for high-performance aftermarket headers. If you are looking for a different vehicle application, see exhaust manifold catalytic converter for jeep wrangler.