Can you remove a catalytic converter

This would be more of an annoyance than a problem, but it will remain lit all the time. This would preclude you from seeing it light if a real problem occurred. The only way around this would be to put in a replacement for the lambda sensor which would fool the computer into thinking everything was okay there is a term for these fake sensors, but the name eludes me at present , or to have an aftermarket tune put into the computer, which would set the thresholds for "out of range" on the lambda sensor so the CEL would never illuminate.

The cats are there to scrub out the most of the CO and NOx nastiness that is the byproduct of internal combustion. If I remember well, these chemicals contribute to acid rain. These fumes don't just smell bad - they can induce headaches as well. The other answers have addressed the environmental and health concerns, however, I want to add a few points. Firstly, if the specified fuel is not used, this can cause more problems than just a damaged catalytic converter.

You should address this as a separate issue. Most manufacturers will specify a minimum requirement and recommended standard - don't confuse the two.

Read about the different rating standards here: Octane Rating wiki. If you are unable to use the recommended spec but can use the minimum spec, then there should be no harm to your catalytic converter. This assumes that your fuel suppliers and fuel stations adhere to these standards. I know some parts of the world don't have good standard enforcement and fuel can be mixed with water or other contaminants.

This is a separate issue, so please update the question if needed. Thirdly, removing the catalytic converter may trigger a fault code which will illuminate the check engine light assuming you have one. You can get around this by fitting a spacer on the downstream lambda O2 sensor.

This way you will have a normally functioning check engine light should you have any actual faults. Finally, I would leave the catalytic converter in place until you are certain it is damaged.

If you replace it with a straight pipe it may make the engine sound become undesirable. Make sure this is done properly with proper flanges and gaskets to prevent the exhaust blowing. Removing the catalytic converter will save alot more money than replacing it and will make your engine exhale better and last longer due to the removal of a suffocation device "cat" only issue outta all the ones I've removed it is if the downstream O2 sensor is plugged directly in it, which there are ways around.

If that is the case then the first option is-remove the "cat" gut it out completely, reinstall it, and plug the sensor back in. Option two- remove the "cat" fill in that gap with exhaust tubing, bore a hole in the new pipe that the O2 sensor will fit snuggly in and there should be no engine light as long as that sensor has hot gas exhaust flowing over it it's not gonna trigger an error code to the cars computer.

If there's no sensor in the cat just chop it off and fill in the gap. It's gonna run alot better I'll tell you that. I do it to every car I've ever had and ever will have. A catalytic converter makes no use if short distances are run, Like in my town. When he is hot, he cleans well. In places where smog is not a problem, the catalytic converter does more damage than good.

It reduces the efficiency of the vehicle, forcing the consumption of more fuel than would otherwise be burnt. In this context the answer is YES. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top.

Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Now these pollutant gases that are made from harmful molecules are not really that harmful if they are separated. It is the one responsible for splitting these harmful molecules and making sure that the vehicle is producing less pollution. It is a metal box usually made from platinum and palladium which is attached on the underside of the vehicle and has two pipes coming out of it.

One pipe is connected to the engine that brings hot and polluted gases from the cylinder of the engine. The other one is attached to the exhaust or the tailpipe. When these gases blow over the catalyst, chemical reactions happen which split the harmful gases apart and convert them into safe gases before it is released into the air. Knowing the importance of this car part in our environment and health, why is it that some people are still considering removing the catalytic converter?

Will it do more good than harm? Let us go through the advantages and disadvantages of removing catalytic converters. There have been a lot of arguments made from people who are going against and the people who are in favor of removing catalytic converters. It has been mentioned above that it plays an important role in keeping our environment healthy but having it removed also has some benefits. Another possible reason why people are considering removing catalytic converters because when it becomes broken or damaged, replacing it for a new one is very expensive.

In fact, the catalytic converter is considered to be one of the most expensive individual parts of a vehicle. It is costly because the materials used are also expensive such as palladium and platinum. So when it becomes broken, people will most likely choose to remove it and replace it with a less expensive and energy-efficient one.

Removing the catalytic converter of your vehicle can be so rewarding when you experience an increased engine performance. But is it really worth all the trouble you might get in removing it?

In case you might be wondering what it could be, here are some of the problems you might encounter when you remove your catalytic converter. You can operate the engine at a lower temperature. When constriction occurs during the exhaust process, the extra work that the engine does to generate power creates more heat under the hood. By removing the catalytic converter, you remove this constriction, which means you can operate at a lower operating temperature.

You can achieve better gas mileage. Since the catalytic converter places a strain on the engine with its constrictive design, it must work harder to achieve the same energy than it does without the device in place. Removing it lessens this burden, creating a net effect where the engine can perform significantly better without working as hard. That means you receive an improvement in fuel consumption which translates to an improvement in your overall fuel economy.

Many have said the mpg gain is slight. You can do it yourself. Anyone with some decent car sense and a few tools can take care of removing their catalytic converter at home. All you need to do is follow these three steps. You can do this if you have an O2 wrench available. Most auto parts stores have them or you can order one online. You cannot perform this action legally in several U. You must follow a specific process to legally remove your catalytic converter in the United States.

These guidelines are offered through rules that were issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Several states, such as California, have strict laws on the books which prohibit the removal of a catalytic converter under most circumstances. Unless you know for certain what the outcome would be, speak with your mechanic about the pros and cons of removing this item before doing it on your own. Federal law in the United States prohibits the removal of a catalytic converter which is functioning properly.

A replacement converter is permitted if there is a documented failure of the original one. Serious fines may result if your vehicle is found to be without this device. You may trigger a fault code in your vehicle. Removing the catalytic converter may create a circumstance where you trigger a fault code in your vehicle.

If you have a check engine light, then this will illuminate on your heads-up display. Although you can get around this issue on some vehicles by fitting a spacer on your downstream O2 sensor the lambda sensor , there is a risk that normal functionality does not return.

That would make it a challenge to track actual faults through this warning light.