Stolen catalytic converter

[petersonj]

My son-in-law has a 2006 Ram 3500 Dually 5.9 Cummins with a manual six speed. The catalytic converter was stolen while the truck was parked for awhile. My question is: Will there be any adverse side effects if the catalytic converter is replaced with a straight pipe? Smog testing is no longer an issue with the truck.

From what I know, I don't think it would be an issue, but I would rather hear from others who might know differently.

Thank you,
- John

 

[Ozymandias]

Nope, straight pipe is fine, many of us drive them that way.
No side effects except more noise, the catalyst is quite a good muffler.

The fun ended in 2007.5 with the first sensors arrive at the exhaust of a diesel.

 

[petersonj]

Excellent! I will pass this information on. I wondered about additional noise. Do you think a resonator would help if it was installed instead of a straight pipe (assuming there is enough space)?

Appreciate your quick response,

- John

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Unless your son likes the extra noise and drone at highway speeds, I’d recommend some form of muffler over a straight pipe.

 

[SnoKing]

He is most likely going to have to find a small shop that will make a pipe. EPA is cracking down on delete pipes. Lots of shops now will not do it, as the do not want a visit from the Fed Suits.

 

[AH64ID]

On a 2006 it is probably worth his time to just replace the exhaust with a turbo back unit.

I like the Flo-Pro 4" part number 819NM, with a Donaldson M090544 muffler. I ran this on my 05 and dads 06. Great sound, no drone, and not too loud at all. It has all the parts needed for the missing converter.

Odd that someone would steal the cat of his truck, it's not worth much at all. I don't even think I got $40 out of mine when I recycled it.

 

[BigPapa]

We had them stolen off our two church vans and our bus several years ago. Of course, they sit most all week and they were parked at the very back of our parking lot. Easy pickings with a sawzall....

 

[AH64ID]

We had them stolen off our two church vans and our bus several years ago. Of course, they sit most all week and they were parked at the very back of our parking lot. Easy pickings with a sawzall....

Gas engine converters are worth some good money, but the diesel ones don't have nearly as much precious metal in them.

 

[petersonj]

Gas engine converters are worth some good money, but the diesel ones don't have nearly as much precious metal in them.

My son-in-law heard the same thing. I guess if the thieves had a few more working brain cells, they might know that, AND they might not even feel the need to steal at all.

@AH64ID, would it be practical to just insert a resonator where the CAT was to keep the exhaust quiet? The exhaust would flow through the new resonator and then through the stock muffler. I can't view the exhaust system personally because I am in a different part of the state. Assuming there is adequate space for a resonator, could this be a good idea?

- John

 

[AH64ID]

@AH64ID, would it be practical to just insert a resonator where the CAT was to keep the exhaust quiet? The exhaust would flow through the new resonator and then through the stock muffler. I can't view the exhaust system personally because I am in a different part of the state. Assuming there is adequate space for a resonator, could this be a good idea?

- John

He could just add a resonator, or even a piece of pipe. Unless he removed the muffler it won't be too loud with just the OEM muffler... it will sound like an 03/04.

So it's up to what he wants to spend, hear, and the condition of the OE exhaust.

 

[Ozymandias]

He could just add a resonator, or even a piece of pipe. Unless he removed the muffler it won't be too loud with just the OEM muffler... it will sound like an 03/04.

So it's up to what he wants to spend, hear, and the condition of the OE exhaust.

Jep, with the stock Muffler he should be fine. Just a little more Truck.

 

[Jim W]

Just a slight detour on this thread! I have my DPF locked up in my garage attic so, the DPF system can't be stolen on my truck! I did this about 11 years ago when the thieves were stealing the DPF's in the Chicagoland area. I was being pro-active since I did not want to have to purchase a new one in case it was stolen.

 

[petersonj]

Thank you for all the replies, especially @AH64ID and @Ozymandias. I will pass the information forward.

- John

 

[Crunch]

Just a slight detour on this thread! I have my DPF locked up in my garage attic so, the DPF system can't be stolen on my truck! I did this about 11 years ago when the thieves were stealing the DPF's in the Chicagoland area. I was being pro-active since I did not want to have to purchase a new one in case it was stolen.

Several years ago I was at a Dodge dealer in Pryor, Oklahoma buying the lamp board for the back of my truck. There was a guy in there raising bloody hell about how several DPF's had been stolen off his truck and how much he has had to spend for replacements. I never got to hear how it was resolved because the employee at the dealership wisely took the guy in the back to discuss it. So as a quick tally, we have catalytic converters, DPF's and tailgates that are hot items to be stolen off trucks. But at least the tailgate thefts can be thwarted by a $1 band clamp. A couple of years ago I also witnessed an accident in which a BMW was knocked up on the driver's side. The entire underside of the car except the exhaust system was covered by metal plates that were bolted on. Maybe something like that, including covering the exhaust might do a lot to thwart thieves. On the other hand, it sure would make it tough when you need/want to work on your vehicle.