Disable Catalytic Converter
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Disable Catalytic Converter
I realize that it is illegal to remove or disable the converter. However, I still would like to know if there is a way to disable the catalytic converter on my 1980. The purpose for doing something to the converter is to improve the exhaust sound. A friend said I should just take a crowbar to the inside of the converter. Is this effective? Will it improve the exhaust sound?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
replace the cat with a high flow monolithic cat will change the sound somewhat, and unless you own welding equipment, is cheaper than DB's suggestion. - and remains legal all at the same time.
Otherwise get a piece of straight pipe - rent an exhaust pipe expander from Kragen and make your own replacement pipe.
Otherwise get a piece of straight pipe - rent an exhaust pipe expander from Kragen and make your own replacement pipe.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Anywhoo... Get a high-flow cat (~$100), and some loud mufflers and it will sound great. The cat mellows the sound and often sounds better than no cat at all.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
[
Anywhoo... Get a high-flow cat (~$100), and some loud mufflers and it will sound great. The cat mellows the sound and often sounds better than no cat at all.[/QUOTE]
Sounds like a good plan to me - where do you find a high-flow cat for $100?
Anywhoo... Get a high-flow cat (~$100), and some loud mufflers and it will sound great. The cat mellows the sound and often sounds better than no cat at all.[/QUOTE]
Sounds like a good plan to me - where do you find a high-flow cat for $100?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Yes it's quite effective; also louder. After 20+ years, you may find cat's guts have already crumbled and been blown out. You should show your approx geographic location ... smog enforcement varies alot by location ... chances are someone here knows what's doable in your area.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I'm new at this
At 62 I finally was able to get my first Corvette after 46 years. I'm just having fun getting started. The car sat for almost 7 years --- not even started. All fluids have been drained and everything was in pretty good shape. My next questions will probably be about vacuum lines and some dash electrical glitches. Thanks for the help to get started on the sound.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Fla
ebay has "test pipes"
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CORVE...Q5fCarQ5fParts
this one is for 82-85, but you get the idea. Also check the crossfire forum, they have threads about "gutted cats"
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CORVE...Q5fCarQ5fParts
this one is for 82-85, but you get the idea. Also check the crossfire forum, they have threads about "gutted cats"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Yes it's quite effective; also louder. After 20+ years, you may find cat's guts have already crumbled and been blown out. You should show your approx geographic location ... smog enforcement varies alot by location ... chances are someone here knows what's doable in your area.
yes a crow bar works fine .when you are done you will have a test pipe that looks like a cat and will cost you nothing .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,446
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
There's a difference between a state's emissions check program and what is required. No state allows you to remove the cat on a car originally equipped with one. Many states only do an emissions check on cars 24 years old or newer, but in those states a visual check is still part of the safety inspection.
Anywhoo... Get a high-flow cat (~$100), and some loud mufflers and it will sound great. The cat mellows the sound and often sounds better than no cat at all.
Anywhoo... Get a high-flow cat (~$100), and some loud mufflers and it will sound great. The cat mellows the sound and often sounds better than no cat at all.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Not sure about the northeast, but here in Texas the safety inspection does include a visual inspection of the cat, thermostatic air cleaner, PCV and EGR. This visual inspection applies to all vehicles originally equipped with the parts, regardless of age.
I'm surprised the northeast states are more lenient than TX.
I'm surprised the northeast states are more lenient than TX.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,446
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Not sure about the northeast, but here in Texas the safety inspection does include a visual inspection of the cat, thermostatic air cleaner, PCV and EGR. This visual inspection applies to all vehicles originally equipped with the parts, regardless of age.
I'm surprised the northeast states are more lenient than TX.
I'm surprised the northeast states are more lenient than TX.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
The emissions sticker specifies the items the car came with.
If the sticker is missing they go by books. But the books are known to have errors and list stuff the car didn't have so it's a good idea to take care of the sticker.
If the sticker is missing they go by books. But the books are known to have errors and list stuff the car didn't have so it's a good idea to take care of the sticker.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 31
From: Pitman NJ
Most Northeast states do not require emissions testing for cars 25 years and older. You are correct that federal law (not state law) does not allow the removal of any emissions equipment on cars that originally came with said equipment at any age. However, in reality most states do not do a visual inspection for cars that are not being emissions tested in the northeast. Inspection involves safety only. For example, In Rhode Island, a car 25 years and older cannot fail inspection for emissions, only safety violations. In Massachussetts, cars 25 years and older also only undergo a safety inspection, no emissions testing or visual. States with Historic or Antique plate (25 years and older) options also require safety inspection only, no emissions or visual emissions inspection. Just an FYI.