I would like to take the cat off of my 1997 12v. But I want to make sure I m not going to mess anything up. A friend said as long as there is some back pressure youll be ok, and as long as you have the hump over the axle. please help

ralph

 

I do not think that is a cat on your truck, more likely a resonator. Yes you can take it off. Turbo diesels do not need to have "back pressure". You can run these motors without an exhaust and you won't hurt them at all (though it would be VERY loud, but VERY cool...).

 

Yes, it is a cat. There are no performance issues in removal but it is against federal law to tamper with smog equipment.

 

It is a Cat, and it is illegal to remove.......many kitties have fallen off on their own and never ever missed.

 

be carefull, Ed Baugely Jr. might climb out of the sewer and tell you that your hurting baby seal ears.
you dont need it, and youll like it better without it.

 

Well thanks for the info. Maybe one day it will just fall off and magically weld a new pipe in between and I didn't know about it. Thats my story and I m sticking to it. thanks again.

 

Mine had an accident way back.. The muffler/Cat outlet is 4" so you will need a 3" to 4" adapter to put a pipe in its place. I gained 2 psi boost and dropped my EGT's by 100°F without it. For the price of full exhaust systems now, you might be better ahead to replace the entire thing.

That back pressure comment is not valid for our Turbo Diesels, total bunk!

 

Dealer may still sell a test pipe for checking if your truck runs better without a cat.
I tested mine about ten years ago and forgot to take them off.
They were about $30 and if the current clamps are reusable are all you need.
Part number 52019170AB

on edit: my OEM parts source> http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...cfm?siteid=835
shows the test pipe still available except it's $58 now.