Catalytic Converter - can I take it off?

[DOUGGN]

I want to remove my catalytic converter and replace it with a straight pipe. Can I do this without messing up something (besides emissions)? My car currently has a 3" down pipe, random tech. high flow cat and dual 2 3/4 tail pipes.

 

[augie1010]

removing the cat is a violation of federal EPA law. If you do it don't let anyone know you did. i think the fine is $10,000 for intentionally removing the cat converter. I know cars in my area that have gutted cats, but appear to be stocks from the "outside" I currently use a TH 3" downpipe with a matching 3" cat and the car runs good, it even passes inspection

Good luck
Dave

 

[2QUIK6]

Your turbo car will run much better without it. All depends on how's strict your local laws are and emissions testing is. Here in texas once it's 25 years old it doesn't get emissions sniffed anymore but some places will still do a visual to make sure the emission equip is there. In my 25 years of driving they never cared if it would pass the sniffer. And now when the car is 25 you can license it as an antique and not evn have to get it inspected at all for safety or emissions.
So you can either put a straight pipe on or hollow out the cat. If asked then you don't know how the pipe got on there it was on there when you got the car

 

[notacarlo]

Every TR I have had didn't have a cat.....I bought them that way officer.

 

[1fast6]

I want to remove my catalytic converter and replace it with a straight pipe. Can I do this without messing up something (besides emissions)? My car currently has a 3" down pipe, random tech. high flow cat and dual 2 3/4 tail pipes.

yes

 

[GNRick]

My car came with an ATR dp and exhaust. I think it probably has their "race cat". What is a race cat and would it run better with a straight pipe?

 

[DOUGGN]

Couple related questions - If I run race gas will it ruin the catalytic converter?

Is the random technologies hi-flow cat that I have free flowing or is it choking the engine?

 

[1fast6]

if it's leaded race gas, yes.
any converter is a huge restriction in the exhaust...

 

[jlat]

hello; Yes, you can take it off but there might be problems. You can gut your cat., buy a high flow cat, buy a fake cat that is a straight pipe on the inside and looks like a real one from the out side. I like that idea. I personally would not just have a straight pipe as you never know who might want to be an arse. The cat is a restriction and I have on idea of the gain. I have a high flow 3" and I have thoughts of the fake one.
I'd also talk to your where you do get a sticker and see what they say.
IBBY

 

[aminga]

Every TR I have had didn't have a cat.....I bought them that way officer.

Converter theft is a big problem here.

 

[jlat]

hello; Funny someone here says he could get like $100.00 from a scrapper for an old cat. I wonder if it's true?
IBBY

 

[85Dan85TType]

hello; Funny someone here says he could get like $100.00 from a scrapper for an old cat. I wonder if it's true?
IBBY

Leave your car overnight on a highway and find out!

Anyone I've known who had a breakdown on the highway and had to come back and get it the next day has had their converter sawed off. There has to be some money in it.

I think if your car already has a high flow cat you probably aren't going to see a huge improvement from high flow cat to no cat. Probably not worth the expense to go pay for a straight pipe and put it on anyway, imo.

 

[charlief1]

Converter theft is a big problem here.

It is here to. One of my friends started his truck up one morning and it was very loud. He looked under it and someone had tried to cut his off. Didn't take it but still. They go for about $75 here to the salvage metal yard.

 

[DOUGGN]

Anyone familiar with the random technologies high flow cat?

 

[bsdlinux]

Anyone familiar with the random technologies high flow cat?

Yes I have one that install on the GN for emissions tests. Any high flow cat or otherwise is not optimal for the best performance on a TURBO car. The high flow cats are better but are still a restriction nonetheless. Get a test pipe is you can get away with it, your car will thank you

 

[usetaboost]

Same thing I told Keith, Quit being a girl and take the cat out! Something about that doesn't sound right, does it?

 

[usetaboost]

almost every pre-obdII car I've had I have gutted the cat or put a test pipe in place.

 

[GullsGN]

Don't put a straight pipe, put a dump and an electric cut-out and enjoy.

 

[2QUIK6]

hello; Funny someone here says he could get like $100.00 from a scrapper for an old cat. I wonder if it's true?
IBBY

Yep, its the small amounts of platinum and pallidium in them that make them valuable to scrappers.

 

[DOUGGN]

where is the best place to buy a test pipe?