Key contributors to the Accord engine's excellent emissions performance are its high-efficiency catalytic converters. All engines have their exhaust manifold(s) cast directly into the aluminum alloy cylinder head(s) to reduce weight and position each primary catalytic converter as close as possible to the combustion chambers. A high-efficiency close-coupled converter mounts directly to the exhaust port of each cylinder head for extremely rapid converter activation after engine startup. A second converter is positioned shortly downstream, beneath the passenger compartment floor. Both converters use a new thin-wall design that increases internal reaction area and improves efficiency.
