Actually most of the time it did fail on the 2 step. Then the officials would get pissed off they had to clean all the pieces of cat off the track as I had no mufflers on the car to catch them the chunks would literally blow out of the exhaust.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I really didn't know that you could get a huge fine for not running cats but I wonder if they would really try to fine you that much. Its technically a capital offense for putting salt on a railroad track but I haven't heard anyone getting the chair for it. I just thought it would make you fail your smog test and not get an inspection sticker. AL doesn't inspect so I thought this might be an option for me. Not to bash on the environment but not running cats on a car that gets driven maybe 5k a year isn't going to matter. Some people acted like if I didn't run cats it would be like Deepwater Horizon all over again. With what has been said about the smell alone is probably enough to make me go with cats. I was just wondering what the pro's/con's were about cats so I asked and got some great feedback.

 

Actually, replacing the stock cats with headers and high flow cats is subject to the same fine. This is fromthe epa reg:

(6) When can I install an aftermarket converter?
Generally, there are only 3 situations when you can install an aftermarket converter.
They are:
(1) if the converter is missing from the vehicle when brought in for exhaust
system repair; or
(2) if a State or local inspection program has determined the existing converter
has been lead poisoned, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement; or
(3) if the vehicle is more than 5 years old or has more than 50,000 miles*
(8 years/80,000 miles for 1995 and newer vehicles) and a legitimate need for
replacement has been established and appropriately documented (e.g., a
plugged converter or unrepairable exhaust leaks).
Any other converter replacement must be with a 'certified' or new original equipment (OE)
or equivalent converter.
Aftermarket converters subject to the enforcement policy requirements cannot be used for
replacement if:
(1) the existing converter is present and functioning properly; or
(2) the replacement is under recall or warranty; or
(3) the vehicle is returning from overseas use.

 

I too will add that cats versus no cats definitely make an audible difference...at least on the cars I have owned as well as my friends.

 

What does salt on a railroad track do? I have this sudden urge to go do it.

 

You may need to request the CF make a new section for you: "Stock Vette Talk". The traffic will be so heavy! Sounds like your steering pulls hard to the left too.... May need to get that checked. You made conclusions prior to reading the OP's posts. He is clearly leaning towards cats. Typical lib move....

 

Maybe you need some lessons in comprehension. My first post started with: If you take them out... But then lack of comprehension or making up your own facts is frequently a typical conservative move.

 

Well. I pegged it right. Funny. I comprehend cars and their mechanics very well. Been wrenching since I was 16. Aftermarket cats and a tune will run very well and may even reduce CO2 which is awesome. Just to end with a question as this is my final post to this thread. Do you attack everyone that asks a question in an open forum? A simple informative response would have been nice.

 

You will hear more of a difference between cats and no cats without headers. Once you have headers installed, they are so loud that the difference between cats and no cats is minimal. Deleting the cats with headers installed will sound a bit more aggressive, but nothing drastic.

 

Taken together, the two of you have managed to slander everybody in the United States with your incorrect (and in any case irrelevant) generalizations. It's almost as if you _want_ people to dismiss your opinions.

My suggestion to anybody who finds himself about to use the adjective "typical" is to reconsider, because what you're about to type next is almost certainly BS.

 

 

Again, based on "my" experience on "my" car that is totally incorrect. The difference was day and night. However..you can believe as you wish.

 

I was hoping that my last post was my last.... Everything I and Walt White Coup said are "typical" when used to describe politicians in office today (I am a conservative Libitarian). I don't think anyone down with reality and up to date with politics will deny that. You have to remember who votes them in office..... the US Citizen that votes. So, yes we were describing all of Americans when using the word typical, but the people who make up the stereotypes (elected officials) for the terms liberal and conservative represent all of America (very sad at times....). . If you look up the definition it states representative specimen.

Anyway.... to the exhaust as I should have focused on. I vote cats. My blown c5 has cats (stockers actually) and it runs great. I do fear that they will someday clog up, but they will probably melt long before that!

I made almost 500 to the wheels through the stock exhaust and doubt removing the cats would be worth the added power. Long tubes with cats would be though.

Another thing not discussed is noise violations/limits. I have no idea what the laws are in the state the OP resides, but it would be a good idea to check into that too. The sound difference at idle should be minimal, but in throttle it may be enough to pass over a a sound limit.