Review on 🚗 Flowmaster 2010016 Catalytic Converter for 1996-2003 Chevy S10 2.2L - 49-State Legal DFC by Jeremy Meyer

This is the second replacement catalytic converter for my Chevy S-10 2.2 liter 4 cylinder. The original was replaced at 150,000 km. The first replacement was the Fischer brand and lasted about 30,000 miles. My car now has just over 180,000 km on it. Fisher and Flowmaster are a perfect match but have minor cosmetic differences. Both units came with a gasket set. Installation and removal was the same for both. Fisher: Features tapered flanges on each end of the mounting brackets, just like the factory OEM. Flowmaster: No tapered flanges on the mounting brackets for easy installation and removal. Fischer: It's getting hot. Housing covering the main body of the catalytic converter, spot welded at 4 corners. Flowmaster: Has a thermal jacket that encloses the entire catalytic converter housing and is welded all around. Disconnect and remove the O2 sensor. Remove 3 bolts from each end of the catalytic converter, then remove the 2 bolts securing the bracket to the truck frame. DO NOT attempt to remove the rubber bushings from the machine while under the truck. It's much easier to just remove the entire bracket from the frame and then wrestle with the rubber bushings on your workbench. I simply used a hacksaw and cut the conical flanges off the old catalytic converter. It is soft metal and only takes about 5 minutes. After removing the conical flanges you can easily remove the rubber bushings. Install the mounting bracket to the truck frame first, then slide the rubber grommets onto the unit to secure it. Hand tighten the 3 screws at each end, making sure to use a suitable gasket. The smaller padding goes forward. Tighten all screws. Install and reconnect the O2 sensor. Last time I used heat treated screws and this time they were much easier to remove and in good condition to use again. While both the Fisher and Flowmaster appear almost identical, I expected the Fisher to clock in at well over 30,000 miles. I have no doubt that the Flowmaster will last longer so I have to assume the Flowmaster is a better buy but it was slightly more expensive.