catalytic converter

My converter is shot, anyone know if you can cut it out and replace it with a straight pipe, disconnected the sensor behind the converter a few days ago with no ill effect, so I don't see the point to replacing the converter?

Legally, no.

You can do it, but you eventually will set an SES light and your engine won't run very well. You will need a simulator to replace your 02 sensor if you continue to run that way. That said, as 93lt pointed out it is wholly illegal. If caught you run the risk of up to a 10,000 fine. Also it will immediately fail at inspection. Also you may fail emissions. (If you even look like you have a modded truck, a lot of state troopers will examine the truck just for giggles)... Just a word of warning.

just put a catco in. i had a friend of mine cut mine out and weld in a new one. i got a brand new catco 2.5" for $50 off ebay. exhaust sounds real mean now and is louder. sounds more like a V8. not much diff in performance but i'll post if theres a diff in mpg. getting the old cat out is a pain in the but though. ur have to pound it out if you don't drop the torsion bar mounts. we pounded mine out with not 2 much of a problem. new ones been on for 2 weeks and exhaust smells clean and no o2 trips.

I took out the catalytic converter in my Cougar.... In Tennessee here, I haven't had any problems, been pulled over 2 times since its been done as well (though for speeding), I didn't really notice much in performance or in the MPG but it sure does make it sound loud and mean..... Well, hopefully this was of some help, Have fun bro.

You can do it, but you eventually will set an SES light and your engine won't run very well. You will need a simulator to replace your 02 sensor if you continue to run that way. That said, as 93lt pointed out it is wholly illegal. If caught you run the risk of up to a 10,000 fine. Also it will immediately fail at inspection. Also you may fail emissions. (If you even look like you have a modded truck, a lot of state troopers will examine the truck just for giggles)... Just a word of warning.
police staked out at emissions stations; never seen that before (but not a bad idea, emissions becomes an anti-rice station). if the cat is pulled, it may pass emissions but not a state inspection.

I replaced my converter this past weekend - got a direct bolt in replacement from Summit - didn't want to mess around with welding one in (since I don't have a good welder). Pain to get out, at least the top bolt on the front. I was able to wedge a cutoff wheel up there to buzz the nut off. Then I had to cut the pipe off the back of the converter to get the old one out. New one slid right in.