Ok to remove catalytic Convertor

[TRtom]

I have an 82 280ZX, that I am putting a Monza exhaust system on. The system comes with an extra pipe to install if you want to remove the convertor. My question is, what will that affect in my car, will I need to do anything else, such as adjust timing, idle, etc?? This is and will remain a stock car besides this pipes (unlike my 240). The state I live in has no emission test so that is not an issue.

Should I remove or just keep it on???????????

Thanks for any input.

Tom

[Arne]

Performance increase (if any) from not having the converter will be small. So unless the converter is bad in someway, I'd keep it on the car. Better for all of our air, too.

[TRtom]

The convertor works, but is not in the best of condition and may need to be replaced in the future. Since I have the whole thing torn apart, this would be the time to put in the extra pipe. Obviously the company that makes Monza exhaust expect people to remove the convertor since they send the spare pipe with every unit, I didn't order it special.

I just want to know if it will affect the performance of my car where I have to adjust anything, or if he will set off my check engine light, etc. I don't really care if it gives me more power, I just don't want it to drive the fuel injection or idiot lights crazy. I am sure someone else in this forum has removed the convertor??

For the little I drive this thing, the few thousand miles I drive each year, probably won't save the planet if I remove it.

[TRtom]

I left the convertor on because even though Virginia does not have an emission test, my buddy who runs a garage said they are required to at least look to see if the convertor is installed on all cars after 1975.

I do know it was a pain to replace the tailpipe, unless there is a secret, I had to remove the left half shaft. It is finished and sounds OK, not very loud though.

[vsburch]

Interestingly enough I live in VA also and just replaced my exhaust system and had the catalytic converter removed. I didn't realize that they are suppose to check for it even though it doesn't have any emmissions standards so I may have to have a new one put on. I recently failed my safety inspection because of that so I guess I have to give in.

Scott

[TomoHawk]

You need to look into your 's laws on the emisions converter. Where I live, if the car came with one, you can't take it off, unless to replace it, and a muffler shop absolutely won't take off a good one. In fact, muffler shops local to me won't even work on the exhaust system if the car is missing the converter.