Has anyone here removed their cat converters? I have a stock set up. Not really in the market for a full exhaust package. I was told that our trucks will release way more hp without the cats. I plan on getting some different mufflers as well.

I'm not too worried about emissions control programs where I live. They're pretty lax around here with that. And when they do come out, they're checking older vehicles mostly.

My buddy at the dealer says I should go ahead and do it. He said he'll set up so if I do get caught, I can just slip them back in without too much hassle. Any comments? And for those who may have done this, what kind of noticeable gains did you feel, if any? Thanx in advance for any input.

 

It's not a matter of where you live...........I agree that 4 cats is overkill, but removing cats and running str8 pipes is a Federal offense.....not a local one.

Granted if you drive around a place with no cops, you got no foreseen problem..

JC

 

I could be wrong, but I don't think running straight pipes is a federal offense.

Removing the stock cats if they work correctly is I believe a federal offense.

Which is worse removing the stock cats and replacing them with expensive aftermarket cats or removing them and not replacing them? I suppose running with illegal cats is better because you are still removing some of the contaminants from the air, however either one of the options is against the law.

If we could trap the nitrous oxide created by the convertor I would keep mine... http://www.howstuffworks.com/framed....s2/catalyt.htm

 

Anyone ever gut the cats out so that it looks like you still have them on. Also do you need a chip or reburn if you do take the cats off or gut them??
Vin

 

Hey. Good thinkin'. But..........if you get caught without 'em, it'll mostly be from blowing a failure in the emissions test dept. The cats are up front only really seen under the vehicle. But I think I see what you're saying. You're more likely to get fined without intentionally having any, than you would be if you just fail the test. Tricky, tricky. Thanx for the sneaky suggestion man. I might just give that a whirl.

 

Zeus Lightning
I have gutted cats on my 77 skylark with a 350 in it and 373 posi rear. To my suprise at my friends gas station that he owns where they use to do inspections at we hooked up my car to the state inspection machine and she passed even with the gutted cats. Just something to think about sure looks better if you fail and there are cats on there and you can play stupid hehe.
Vin

 

Thanx BadAzz. Good point. I just checked in with my mech buddy at my dealership. He said there would likely be a slight loss in the torque dept., being that there's a supercharger involved. He says normally you don't really want to straight-pipe a vehicle with a s/c or turbo, for reasons of back pressure and all. But he did say that he has a Big time Ford modifier contact out of town that he's going to call and get some numbers on how much hp gain is expected as well as how much torque loss there'll be. Or if there'll be any other problems. I'll probably have some answers early next week. So if the numbers are good and worth it, I'll go with the idea of gutting the cats.