my truck has straight pipes with gutted cats. so far, the check engine light has not come on, but im sure it will come on soon. my question, i know some manufacturers make O2 simulators for sports cars to trick the computer into thinking the cats are still there. does anyone make them for F-150's? anyone have them? if i leave my truck the way it is, whats the worst thing that could happen with no cats? (other than getting caught running with no cats ) thanks a lot guys!

------------------
1989 F-150 XLT Lariat: 2WD 302 5spd[*]Performance Accessories 3" Body Lift[*]33x12.50.15 BFG A/T's on 15x10 AR Rims[*]Rancho Steering Stabilizer[*]Rancho RS 5000 Shocks[*]K&N Air Filter[*]Gutted Cats with Straight Pipes For Now...

Go Full Speed or Go Home!

 

Are you still using the sensors or are they gone too? In 1996, all autos came with OBD II computer systems. These systems monitor how well the emmissions systems are working. They use an O2 sensor after the cat to monitor how well the cat is working. The sensors before the cat controls fuel ratios. Your truck wouldn't run well at all if you disconected these. So basicly, pre 95 vehicles can be run without cats because the computer doesn't know it's missing.

 

my truck only has one oxygen sensor before the first cat (which i put back after gutting the cats). there is no other sensors on the exhaust, but there is a tube on the exhaust pipe between the 2 cats that goes up to the engine bay (EGR???). so this means that my truck should be ok with no cats, correct? thanks...

 

You should be fine. That tube should be an air inlet. Ford introduces a bit of air to aid in burnoff in the exhaust stream.

 

tahnks a lot for the info, V10 man! you have set my mind at ease, thanks!