Catalytic Converter

[Joe Explorer]

I have a 92 ex that I bought when it was brand new. The catelatic converter is rusting as well as the pipe coming out from it. To buy a new part it is over $300. Can I cut out the catelatic converter and run the pipe from the muffler? If yes will it have any effect on how it runs. also in NE there is not any emmisions test.

Thanks

 

[techieman33]

You can buy aftermarket converters for $50-$100 and then have an exhaust shop weld it in in place of the old one

 

[Joe Explorer]

Thanks. I guess I should of looked further. I saw the $300 and stopped there.

 

[mattadams]

I dont know about Nebraska but you may way want to check your local laws first regarding cats. I know in many states if your car came with them originally you have to have them.
Also, if you have to cut them out, cut them out yourself and don't let the exhaust shop do it. Want to know why? They are VALUABLE to recycle those suckers, and the exhaust shop will tell you something about hwo they can't give them back for legal reasons, bla bla bla, when really they just want to recycle them and collect the dough!!

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

i've heard that some catalytic converters are kinda valuable at scrap yards. something about them having platinum/titanium in it. you coudl always call aroudn and ask, and that might help you recoup some of the loss

 

[fischerry]

Dont by a new one unless you hae too(via state laws)take the exsuast off and the muffler and feed the exsaust out.im pretty sure all first gens have two cat's.(one after the y and one right before the hump over the rear axle)just take a broom & shove the handle threw one end and out th e other.Basically ream it out.then take some 3/4 inch bolts(hand full,make sure you count them before and after) and drop them in one side shake the convert really good to loosen up all the rust and shards.and re install.
Or
just unistall the cats and straight pipe advanced auto make's exsaust so easy if you have a compressor and sawzall.

I took my exsaust out right after the first cat so my exsaust ends right at the end of the front passenger side door.I honestly see no diffrence in power lost or fuel economy and see no gain but you have to deal with a louder exsaust.I still get 15mpg.

mattadams the legalites of returning a cat, is the fact they are hazardous.True they will scrap them the same way you will.

 

[yellowcat]

Best to follow fischerry's advice. If the cat is connected with flanges they sold a piece of pipe that would bolt right in, in place of the cat. An exshaust shop may also weld one up for you.

 

[IZwack]

I'd replace the cats with some cheap universal ones.

 

[rustbucketMI]

I'd strait pipe the system, true most states require that if your car came with a cat that you ahve to have one, but is a cop really gonna get beneath your car and a) check for a cat b) know what a cat is? If you take it into a shop they may tell you that you need one but i dont think they hav restrictions of working on it if there arn't any on. Remember its only illigal if you get caught

 

[IZwack]

Remember its only illigal if you get caught

Murderers think that too :

But seriously, even if no one is ever going to catch you, its unethical. I can understand if you're wallet is running a little thin for a replacement (especially with gas prices these days) but if you're not, I urge you to do the right thing and put a replacement catalytic converter on it.

 

[rustbucketMI]

Murderers think that too :

But seriously, even if no one is ever going to catch you, its unethical. I can understand if you're wallet is running a little thin for a replacement (especially with gas prices these days) but if you're not, I urge you to do the right thing and put a replacement catalytic converter on it.

wow you just put murder and bypassing a cat on the same plane . . .

Cats were introduced in an attempt to reduce emissions. Since then fuels have drastically changed to eliminate most harmfull emissions. The cat still serves a purpose of producing some back pressure but is there mostly because some government hack doesn't want to risk his neck and say they arn't really that needed. I see nothing unethical about not having one

 

[fischerry]

if it's illegal then bromm handle that bad boy,and be done.When inspection comes all they do is use a mirror to see if its there.and the sniffer woulnt get set off.

 

[HahnsB2]

Use a univerasl cat to replace it. $50 and a little work.