My friend wants to gut his catalytic converter because it is starting to break down on the inside. One mechanic "noticed" that the internals were starting to break down and offered to replace it for ~ $200. Another mechanic said he could probably replace it with a direct-fit generic for about $100. Is there any harm in just unbolting the flanges, knocking out the insides, and putting it back?

3.0 V6 on a Toyota truck

12/3/2009 6:36:56 PM

drill away

ibtgreenpeople

12/3/2009 6:51:56 PM

no, if you don't mind cosmic radiation leaking into your cab

[Edited on December 3, 2009 at 6:59 PM. Reason : .]

12/3/2009 6:59:26 PM

Just pay the hundred bucks and do it right.

12/3/2009 7:04:01 PM

An old tie-rod works great at knocking out the guts.
If it is a 96 or newer, it may not pass inspection without the cat.
It does not hurt the environment not to have it, and there are gains in getting rid of it.

[Edited on December 3, 2009 at 7:57 PM. Reason : -]

12/3/2009 7:08:44 PM

It's also a federal offense.

12/3/2009 8:46:56 PM

Quote :

"It does not hurt the environment not to have it"

eh?

I thought I'd be a good boy and run a stock cat on my turbo car. The boost ended blowing the innards to smithereens anyway

[Edited on December 4, 2009 at 8:43 AM. Reason : +1 for spend the $100 and do it right]

12/4/2009 8:43:14 AM

Drill away... just watch out for the carcinogens.

12/4/2009 9:32:51 AM

If you don't have to pass emissions (in other words it's pre 1996) then just drill the damn thing. If your engine is properly tuned the catalytic converter's main use is reducing CO and NOx emissions.

I'm still amazed that my original cat still works on my '92 Integra (then again it hasn't been tested for emissions in years)

12/4/2009 9:50:58 AM

^or if you're registered in a non-emissions test county (vehicle year doesn't matter)

12/4/2009 10:03:10 AM

If you are in a emissions county and its 96 or newer, you might be able to fool the cel by putting 2 sparkplug non foulers between the 2 o2 sensor and the original flange into the exhaust.

Some cars it works, some it doesnt. Just be prepared to pay to fix it right if you fail emissions.


It will also probably make your car louder and more "droney" if that makes any sense.

12/4/2009 10:12:22 AM

gutting the cat on a stock truck is probably not worth the trouble of check engine lights and possible failed inspections

and gutting a cat isn't always easy depending on what you find inside

12/4/2009 12:55:08 PM

His truck is a 1994. Hopefully he can just follow through with gutting it and the vehicle computer won't notice.

12/4/2009 8:48:40 PM

do it right and get a high flow cat

12/5/2009 9:48:45 AM

who is a good manufacturer of high flow cats?

12/5/2009 2:43:35 PM

This....

Quote :

"It's also a federal offense."

....and even in a safety only inspection, if someone wanted to be strict they could suspect tampering of the cat by the noise and smell.

12/5/2009 3:18:39 PM

just stab it with a pry bar. its going to eventually end up in the atmosphere.

12/5/2009 5:30:01 PM

I have the cat from my 3.0 v6 it was in good shape when removed, and I unbolted it so it would just be a bolt in install he could do himself. Make me an offer if interested.

12/7/2009 12:36:12 PM

Ill give you 5 for it.

12/7/2009 3:45:22 PM

Don't let any of the Obama worshippers in the Soap Box see this. They will sacrifice you on the Al Gore Altar of Hoaxes

12/9/2009 8:43:25 PM

^hahaha

12/9/2009 8:45:38 PM