Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What's the problems with removing Catalytic Contverter

[Jack fr MO]

I know that shops cannot remove any of the emmission control equipment, without being subject to huge fines. But what about an individual removing them themselves? Has anyone been subject (or know of anyone) that has been fined for removing their converter?



Those who have hollowed or gutted their converter how did you do it? I would like to remove as much back pressure as possible, but being of the older generation the sound of straight pipes is great, but for myself it's too much. So looking to reduce back pressure but adding a muffler to achieve a level of sound that we can tolerate.

 

[twopipes]

Jack

I am not sure of 1st gens, but 2nd gens don't have a converter - it's a resonator. You might want to check your manual.

Since my state doesn't have an emissions inspection, I believe I can remove anything I want and not worry.

Joe

 

[Forrest]

You're right Jack, it's illegal ... how you gonna get caught?



There is a safe way. Saw it off yourself, 3 or 4" up the pipe in either direction. Get a long bar & bfh ... beat the guts out. Beat it from the 3" end. Take it to a shop, have cash. :-laf



I found 2 shops ... cash only, no receipt. I had to put mine back on, due to new emissions testing. :-{} Being I've got 4" front to tail, the CAT wouldn't fit. I had the CAT cut on the taper @ about the 4" point. The shop used the pipe spreader to make it fit just right. Slid right over the 4" pipe & welded it in place.



Once you've "modified" it, throw it in the back of the truck, drive up, ask the guy to come outside & see what you've got planned. Show him the "performance" muffler you've got in the back of the truck & that you'd like it put on, cash only, no receipt. :-laf

 

[dodge cummins]

genos garage has replacement pipe for the muffler and you can get 4 inch pipe at your local truck center or a place that sells parts for tractor trailers.

 

[Glen Pratt]

12 valves have catalytic converters. When I did my 4" exhaust the cat went bye-bye. I still have it in case I ever need it. In New York as long as you have passenger plates on your truck there is no emissions testing as part of your state inspection. You just need a safety inspection $10. 00. The only bargain left when it comes to dealing with the New York State DMV.

 

[rsaderlund]

My 98 had one. . sitting in the shed till Ca goes to mandatory testing up here. I am sure I will be able to modify it before I put it back on if I have to.

 

[Dave M]

My 97 that I bought used on Ebay from Texas had a cat because I seen the original sticker in the glove box that listed it. Someting happened to the cat... . ahem... when I put my 4 inch exhaust on :-laf . It is resting peacfully under my workbench now though :-laf.



Made a big improvement in the performance and sound of my truck... I figure it was plugged (146 K miles on it) and size does matter ... my 4 inch flows better than your 3 inch .

 

[Dr.Bob]

I took mine off and drilled it from both ends, beat what was left with a 2x2 and put it back on. looks like it was never touched.

 

[jtwcummins]

Used a 2" speed bit and an extension to drill it out. Wear a dust mask since that stuff isn't good for you (or the truck). Someone stole the EGR, but since the Banks Power Pack has stickers with CARB approved numbers won't be an issue.

 

[EBansberg]

I see that someone stole your egr system and was wondering how you keep your Check Engine light from coming on. I think somebody has been eyeing mine too.

 

[AMink]

I had to put mine back on, due to new emissions testing.

Forrest- have you had to get smogged since the, um, upgrade? I have to get mine back on before April so I can get smogged. I've noticed without it, it really smells different. Kind of like a diesel! Wondering if the shop guys would question that. Who do you use in Reno? Last time I went to Sierra Diesel Injection on Mill. Seemed nice. Could you PM me info re: who did your weldup? I understand if you don't. This whole smog thing is crap! I think they just stomp on it and if it pukes too much black, you fail. It's my understanding that they don't test for NOx etc. like they do in gassers.

 

[Forrest]

Yep ... smogged @ Sierra Diesel Injection. Quick & easy.



The test is 2 parts, visual & opacity. They don't do a snap idle test. They just run it up to 15hp or so on the dyny & ck for smoke, that's it.



PM'ing you the muffler shop.

 

[AMink]

Forrest, can't seem to get my PM message to stick. Had this problem yesterday, too. Anyway, thanks for the info, and have a great gloomy, gray, Reno day!

 

[rsaderlund]

check engine light

EBansberg, just take the dash off and remove the light bulb. Its that easy. . also a good time to clean the dust and bugs out.

 

[jtwcummins]

The check engine lite is from a low EGR flow code, shows as 32 doing the count the flashes. PCM expects IAT to rise at least 10*. I put a radio shack relay in place of the EGR solenoid. When the solenoid is turned on the relay picks up and changes the circuit resistance and fools the PCM. Had to experiment w/pot and play with resistance to keep lite off. The EGR solenoid is now on a switch and is used to disable the front axle in 4 wheel low to make trailer backing easier. Works well since it is designed to be on most of the time engine is running.



Manual talks about an EGR module, I don't know where it is and dealer techs don't know either. Will probably open a wire loom and trace it. All indications are it is external to the PCM. The 49 state and calif egr PCMs are the same so just swapping doesn't work.

 

[vssman]

1) 12V 2nd gens have cats, 24V do not - resonators instead.



2)In CT we have emissions tests on diesels with a GVW less than 10k lbs. Mine flew through. They put it on rollers and run at 30mph while measuring opacity. I think it was something like 0. 5ppm out of 20ppm.



If you need it there for a visual, take it off and punch/drill out the center and slide a pipe through it and weld it back up.

 

[Extreme1]

Pre-'94 12 valve second gens don't have cats! Mine was born in December of '93. Oo.

 

[ndurbin]

I'm with Extreme1, early 94 (Sept. 93) w/ no kitty cat.



Nathan

 

[EBansberg]

I just put a 4" on and what a difference. the Kitty "fell out of the truck" and my egt's dropped a ton and gained 5 lbs of max boost. I LOVE IT.

 

[Bart]

The '94 is the only year that didn't have a cap stuck in the exhaust. You can order from Dodge a "test pipe" from Dodge for the '94 and it fitts right in place of the cat. I put mine in the garage for future use.