Catalic converter cutout

[jimmydager]

Hey,
I have herd that cutting out the catalic converter, or just gutting it, increases horse power, milage, and sound. I have a 92 4.3L V6. I was wondering what the process of removing this was and how difficult it is? Also, has any one else done this on a similar engine and and how did it turn out and how did it effect your sound quality/loudness.
Thanks,
Jimmy Dager

[stratman440]

I did this a month ago on my 94 4.3 4x4. It took about 3 hours to complete. I had to pull the whole y-pipe assembly, carfully cut out the catalitic converter, then bend some 3" tail pipe to fit it. After that I had to get it all welded because it leaked. The sound improved greatly, it sounds very mean an at idle, but the throaty sound goes away as you accelerate. On your truck the Catalitic converter is bolted to the y-pipe, so the process should be easier for you. I did see performance increases, but that was because mine was clogged. I'd so go for it.

[J-Ri]

Get a high flow cat if you want performance. It is illegal, and just plain inconsiderate of others to cut or gut the cat.

[stratman440]

I do agree that it is illegal, but for now I will run mine. The price of a new cat could get me gas for a month

[diehlrg]

the soft plug in mine rotted out about a month before the muffler fell off. I cut the pipe in front of the cat and put a 4' straight pipe with a thrush glasspack and a turn down on it. it sounds like hell but it still runs. I doubt it gave it any more power, but there are many other reasons for lack of power on my POS

[bad68chev]

You can get an aftermarket high flow cat from mail order company's like JEG's or Summit Racing for as little as $60.00