C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Question on gutted converters.

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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 04:58 PM
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Default Question on gutted converters.

I was wondering if i gutted my converters would it make my exhaust louder as that is what im looking for. I dont believe i have a 02 senser after the cats and was wondering if if i would have any other problems in doing this. :flag
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 05:50 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

Gutting the pre-cats on my '88 made it sound a LOT cooler. Louder and lower in tone.

Bob
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 06:31 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

Gutting the cats made my 90 sound 'thoatier' and slightly louder when under WOT :cool: Otherwise, when just tooling around it is about the same.

I highly recommend it if there are no smog ****'s where you live.

Flame Red
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 06:36 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

Yes. Gutting your cat will make your exhaust sound throatier, especially on accelaration. I have an 85 w/ a gutted cat & flowmaster muffs and it sounds great! :yesnod:
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 06:44 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

I have an 86 with a gutted cat and Borla cat back(auggggugugugug) drooling sounds... Sounds amazing. However, all the responses have been from L-98's so far, so you probably need some advice from someone that has gutted cats for an LT-1; I have heard mixed reactions there.
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 09:25 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (into01000101)

My 90 has straight pipes into flowmasters. Sounds awesome but the exhaust stinks now, but I can live with that.
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 09:33 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

What happens if you live in a state that does not check vehicle emissions, and you gut your cats, and then at a later date the state begins checking emissions?

New cats are not cheap.

How illegal is it to gut your cats? Is it a felony or anything?
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 09:39 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (Scott LeMuke)

I believe that gutting your cats is a Federal crime. I work for the NJ DMV and was just reading the Federal regulations concerning altered emission components last week. I remember that it was a big monetary fine if you get caught, something like $10,000. I can look it up for you if you really need to know.
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Old Oct 1, 2001 | 10:05 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (ladyinblack)

I'm pretty sure its punishable by death. :bs
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 06:47 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (ladyinblack)

Thank you for the info ladyinblack

I figured it was probably a serious offense if you get caught.

I will stay legal and think of a different way to increase the HP.

No need to check into it further for my consideration... but maybe for the other guys benefit who are removing theirs.
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 09:06 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

Yeah they will go out of their way to pass a law that is punishable by the feds and give us a 10k fine, but allow a drug dealer or worse to get away with a slap on the hand......GO FIGURE. Gut the cats, I will defend ya for free and probably get you money. Sorry rough day at work, Kinda in a bad mood. Actually gonna gut the pre-cats too to see what difference it makes. Later.


[Modified by ski_dwn_it, 7:08 PM 10/2/2001]
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 09:38 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

In Ohio, you can get "OHIO COLLECTOR" plates. With these plates you can modify your exhaust. ALL vetts - no matter what year - are eligible for the "COLLECTOR" plates. I just received mine for my 1995, my brother has them on his 1987. NO MORE EMMISSION TESTS. FYI Ohio residents
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 10:53 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (Vette Ed)

In Ohio, you can get "OHIO COLLECTOR" plates. With these plates you can modify your exhaust. ALL vetts - no matter what year - are eligible for the "COLLECTOR" plates. I just received mine for my 1995, my brother has them on his 1987. NO MORE EMMISSION TESTS. FYI Ohio residents
Really? Do you kmow if this holds true in CA??? How much did it cost you?
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 10:54 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (KYVette90)

It's only a crime if you get caught!!!! :D :D :D
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 11:03 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

Not sure about CA, try checking with your Dept. of Motor Vehicles.
You might have historical plates, collector plates, etc available to you.
Good Luck!!! :seeya
Mine cost $70.00 per yr.
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 11:34 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (ladyinblack)

I believe that gutting your cats is a Federal crime. I work for the NJ DMV and was just reading the Federal regulations concerning altered emission components last week. I remember that it was a big monetary fine if you get caught, something like $10,000. I can look it up for you if you really need to know.
I'm fairly positive that that fine is for businesses such as muffler shops. They are not allowed to disable any emissions devices for you.

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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 12:09 AM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (GRX)

$10K fine, LOL, that's the max if you own a business and gut the cats. It's not a federal offense if you're a private citizen. Might be a big deal on an L98, but not an LT1/4. On a dual cat LT1/4, mostly stock, I doubt there is even 5HP to be had by gutting the cats.


Eric
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 12:11 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (93aquaConvert)

If you get caught w/out cats, they will cut off your dominant hand so you can't do anymore mods and they will give your car a caning! :smash: :eek:

I've been told that Florida Hwy Patrol will randomly pull people over and check for cats (or maybe it is at roadblocks). Anyway, as long as they see at least a shell, how are they going to tell that it has been gutted???? :D
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 05:33 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (DTor85)

There is no way the CA CARB allows for the 'collector' plates on late model vettes, no way! Damn, they won't let you put on an aftermarket intake without CARB approval! Keep dreaming my friend.
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Old Oct 4, 2001 | 07:08 PM
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Default Re: Question on gutted converters. (into01000101)

Thx for all the replys guys. Theres gota be some lt1s in here with gutted cats..As far as emisions tests i dont have to take them here.. It just makes me wonder why harley davidsons can drive around legaly sounding like a 1000hp funny cars while stock vettes sounds like cadilacs. :cuss
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