Catalytic Converter

[1986Warthog]

Hey guys.

I know that they are an important part on a fue-injected car, but do they do anything but rob horsepower on a carbureted engine?

the reason I ask is I need to do the exhaust system on my ride and was wondering if I should go with a High Flow cat, or a chunk of pipe?

[beat88ls]

most states its illegal to remove cats from the exhaust

[bobss396]

The cat is part of the whole emissions system, the car will probably perform better with it hooked up providing the engine is healthy and the rest of the emissions system is operating to specs.

Bob

[silicon212]

The old GM beaded-type cats (octagonal shaped) were very restricted and robbed a bit of power. Beginning in 1978 or thereabout, GM switched to a monolithic design which does not rob power, but still cleans the air. Only remove a cat if it's plugged, but make sure you put another one on. As was stated above, it is a federal offense to remove a catalytic converter (or other emission component) from a vehicle.

[1986Warthog]

canada's still pretty lenient on emissions laws... I heard that you get a pretty substantial power gain w/o the cat. And only a nominal drop in fuel economy.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by 1986Warthog

canada's still pretty lenient on emissions laws... I heard that you get a pretty substantial power gain w/o the cat. And only a nominal drop in fuel economy.

You heard wrong. Removal of a monolithic type cat will only net you 2-3 HP at most.

[GreyGoose006]

but but but but but...
if the car is registered as an antique vehicle, you can do whatever you please to the emissions system, and it will be ok.


other than that, i agree with all that was said above.
dont remove the cat unless it is plugged.
for performance sake, use a high flow cat

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by GreyGoose006

but but but but but...
if the car is registered as an antique vehicle, you can do whatever you please to the emissions system, and it will be ok.


other than that, i agree with all that was said above.
dont remove the cat unless it is plugged.
for performance sake, use a high flow cat

According to Federal law, emission components may not be removed from any car of the 1968 model year or newer. This is regardless of status. Of course, US Federal laws do not pertain to Canadian cars.

[beat88ls]

If it came with emissions equipment you cannot alter it... I had a 78 Olds with a 403 took the cats off and ran straight pipes and even thought it does not require emissions test, it failed the visual inspection because it had no cats

[CapriceBoy214]

So does that mean dont take tha cat off if furl inject