97 escort exhaust question

[pintojoe]

I have a 97 2.0, I was having trouble with lack of power and someone suggested the converter was clogged so I took it off and "unclogged" it myself , I put it all back together and the car runs like a champ
My question is will this hurt my car? Is this why im also getting a code 1443?

[Jet-Lee]

Yes, it's the reason for your code. No, it will not hurt your car. No, you will not pass emissions test.

I run sans muffler. Gained about 3-4 mpg.