Remove your Catalytic Converter/s for more HP?

[SgtAbn]

Hi Guys, I've heard there is a way to remove your Catalytic Converter/s for more HP and if you do this, you may need to bypass your O2 sensors or hack your O2 sensors or there is a dummy O2 sensor to install? Anyone try this? Obviously this won't work if you live in a area where annual emission testing is required.. .

 

[Twisted Sid]

Unless they are clogging your exhaust because they failed and came apart, you won't gain much of anything from doing this and doing some kind of o2 sensor hack will most likely cause other issues.

If you want more power, forced induction is your answer.

 

[Sparky 97Runner]

You can cut out your cat and weld in a straight piece of pipe. The only O2 sensor that would possibly need to be hacked is the downstream sensor. However, you will gain zero horsepower on our rigs by doing this. At least nothing noticeable. I'd recommend spending time and money on other mods.

 

[T4R2014]

What, like an 8 HP gain at 5200 rpm? Really worth it to drive around with a smelly exhaust and sounding like a clapped out 1998 Chrysler Town & Country from the bad part of town just to get that tiny gain?

 

[SgtAbn]

Thank you all for your feedback, it sounds like it is not worth it to me..

 

[Jungoes]

I had my cat stolen and I welded in a straight pipe for a few months. I can tell you for sure the power gain was there. Truck accelerated alot easier, climbed hills alot easier and the engine definitely felt free flowing. The downside was the noise and fuel economy hit was too much for a daily driver.

I looked into the o2 sensor trick with the capacitor and resistor that's on this site somewhere. As this is my daily driver I installed a cat from a tundra and added a protective shield. It drives and sounds like it used to before the cat was stolen.

I do miss the performance to be honest but you can't have everything.

 

[DamenAndrsn]

You can cut out your cat and weld in a straight piece of pipe. The only O2 sensor that would possibly need to be hacked is the downstream sensor. However, you will gain zero horsepower on our rigs by doing this. At least nothing noticeable. I'd recommend spending time and money on other mods.

So I'm just wondering this would be the 1st time I've ever had to do this. But I've been contemplating on doing a cat delete and I've come across a few people who are trying to argue with me that if I remove my cat it will eventually cause some lack of lubrication issue and cause my 3.4 to seize. But from what I've read and heard from some mechanics is that as long as I spend the couple bucks on a resistor and capacitor to trick the downstream o2 sensor that I wouldn't have any issues. So I guess if I remove it am I looking at any real issues

 

[GhostRing]

Homie - your rig, your life, but do the world a favor and just leave the thing in there.

 

[Endlessblockades]

I think it might be a lot easier and likely cheaper to add an Airaid (owned by K&N) intake tube and a couple of stickers to add 5-10 HP.

 

[brillo_76]

folks can always do what they wish.

I don't like to smell of non cat engines running in front of me. An super old classic that never had one to begin with is one thing. These engines have a CAT For a reason. Its too clean up and burn the access fuel so the exhaust is cleaner. Removing the cats is just as silly as trying to fake out the O2 systems. I know I just replace what is broken or damaged as that is how it is engineered to run.

Next along with the intake and stickers will be those performance chips that mods the MAF Data.. Why do people even try to this.

The ECU and sensors are designed to keep it at the best ratio it can be. Why people waste their time and try to convince themselves. They know better then the engineers that designed it. Might as well add the fat can exhaust while your at if if that is what your into..

For me its all about dependability and reliably which these modifications are not going to make things better. However, this is just my opinion and folks can agree or disagree with it. Whatever works for them..

 

[phattyduck]

So I'm just wondering this would be the 1st time I've ever had to do this. But I've been contemplating on doing a cat delete and I've come across a few people who are trying to argue with me that if I remove my cat it will eventually cause some lack of lubrication issue and cause my 3.4 to seize. But from what I've read and heard from some mechanics is that as long as I spend the couple bucks on a resistor and capacitor to trick the downstream o2 sensor that I wouldn't have any issues. So I guess if I remove it am I looking at any real issues

Won't cause any long term issues for your engine. The cats are AFTER the engine and won't change anything with it. A "spark plug anti-fouler" or two is likely enough for the rear O2 sensor.

Just don't think it is actually going to gain you any HP though... especially without other flow modifications (supercharger, headers, cat-back, intake, etc.).

I ran vehicles in the past catless - I don't see a reason in modern times to do that though. Plenty of good high-flow cat options if you need more flow than the stock setup can provide (on a high performance engine, not a 5VZ). Cats also means no hassle from cops on the road and no stinky smells out in nature with your 4WD...

-Charlie