Red Beast

hey guys
i was wondering what are the advantages/disadvantages of using cats, the mufflershop i called today who is gunna do my exhaust asked if i wanted to keep my cats or have them removed... i didnt know i had a choice in california, so what you guys think. i was thinking about taking off the cats and everytime i get it smog checked id just replace with the old exhaust, but i feel that would become a pain in the @$$ after a while. but what do you guys think?

CroDalmatinac

the v6 sounds like *** without them.

gman73

Keep the cats. Removing the stock cats is a big no no here in Cali. If caught, you could be fined for both having no cats and removing a smog controlled device. I am surprised they even asked. Before I had hi-flow cats welded into my O/R prochamber, I asked two muffler/exhaust shops if they would do it. Both said they could sell me the hi-flow cats, but not install them. When you run a catless system, your car will produce a distinct smell. Because of the smell alone, I put on hi-flow cats. I didn't want a motor cop to smell my exhaust and then pull me over.

cegha

Yeah i don't live in Cali and even i know you can't run around with cats cut off.

When cats are removed i have been told there is a very distinct gasoline smell. The best thing to look into is a system with Hi-Flo cats built in.

Ato

Beside the obvious of what was posted above, why both removing the cats to get what 5 more hp and a slightly different tone. That is a lot more risk then reward, especially in California.

BeeStang

You also might have problems with the car throwing codes due to them being removed. O2 sensors etc. I'd leave them alone.

Norm Peterson

Catalytic converters are much more efficient than the reputation they got from the early designs would have you believe (ask an older enthusiast about GM's 1970's-era pellet type converters sometime). There still is a tiny gain possible, but it really isn't worth the risk or the hassle. Trust me, swapping exhaust system parts for one day out of the year (or however often inspection is) gets old fast even if you are willing to take the risk the rest of the time.


Norm

2007CalSpec

I've had an off road pipe for several months now and I'm already tired of the exhaust smell. I only went this route for the increased sound level and not so much for performance. I was pulled over by a motorcycle cop for exhibition of speed but he let me off with a warning and I'm sure he probably noticed the smell but didn't say anything about it. Anyway, I'm going to get some high flow cats when I have time and extra money.

gman73

Hi-flow cats did help clean up the smell and sound. I think they are a good addition to prochambers.

whtcanbrwnd04u

Wow. Funny how many people the smell bothered. Maybe mines different but, the only time i smell it is if im idling somewhere. Ive never smelt it while on the move...