Cat Delete yay/nay?

[x3n0d3ath]

So back again, this time with another question. When I took my old 96 outback in they told my one of my cats is full o' holes. Now if I just go and delete that cat, I see some of you have, vs the quoted 500$ replacement job will it adversely affect my mpg or will the straight pipe not bug anything but emissions. mind you still one good cat is there. Would you personally recommend the delete or the replacement of the cat?

[GTDrifter]

If you're running one cat then make sure it doesn't throw a code. If it does than you could get an o2 sensor spacer off ebay to help that. If you go entirely catless than you will need the 02 sensor spacer but then run a chance your car won't pass inspection/emissions.

As for mpgs I want to say it'll lower it a little but I'm sure there's someone on here that will know for sure.

[Regardie]

Check under your hood to see if your car is California spec. The 2nd gen was a transition series with some components. The CA spec cars got the 105K timing belt while the US spec were still 60K. And more importantly, on the CA spec cars the second O2 bung moved to the end of the first cat, effectively ignoring any emissions effects of the 2nd cat. So if you are CA spec and your 2nd cat is shot, get rid of it, and you won't throw a code.

[Dead91silvia]

Unless it's a racecar, leave it with cats. no cats will also make your car louder and it will mess up smog testing.

If there is no code, leave it alone...

[d1giPhux]

Leave the cat..

[Huffer]

Ditch the 2nd cat if it's not involved with the sensors... but keep in mind most exhaust shops will NOT do this for you because it violates Federal EPA law. By law, any exhaust system repair MUST meet original factory standards.

[Sgt Craig]

Either cat is really simple to change and you could probally do it your self.If its the front cat only problem you may have is getting the 02 sensors out.May have to heat them to get them out or just get new ones.If its the rear its even easier to change.Just get new gaskets and spring bolts.

[r3v_v3ng3]

Replace the converter if you can. Have you ever smell a car with no converter? It stinks and its not good for your health. Even worse if you have friends/families that ride with you.