Possibly a plugged converter?

**proudNMAmember** · 05-31-2006, 04:21 PM

I think my catalayic (if I spelled it wrong, sorry) converter is plugged since my car's check engine light has been on for a long time. I had the computer scanned and it showed that is was this problem. Now, since replacing the whole exhaust including the converter is way too pricey, I want to do something else. I would like to cut the converter off and slap a straight pipe on but due to liability, most shops won't do it. I know, the gov't states that it is illegal but the gov't isn't footing the bill either. How many others have ran straight pipe on their cars? How long on an average does it take to do?

**SmaartAasSaabr** · 05-31-2006, 04:54 PM

The main thing you'd need is to remove the cat, make a pipe that is the same length and the same fittings and just bolt it in. Not that hard.

But first ensure if that's the issue... try taking off the cat and driving around (yeah you'll sound like a ricer

) see if you get a much better performance from the motor

**boomerman** · 05-31-2006, 08:23 PM

Depending on what kind of car you drive you might find an aftermarket converter cheaper than one from the car manufacture.

Have you tried a junk yard by chance? I do not know for sure if they can sell used ones or not but it would be something to look into.

**MerkXRTurbo** · 06-01-2006, 06:07 AM

Don't tell Uncle Sam, but I'm all for loosing the converter if you live in a state where they don't do visual inspections. You really don't need much in the way of emissions control with fuel injected vehicles. I passed the sniff test with flying colors with a 3" straight pipe, non functioning EGR, and no carbon canister.