Here’s a clear comparison of the APEXi Super Catalyzer (e.g., 149-T016 / 149-T021 – metal honeycomb high-flow catalytic converter) vs the OEM catalytic converter on your Toyota GR Yaris (8AT DAT 4BA-GXPA16, G16E-GTS) and why some tuners consider it “better”:
🔥 What the APEXi Super Catalyzer Is
- The APEXi Super Catalyzer is an aftermarket catalytic converter designed for higher flow and lower back pressure compared with many stock catalytic converters — while still meeting emissions requirements.
- It uses a metal honeycomb core with a lower cell density (typically ~130 CPSI) which reduces resistance to exhaust flow compared with many OEM catalysts (which often use higher-density ceramic cores).
📈 Reasons It’s Often Considered Better Than OEM
✅ 1. Lower Exhaust Back Pressure = Potential for Power & Torque Gains
The lower internal resistance and larger effective flow area of the Super Catalyzer’s honeycomb design can reduce back pressure compared to the stock catalytic converter.
This can allow the turbo to spool quicker and improve engine efficiency, helping torque and power delivery — especially at higher RPMs or under boost.
Note: Many OEM cats are tuned for strict emissions and cost, not performance, so they tend to be more restrictive.
✅ 2. Better Throttle Response
Less restriction in the exhaust path can improve transient response — meaning the throttle can feel more responsive when accelerating. This often feels like a livelier engine under load, even if peak power gains are modest.
✅ 3. Still Legal & Meets Emissions
APEXi designs the Super Catalyzer to meet safety and emissions standards (depending on your local test regulations), unlike some “test-pipes” or decats that are illegal for street use.
So it offers a balance: performance improvements without necessarily breaking emissions compliance.
✅ 4. High-Quality Construction
Aftermarket units like the Super Catalyzer are usually built from stainless steel and premium materials to resist heat and corrosion, with robust flanges to prevent exhaust leaks — potentially more durable than some OEM components over time.
📊 How It Compares With OEM
|
Feature |
OEM Catalytic Converter |
APEXi Super Catalyzer |
|
Exhaust Flow / Back Pressure |
Moderate / higher back-pressure |
Lower back pressure / freer flow |
|
Cell Density |
Often high ceramic (restrictive) |
~130 cpsi metal honeycomb (less restrictive) |
|
Performance Gain |
Baseline |
Potential slight power/response improvement (varies) |
|
Emissions Compliance |
Designed for full legal compliance |
Made to meet standards (check local regs) |
|
Durability |
Good |
|
⚠️ What to Keep in Mind
- Gains are usually modest — catalytic upgrades don’t yield huge horsepower increases on their own (often single-digit horsepower without other mods). They’re best as part of a tuning stage combo (e.g., downpipe, intake, ECU tune).
- Since exhaust systems are part of emissions hardware, always verify if your region’s laws allow aftermarket cats for street use. Even those designed to meet regulations (like APEXi’s) may not be accepted by every testing authority.
- Fitment and noise can vary based on the rest of your exhaust — you may notice slightly different exhaust tone compared to OEM (typically freer and sometimes a touch louder) once installed.
🛠Conclusion
The APEXi Super Catalyzer can be considered “better than OEM” in a performance context because it:
✔ Reduces exhaust back pressure
✔ Improves throttle response
✔ Can unlock slight power gains
✔ Is built for durability and meets emissions standards
…but this isn’t a serious power upgrade by itself like a downpipe or ECU tune — it’s more of a supporting performance enhancement for a tuned GR Yaris engine.

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