Taking the catalytic converter out of my 2001 chevy malibu

Question

everyone has mixed feelings about doing this and i am unsure. when i stopped at auto zone even he said that i should take out the catalytic converter so the car would get 20 horse power and have a nice sound that tuner cars make and that he knows this one car shop thats local that will do it for me if i just bring in a dummy #2 o2 sensor but on the flip side my friend is telling me that if u get caught without it its a huge ticket to be driving without it and that the cops would know because of the loud sound and that the emission test will be coming to michigan . what do u think u may know stuff i dont...please help

Answer 1

well, you know you have to deal with the O2 sensor problem. You need to check to see if your vehicle needs to pass emisions inspection, if you live in area or state that requires it... it will NOT pass without one. Another way to go is to buy a performance exhaust... with a higher flow convertor. there are far better ways to pick up and extra 20 hp than the way you are going. Look into a performace chip for the ECU,check out a website on it. I am sure you can find the info you need on that.

Answer 2

There really isn't an upside to the scenario you propose. Taking out the catalytic converter will add to environmental problems and make your car illegal. Why do this when an aftermarket, low-restriction exhaust will increase power legally.

If automotive air testing comes to your area, wouldn't you feel better not having to worry all the time.

Answer 3

ehhh dont do it. youll set a check engine light, it will sound bad, you wont get any noticable power.  

Answer 4

If you have mandatory emissions testing where you live, what you’re proposing is illegal. I wouldn’t trust the moron at AutoZone that suggested this or the shady shop that he recommended. Why would you trust a shop that would knowingly illegally modify your car? Doesn’t that make you question the quality of their work just a little?

If you want more sound, put a glasspack exhaust on it. I find them irritating, but if noise is your goal, that will accomplish it.  

Answer 5

If all you are looking for is sound, just go back to Auto Zone and tell them you want one of those coffee can mufflers. You know, the ones that all the so called "tuners" put on there cars and make them sound like c**p. I'm sure they'll be glad to take your money for one of them.

As far as taking off your cat-state law has nothing to do with it really. FEDRAL law states that any vehicle made since 1974 HAS to have them, The exception being certain trucks that are rated over certain GVWR'S. For example-my'78 GMC dually is rated at 10,000 lbs. It is not required to have cats. My brother-in-laws '78 Chevy 1/2 ton is only rated at 6,200 lbs. It is required to have one. Your friend is right, getting caught without a catalytic converter on your car is a big fine,but, it can also be a big repair bill to put a new one back on so you can drive it legally again. The part about 20 horsepower is just stupid. They didn't even take away that much back in the '70's. Well, maybe they did, but, that's beside the point. With all the technological advancements over the years, you probably wouldn't gain more than 2-3 horsepower.

    

Answer 6

1. ur driving a malibu that should not be moded for performance.....dont do this please

2. taking ur cat off will not get anywhere near 20hp on a malibu, maybe 5 and a nasty sounding exhaust (very very raspy)

3. say hello to more attention from cops

4. good luck passing a smog check

......keep ur car the way it is!