2004.5 - Federal emission truck, 110K, w/auto. Considering removing the cat convertor. I live in california, so i have to pass emissions test every couple years. Main reason for removal would be for longevity of the cat. I don't mind putting it back in every two year for smog testing.

I just don't want to have to pay to replace it if it ever fails. Figure by not running it, it should last me a lifetime.

Thoughts on this ? and are there any other benefits to removing it ?

 

You might pick up a little hp and .5 mpg, but nothing serious.

Not ever needing it, I am not knowledgeable on the subject... look in your warranty book and see what the warranty on emissions equipment is, for some reason or another I thought it was lifetime.

 

Definitely NOT lifetime. I work for a repair shop, and we do smog tests. Emission equipment does have a longer warranty period, especially here in CA. Usually it's all over by 100K.

I'd buy a spare cat if i could find one reasonable.
Thanks for the input though. I'll be happy if there aren't cons to the idea. Which i know there aren't, but a few pro's are never bad either.

 

I live in Texas and no emission testing thank god. I removed mine cause it split wide open and can't afford a new one as they cost well over $600 alone. Not including labor. I tried looking for one (like from here and other places like here) and I could get one but then nobody would even touch my truck unless I bought it from them personally at their shop. Only place I could get one was the dealership cause nobody worked with my standard 4" pipe. Good luck.

 

Once you remove said cats they won't be crawling all over your hood & leaving scratch marks on your beloved ride.

 

The cat is there for a reason, just leave it....

 

What's the reason ? Unless you live in California .

 

You can't be serious...
The reason it's there - for all 50 states - is to reduce emissions.

 

I will be putting mine up for sale this weekend after I install my 5" exhaust.

 

I've got mine laying in the shop now... Put on a 5" Magnaflow.

If anybody has one they want to get rid of let me know.... I'd like to start collecting them....

 

You won't gain anything except maybe a little less time to cooldown at idle. The cat is a very high flow unit, and is only robbing 2-4 rwhp at most.

They are a PITA to remove, so it's not worth it for what you are talking about.

 

Agreed
If it is not causing any issues just leave it. You will not notice any change.

 

I know If I had to have one for emissions tests, I sure would want mine to last as long as possable,,maybe run with the replacement pipe and have a muffler shop modify the cat for easy change out,,sounds like a good Idea to me.

 

I can't recall reading about any cat failures, I think they are good units.

 

If I want a different sound, should I drop the muffler and keep the cat? Or drop both and put a Donaldson muffler in with cat delete?