FYI on Removing CAT

[Cattletrkr]

Why remove cat???

I never used to like 'em either, but I'm slowly starting to see things differently. I can run my Juice on 2-3 with 25K behind me up a hill steep enough that I can't hold my speed, and never see EGT above 1200*F. My engine breaths plenty good already.



I also like being able to start my p/u in the shop for 10-15secs without having to open the door when it's 0*F outside and I don't get all woozy from the fumes. It may not "smell like a diesel", but since when is that a bad thing.



Maybe 3-4 years form now when that old soot trap gets a little clogged, I may do things differently. But on a new truck, why mess with it.



BTW, I'm only 29, so don't go calling me an old fuddy-duddy.

 

[tschwab]

You non-believers can BELIEVE what you want, DO as you please, then CRY long and loud like THIS guy when harsh reality strikes:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125706



And if you prefer to take the advice of some of the "outhouse lawyers" on this board - check to see if they will ALSO represent you in front of a Federal judge or DC area rep...



"Wanna PLAY?, be prepared to PAY!"



Like it or not! :-laf

So true. Like it or not, these '04. 5+ trucks were designed to work with a CAT. Why chance voiding your warranty by removing your CAT & getting fined for tampering with your emmision system? There will little to NO gain in performance.



EGT is also a coming, brand(s) F&C already have both (CAT & EGT).



100% stock and keeping it that way.

 

[Tomeygun]

... ... ... . Therefore, the back pressure and the exhaust system configuration (including the location of the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe diameter and length) are "elements of the design" of a vehicle's emission control system and cannot legally be tampered with. Examples of illegal modifications include:



* Changing the pipe configuration (such as a side pipe, stack, or short pipe on a pickup)

* Removing a catalytic converter and installing a converter replacement pipe



.

Hmm...



1) I guesss I better fix my exhaust... It does not even make it over the axle



2) Check this - MISSOURI TEST -- I think MO does a visual inspection... if all looks good, CYA!



Glad I live far,far away from maine!

 

[Reb.B]

Here's the deal on cats in the trucks. Dodge sells a part called a cat. test pipe. You have to give them your Vin. # and they will sell you this test pipe( straight pipe). Take it to a local exhaust place and show them your receipt and most will change it for for. I tell my customers to keep the receipt in the truck at all times.

 

[Bob4x4]

Dodge does not and never has sold a cat test pipe! :-{} They do have some trucks that were sold with out cats. Oo. 94 model year trucks built before Jan 1 94 are an example of this. The pipe made for this application will work where the cat lives in many other models. The 3rd gens are different in that the pipe diameter changed when they got the cat



Bob

 

[Matt400]

When I bough my truck 2003 CA SO I did allot of research on this issue. I was interested because my engine sticker had no data listed in the "Catalyst" field.

I thought it was odd that field was left blank and wondered what if anything should be in there.



Local muffler shops that wouldn't think of removing a cat on a gas vehicle due to state laws have no problem with doing it on a Diesel. I asked why and they said because the state (CA) is not doing any emission testing on diesels, in our area anyway.

Now I am thinking... ok maybe not yet but maybe soon. I called up a friend of mine who is a licensed smog station and he confirmed, no tests and no tests in the making.



I have the factory Ram Shop Manual so proceeded to study it in search of the cat and guess what. . no cat listed in the Manual. Now I am thinking hrmmm maybe they goofed and didn't print it so I dug into our shops aftermarket repair data and found the same info or lack of it because I just couldn't find a listing of it in there so contacted the company that provides our repair shop with aftermarket data that they update every quarter and get from DC. I had them fax me the Emission Control System & Devices Chart for DC.



Since this chart had not been added to their database yet they copied it direct from a DC publication and guess what. . the chart lists all the Catalyst vehicles and specifically shows the 2002-2004 Ram pick up with 5. 9 Turbo Diesel with no Cat.

This Chart is the same one smog techs use to determine what should be on the vehicle during a visual inspection.



Now its my understanding newer trucks are coming through with a number listed in the catalyst box on the engine sticker but for the ones that don't, does ANYONE have ANY data "in print" stating the truck has to have the cat? I have not been able to find any.



The closest I got was a part number listing at Dodge for one but nothing anywhere saying it belongs there.

I am thinking the ones with cats that didn't have any data in the Catalyst field on the engine sticker are ones that were shipped in anticipation of a ruling coming down the pipe it would be required.

 

[Tim]

if i had a newer truck with a cat what i would do is either get a high flow cat then u would be in compliance,.

False. Removing a functional cat is a crime regardless of what replaces it.

 

[LightmanE300]

False. Removing a functional cat is a crime regardless of what replaces it.

I believe that to be false. I think it's only illegal if you remove/alter the system in a way that would cause increased emissions. Why do you think companies would even make high flow cat's if they weren't legal? Do you think they are high performance hippies? :-laf

 

[Reb.B]

Bob 4x4, would you like to put your money were your mouth is? Dodge DOES sell a cat. test pipe, they come the correct length, even with the little tits on it to line it up, and it is a straight pipe. They sell them for trucks 94-98 that had 12v's. I can even get part numbers. I bought three of them last month and i just ordered two yesterday. Now I am sure of the older trucks, but not sure of the newer trucks. I will find out today.

 

[AMink]

So if I removed my cat to replace w/ a 4" Rips because my original exhaust was, oh, I don't know, damaged while wheeling, then put the cat back in, it would be OK? I had to cut the upstream side of the shell to accomodate the 4" (original was 3" to cat, 4" cat back). I DID NOT tamper with the guts; they're still in there. I had a shop tell me they would not put the old cat back on a new exhaust, but would gladly sell me a new cat to install . What's the difference between an old one that works and a new one? So I'm going to clamp it in and hope it passes. Hope it doesn't need to be welded in.

 

[RAndrae]

no one can read????

I guess no read my post or just simply ignored it. ALL of you are making a big a** deal out of nothing.

**Yes smog checks are coming for diesel trucks in california.

**Yes it is illegal to alter, tamper or remove ANY smog equipment on a vehicle, there is both Cal Vehicle code sections and federal sections stating this.

**Like I said there are MANY CA VC codes that I would bet every one of us have/ or are violating that would void warranties, get a citation, a trip to jail or have your vehicle impounded. I worked traffic for several years and could probably find a violation on a new vett.

**The MAN has other things to do than look to see if you cat is installed.



In my opinion CAts dont save anything there is pollution created to make em, they are considered haz mat when they are shot, they cause pollution when they affect a motors performance when they fail and they have started how many wild land fires????. . They should put little CATS on all the cigarettes in the world.

 

[Bob4x4]

Cat test pipes are illegal..... period. Yes dodge sells a pipe that fits. It is for the early 94 trucks that were not built with a cat . I didn't post to stir it up or offend but if you go in and ask for a test pipe you will get a blank stare... ..... unless they have been schooled on what works. RebB I hope you aren't installing cat test pipes and giving receipts that say that. The first time you get popped you won't be happy



Bob

 

[Tim]

Anyone manufacturing, selling or installation of any part or component that serves to bypass, defeat or render inoperative any emission control device or element of design is subject to a civil penalty of up $2,500.



NOW, on the other hand, if YOU are offering to represent a member here in court on the issue, share his jail time and fine if you lose, step right up and publicly vollunteer... :-laf

Read your own quote again. A civil penalty is just that--civil. That means $$$ only, not jail time.

 

[macdaddy]

You tell em Bob



Pat

 

[rrl989]

There are also Federal "Noise Emission" laws in effect preventing modification of the intake air boxes, my 98 had a sticker with the laws' specifics and I think its in the owners manual also.



Ron

 

[patcarman]

ok,let me give alittle insight here,it is illegal to remove emission equipment on a registered vehicle. now if you live in california then u better comply or atleast look like it,now u can all argue if u want but im a truck driver and iv been to about the water on both sides,my peterbilt has no resinater or mufflers that i took off,i only have to worry about the state that my truck is registered in,now i have got many tickets for my exhaust being to loud and lots of smoke,and i have gottin out of everyone,it will cost ya but,i just wanted to prove a point,just think about it if u live in a state that has a hard on for things like this then u better look good or comply as for indiana where i live they dont even know what exhaust is,and last i have a 2001 3500 that did not come with a cat and it has a emisions exempt sticker right on my viser,and boy is it ugly... ... ... but it does have a noise tolerance sticker...

 

[hasselbach]

**The MAN has other things to do than look to see if you cat is installed.

If you are referring to the duties of the CHP (California Highway Patrol), yes you are right, they have much more important, life threatening, socially responsible things to worry about. One of which is writing tickets for illegally tinted windows. :--)

 

[scootergmc]

Don't illegally tint your windows. The MAN can see that.

 

[hasselbach]

Don't illegally tint your windows. The MAN can see that.

Yeah, but what is amazing is:

1. Many states allow some sort of window tinting up to 35% tint rating.

2. My CHP buddy, and most of his friends all have there own cars tinted (and fairly dark too, like the limo tint-5% stuff), yet take joy in writing tickets themselves.

3. I have yet to have a sheriff or PD write me a ticket for windows (they usually have more important things to do anyway like fighting crime), yet the CHP here will hide on the freeways, and swoop down on you to get you for window tints. Seems like a waste of taxpayer money and resources.



Sorry to hijack the thread on CATS.

 

[AMink]

There are also Federal "Noise Emission" laws in effect preventing modification of the intake air boxes

I didn't modify the box, just took it out :-laf ! Does anyone have a list of what is considered "emission" related? Does it start at the intake and end at the exhaust tip? What about boxes, plates, springs, etc? Seriously wondering.