can i just take out the catalytic converter...?

hi there, I live in California and my catalytic converter went bust...aftermarket converters are not legal in CA and I cannot have one shipped here and the legal ones are super super expensive ( even though I bought my 98 4.0l ranger in Georgia. My question is, until I get the money together, can I run a straight pipe in lieu of the converter, will it do some damage ( I know it will to the environment, but I won't run it too much, I'll ride my motorcycle instead unless I need to haul something). I just can't afford a new converter now but need to drive the truck sometimes. Please don't tell me to seel my bike, the only toy I have

 

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In Kalifornistan That's a huge NO-NO from what I understand....but other than the legal ramifications yes you can do that...the engine will not explode, but it will not run properly either..you will have a CEL. and you might as well just remove the rear O2 sensors so they don't get ruined while you run the catless system...

But no shop anywhere is going to cut your cat out and put a piece of pipe in. its a massive fine for them. So in reality you'd have better luck just gutting your cat, and once you can afford it buy a new one.

You will not pass inspection w/o it. and if you get caught you'll think that Cat was cheap compared to the fines they will toss @ you. I suggest eating Ramen noodle for a few weeks and buy a cat....or sell your toy.

 

thanks

hey thanks maccarcrazy,
I know it is terrible, I will eat ramen for a while and just wait it out. Fortunately the weather is now awesome and I can ride my motorcycle ( I'll save on gas too) and will buy the cat in a couple of paychecks....
Cheers!
Corto

 

I would just second what mrcarcrazy says....if you get caught without the catalytic converter they wouldn't be very happy with you!

I'll second riding the motorcycle though...that's always a ton of fun!

 

im taking both my cats off and theres and o2 simulator that you can put on in its place so it wont throw codes

 

Hi, where can you get o2 sensor simulators?

 

removing your cat is a federal offense.

 

Definitely a no no. Plus in California, you wont be able to pass your emissions. Garunteed. Im closing this thread because we dont encourage these kinds of modifications here.