The Ultimate Guide: Pros and Cons of Removing Your Catalytic Converter

Are you looking for a guide to removing or getting your catalytic converter? Today we’re going to  walk you through on how to remove your catalytic converter and discuss the pros and cons of doing so.

The Role of Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are present in cars to reduce harmful and environmentally damaging emissions from the car's exhaust system. Carbon monoxide is the primary pollutant, and the catalytic converter reduces it to a minimum level, having little or no effect on the environment. Many states in the U.S. conduct yearly emissions inspections on vehicles to ensure that the catalytic converter is working properly. I will link my guide on various ways of fixing a catalytic converter in the description box. With those in mind, let's get started by looking at the pros and cons of removing a catalytic converter.

Before we dive into it, check Dynovox’s catalytic converter for the latest models and expert advice. Dynovox’s catalytic converters are engineered for superior performance, ensuring your vehicle runs efficiently while keeping emissions low.

Easy Steps on Removing Your Catalytic Converter

It is easiest and most cost-effective to remove the catalyst by lifting the car or placing it on stands to reach underneath the converter. You should remove your catalytic converter after it has cooled down for several hours. Exhaust piping can be very hot, so make sure to wait until it cools. The inside of the converter will look like honeycombs once removed. Although it is hard to remove, you can use a crowbar and tools like a chisel or hammer to break it apart. It might take a while to get rid of all the honeycomb. You can use a drill with an extended bit to begin weakening the structure. After removing all the catalyst, you can replace the converter shell.

However, this is not the best way to go. The catalyst can be removed from your car, making it illegal to drive on the streets. Additionally, the converter's empty shell is much wider than the rest. This can cause velocity problems and inconsistency as well as pressure changes, which can negatively impact your car's performance rather than improve it.

The Pros of Removing a Catalytic Converter

1. Increased Horsepower
   People choose to remove a catalytic converter for added horsepower. Catalytic converters create back pressure to process all the ignition residuals and ensure no harmful pollutants are released into the environment, reducing engine power. By removing it, the engine can burn hydrocarbons to increase its power output significantly, as it is less dependent on oxygen. This is especially true for older vehicles where the catalytic converters were not designed with various performance measurements in mind.
2. Reduced Engine Heat
   The engine will also generate less heat due to the removal of the catalytic converter. This results in lower operating temperatures, reducing the engine's workload and heat. The engine becomes more efficient and lighter when it's hot.

Disadvantages of Removing a Catalytic Converter

1. Frequent Stalling and Braking of the Car
   You will notice various cues indicating a damaged or missing catalytic converter. Without a converter, the vehicle's fuel economy will drop quicker, and you will experience a decrease in power. If the converter is plugged, it can cause excessive pressure and core stalling.
2. Not Environmentally Friendly
   It is our moral responsibility as humans to protect and care for the environment. The environment is not worth a little boost or even a small amount of extra gas mileage. It is now considered unethical to remove the catalytic converter from a car, especially in these times of environmental concern. Uncontrolled pollution by an engine is the greatest drawback when removing a catalytic converter.
3. Potential Damage to Other Parts
   Removing the converter can also cause damage to other parts of your car, like the oxygen sensor, which works alongside the catalytic converter. The check engine light may turn on, which could cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test.
4. Increased Exhaust Noise
   A loud engine is a must-have for some, but it might not be the most pleasant for everyone. This sound is loved by both casual drivers and serious motorheads alike. Some even love to modify the exhaust to make it heavier and more powerful. However, the muffled mumble might be a bit annoying for others.
5. Failure to Pass Emissions Tests
   To renew the PUC certificate in most countries like the U.S., you must pass an emissions test once every six months to one year. The catalytic converter is a main emission control device in your car that helps keep emissions under control. You will likely get higher than usual results if you remove the catalytic converter during your next emissions test. Failing the test could also mean that you drive without a PUC certificate, which can be illegal in certain states.
6. Noise Pollution
   As already mentioned, exhaust noises can sometimes be too significant for some people. In these cases, gutting or removing a catalytic converter can prove to be a nuisance.

Will Removing a Catalytic Converter Harm the Engine?

Is it possible to harm the engine by removing the catalytic converter? My answer to this question is no. The removal of your car's catalytic converter will not cause damage to your vehicle's engine. In fact, it will increase your car's performance by reducing its workload. However, if your state requires them, removing the catalytic converter will make your car non-compliant with emissions tests. Only high-mileage cars may benefit from having their converters removed.