[stephen]

This link should answer your question.

Catalytic Converter Removal - Beat the Law - Import Tuner Magazine

[GreenFaleen]

Unless you have a sniffer there is no problem with removing them if you can get the CEL removed. My car even passed the sniffer with no cats

[whitemustang02]

Originally Posted by stephen At least in Calif. it's against the law to remove a catalytic convertor from a car. If one is removed because it's defective, paperwork has to be submitted justifying the replacement, and the old one has to be retained for a period of time, in case it needs to be inspected to confirm the reason for removing it. I don't think it is a good idea to remove the convertors.

i'm pretty sure that in every state a certified chop can not remove a cat unless it is damaged.

Ticket-Me-Yellow why don't you go with a cated h pipe, that way you don't have to worry about emissions, and it will make the car sound better, preform a little better (due to more back Pressure creating more low end TQ), and be better for the Environment.

[shadow5403]

It is illegal to remove a working cat, but alot of state dont do sniffer tests so that how you get away with it.

[stephen]

Actually, it's a violation of federal law (the clean air act) to remove a catalytic converter.

Emissions Control Tips - Catalytic Converter Tips

[98stangv6]

we dont have inspections in oklahoma

[GreenFaleen]

Originally Posted by stephen Actually, it's a violation of federal law (the clean air act) to remove a catalytic converter. Emissions Control Tips - Catalytic Converter Tips

no Its a violation of the clean air act to never place a catalytic converter on a car. Once you are the owner of a vehicle the law depends on the state in which you reside. If you pass state emission standards you pass a federal regulations. Only states that require exhaust gas testing require cats, all others require that the EGR system reads normal flow meaning no CEL no law is broken

[stephen]

The following is my understanding of the federal law.
It specifies conditions for replacing a catalytic converter. I don't think there is any situation where a converter can be legally removed and not replaced.

Catalytic Converter Laws

If you live in a state without inspections you can probably get away with it, but it would then not be possible to register the vehicle in a state that requires an inspection.

[GreenFaleen]

Originally Posted by stephen The following is my understanding of the federal law. It specifies conditions for replacing a catalytic converter. I don't think there is any situation where a converter can be legally removed and not replaced. Catalytic Converter Laws If you live in a state without inspections you can probably get away with it, but it would then not be possible to register the vehicle in a state that requires an inspection.

No I worked at a service place that did inspections. The clean air act states that the car can not exceed certain Percentages of certain gases (its a long list) If the EGR system reads sufficient flow that meets the requirements of the Clean air act. Some states have tuffer laws like California, and states with the sniffer, but in states where it is just an OBD2 test you dont have to have cats on your car. It is illegal for any shop to remove them and not replace it, but if you do it yourself the act of removing a cat isnt illegal

[stephen]

OK. Then it may be OK to remove the converter if you can still pass the state requirements and no shop helps you with it.

I didn't know that.

Originally Posted by GreenFaleen No I worked at a service place that did inspections. The clean air act states that the car can not exceed certain Percentages of certain gases (its a long list) If the EGR system reads sufficient flow that meets the requirements of the Clean air act. Some states have tuffer laws like California, and states with the sniffer, but in states where it is just an OBD2 test you dont have to have cats on your car. It is illegal for any shop to remove them and not replace it, but if you do it yourself the act of removing a cat isnt illegal

[GreenFaleen]

Originally Posted by stephen OK. Then it may be OK to remove the converter if you can still pass the state requirements and no shop helps you with it. I didn't know that.

yeah and if the shop does it they are at fault if your car fails not you thats the reason any shop that does inspections wont touch a cat or a header

[ashamael]

Was doing some research and came across this post. First a thought, then a question.

My old car, a '92 Lumina with 200K+ miles, passed an emissions test without a cat... except they checked underneath, saw no cat, then failed me, forcing me to replace the cat - even though I had passed without it. That whole federal law/tampering business... So, even if you pass the sniffer, you can still fail, depending on the testing center you go to (and how visible the cats are in the first place).

That leads me to my question... I'm beginning to consider mods to my 'stang, and most things that I've read are telling me one of the first things to do is to replace my exhaust system... it looks like it would not be a big deal at all to go dual exhaust ('04 stock v6), but I'm unsure of what my options are and how far I can upgrade it while still passing the Hamilton County (TN) emissions test.

Should I consult: a) a mechanic b) the testing center themselves c) a helpful link someone will feel free to post that will answer all my questions about emissions testing in Tennessee

Thanks!

[04DSGV6]

consult the testing center. If you need to visually have cats, just gut them or go high flow.

[ROUSHME661]

yeah most emmissions testing shops have to do a visual..they will fail you if they dont see them ..